We had my hubby's parents, aunt, uncle and cousin over for dinner tonight.  I wanted to start the meal off with a salad. It had to be a show-stopper though. The first thing everyone would eat that would leave them wanting more. The Barefoot Contessa made the yummiest looking shrimp salad once that I have always wanted to try. 

Well tonight was the night.

I did my usual tweaking and it turned out fantastic. I served it over some whole butter lettuce leaves on individual plates. The next time I make this (there will definitely be a next time!) I am going to put it between some good bread like a chicken salad. Or into a roll like a lobster roll. Truly delicious if you like this type of creamy salad.

Roasted Shrimp Salad

Revised by Foodism Mom from the Barefoot Contessa recipe

nocoupons

• 2 lbs (20-25 count) shrimp; peeled, deveined, rinsed in cold water and dried very well with paper towels
• 1 tablespoon good olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup good mayonnaise
• zest of 1 orange
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2/3 tablespoon good white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup minced fresh dill (feathery leaves only)
• 2 tablespoons small-diced red onion
• 1 cup celery, small-diced (about 2 stalks)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place shrimp on a sheet pan with the olive oil and a good sprinkling of salt and pepper. Toss together until evenly coated. Spread the shrimp out in an even layer and roast for about 8 minutes, just until pink, firm and cooked through. Allow to cool.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, orange zest, orange juice, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, thin with a little more orange juice.

When the shrimp have cooled down but are still warm, add them to the sauce and toss. Add the dill, celery and red onion and toss well. The flavors will improve if you allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Otherwise, chill and serve at room temperature.

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