After making my Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Salad with Sweet Jerk Lemon Vinaigrette, I couldn’t stop thinking about that dressing. The flavors were so bright, sweet, and just a little spicy that I knew it would be perfect on a fresh salad. I turned it into this Jerk Shrimp Salad with sweet plantains, mango, avocado, and crisp vegetables, and my husband and I loved it so much. It’s one of those salads that feels hearty enough to be a full meal.

Ingredients:

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Jerk Shrimp

•   1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled, and deveined)
•   1 tbsp Jerk Seasoning
•   1 tbsp Avocado Oil
•   1/2 Lime (juiced)
•   1 tsp Honey
•   1 tsp Garlic Powder
•   1 tsp Ginger

Air Fryer Plantains

•   2 Plantains (very ripe ( yellow with black spots))
•   1 tbsp Avocado Oil
•   1 tsp Honey
•   Pinch of salt

For the Salad

•   Baby Spring Mix
•   Romaine (chopped)
•   1 Mango (ripe, diced)
•   1 Cucumber  (thinly sliced)
•   1 Red Bell Pepper (thinly sliced)
•   1/4 Red Onion (thinly sliced)
•   1 Avocado (sliced)

Jerk Vinaigrette

•   3 tbsp Olive Oil
•   2 tbsp Lemon Juice
•   1-2 tbsp Honey
•   1 tsp Jerk Seasoning
•   1 Garlic (Clove, minced)
•   Salt and Pepper

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Instructions

Make the Sweet Jerk Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, jerk seasoning, minced ginger, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the honey depending on how sweet you like your dressing.

Prepare the Plantains

Peel the ripe plantains and slice them on a diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with olive oil, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt. Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelized.

Cook the Jerk Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and toss with jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.

Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the baby spring mix and chopped romaine. Top with the mango, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Add the warm jerk shrimp and sweet plantains. Drizzle generously with the Sweet Jerk Lemon Vinaigrette and serve immediately.

Notes

• Very ripe plantains (yellow with black spots) will give you the sweetest flavor.
• Start with 1 tablespoon of honey in the vinaigrette and add more if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
• This salad is best served fresh while the shrimp and plantains are still warm.