Shrimp Goat Cheese Watermelon Salad Stack Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• teaspoon salt
• teaspoon smoked paprika
• teaspoon chipotle pepper powder (optional)
• 1 seedless watermelon, cut crosswise into 2-inch thick slices
• 1 (8 ounce) goat cheese log, cut into 8 slices
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 sprigs fresh basil

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 430F (220C).

Step 2: Season the shrimp generously with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and chipotle pepper powder (if using). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.

Step 3: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until the shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque.

Step 4: While the shrimp are baking, take a ring mold (just slightly larger than the diameter of the goat cheese slices) and use it to cut the watermelon into circular shapes. Slice the watermelon lengthwise to create twelve -inch-thick slices. Set aside any leftover watermelon for later use.

Step 5: To assemble, place one slice of watermelon on a plate. Then top it with a slice of goat cheese, followed by another slice of watermelon, another slice of goat cheese, and two shrimp. This forms your salad stack.

Step 6: Repeat the stacking process with the remaining slices of watermelon, cheese, and shrimp.

Step 7: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over each stack and garnish with fresh basil sprigs.

Cook's Notes

If you dont have smoked paprika, feel free to use regular paprika instead. Also, the nutrition facts are calculated based on the full amount of watermelon, though the actual amount consumed will vary depending on how much is used for stacking.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (4 servings total):

• Calories: 584
• Total Fat: 19g (24% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (60% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 109mg (36% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 669mg (29% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 88g (32% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (17% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 72g
• Protein: 26g (53% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 93mg (104% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 274mg (21% Daily Value)
• Iron: 5mg (27% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1445mg (31% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History:

The combination of shrimp, watermelon, and goat cheese in a salad is a modern fusion that showcases the influence of global cuisine. While watermelon is often used in Mediterranean dishes, the concept of stacking ingredients for visual appeal is a relatively new approach, popularized in the early 21st century with the rise of food plating aesthetics. Goat cheese, a key ingredient, has ancient roots dating back to the Greeks and Romans, where it was used in both savory and sweet dishes. This salad stack is a playful take on the traditional Caprese salad, incorporating tropical and tangy flavors with the creamy richness of goat cheese.

Regional Variations:

Though the Shrimp Goat Cheese Watermelon Salad Stack is an American-inspired dish, the ingredients used are universally loved across many culinary traditions. In Mediterranean regions, a similar salad might feature figs or olives in place of watermelon, pairing the sweetness of fruit with briny cheese and seafood. In Southeast Asia, shrimp salads with tropical fruits like papaya or mango are common, highlighting the interplay between sweet, sour, and savory elements. The use of goat cheese, while more typical of European cuisine, blends well with these global ingredients, making the dish adaptable to various palates.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes:

While many shrimp salads feature greens or citrus, the Shrimp Goat Cheese Watermelon Salad Stack stands out due to the unique stacking presentation and the use of watermelon. The freshness and juiciness of the watermelon offer a surprising contrast to the warm, smoky shrimp, and the tangy goat cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy layer to the dish. This combination of textures and flavors sets it apart from other seafood salads, which typically rely on more standard ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado. The addition of balsamic vinegar also enhances the salads depth, providing a sweet yet acidic note that complements the dishs overall freshness.

Where It Is Typically Served:

This vibrant salad is often served as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, especially during the warmer months when watermelon is in season. It can be a striking addition to summer barbecues, outdoor picnics, or holiday gatherings like the Fourth of July, where it can make an eye-catching and flavorful centerpiece. The dish is commonly enjoyed in casual settings but can also be elevated as part of a more formal dinner menu, especially in fine dining restaurants that specialize in creative, visually appealing presentations.

Fun Facts:

Did you know that watermelon is 92% water, making it a perfect hydrating fruit for hot days? Its also rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, contributing to the salads nutritional value. Shrimp, a key protein in the dish, is known for being low in fat and high in essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and iodine. Goat cheese, often considered a delicacy, has been made for thousands of years and is valued for its rich, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet fruits like watermelon. The combination of these ingredients not only creates a delicious salad but also provides a variety of health benefits!

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