Lunch at La Madeleine
This Shrimp Caesar Salad mirrors La Madeleine's French cafe version with succulent shrimp, crisp romaine, and house-made Caesar dressing that outperforms bottled versions.
Recommended
la Madeleine
What the creator ordered
- Shrimp Caesar Salad
- Toasted Caprese Sandwich
- Pasta Salad
- Potato Soup
Standout moments
- +Creator enjoyed the pasta salad and Toasted Caprese sandwich.
- +Mother found the potato soup to be very good.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a light sear and prevent them from steaming in their own moisture.
- Make croutons fresh the day-of or store in an airtight container; they soften quickly and are key to texture contrast.
- Whisk Caesar dressing 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld; taste and adjust lemon juice and salt to preference.
Substitutions
- Romaine → Butter lettuce or mixed greens (milder flavor, wilts faster so dress right before serving)
- Anchovies → Fish sauce (1 teaspoon) or miso paste (1 tablespoon) for umami without anchovy taste
- Shrimp → Grilled chicken breast or white fish (maintains protein and restaurant-salad feel)
Storage & make-ahead
Store dressed salad components separately; keep shrimp refrigerated up to 2 days, dressing up to 3 days, croutons in airtight container up to 2 days.
Common Questions
How do you keep shrimp tender when cooking for salad?
Cook shrimp just until they turn opaque (2-3 minutes per side), then ice bath immediately to stop carryover cooking and maintain tender texture.
Can you make this salad ahead for meal prep?
Cook and chill shrimp up to 2 days ahead; keep dressing separate and dress just before serving to prevent wilting.
What makes a restaurant Caesar dressing different?
Anchovies, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and quality Parmigiano-Reggiano create depth that bottled versions lack.
How do you make croutons crispy?
Toss bread cubes in olive oil and garlic, toast at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crunchy throughout.
