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Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps are my go—to answer for a fresh but satisfying summer meal They are full of bold flavor from smoky grilled shrimp creamy homemade Caesar dressing crunchy lettuce and your favorite extras all wrapped together in a soft tortilla It is the kind of dinner that feels restaurant special but is so simple to whip up at home
Last summer I found myself making these wraps on repeat for my family The kids would help pile on the shrimp and drizzle on extra dressing and not a single bite was left on their plates
Ingredients
- Shrimp: peeled and deveined The star here Go for the largest freshest shrimp you can find Look for shrimp that smells clean and has a translucent appearance
- Olive oil: High quality oil gives great grilling flavor and keeps the shrimp juicy
- Garlic powder: Adds warmth without harsh raw garlic bite
- Paprika: Rounds out the flavor Picking a smoky or sweet paprika lets you tailor the profile
- Black pepper and salt: Simple seasonings but crucial for shrimp with zip
- Lemon juice: Fresh juice adds brightness and keeps the flavors lively
- Mayonnaise: Base for a creamy thick Caesar dressing quality mayo makes a difference
- Parmesan cheese (grated and shaved): Go for Parmigiano Reggiano to get true nutty tang It flavors both the dressing and the wrap
- Worcestershire sauce: The unmistakable umami backbone of classic Caesar dressing
- Dijon mustard: A little sharpness and subtle heat in your dressing
- Garlic clove (minced): No Caesar is right without real garlic
- Salt and pepper: Tasting and balancing the dressing here matters a lot
- Flour tortillas: Large fresh tortillas that are soft and flexible
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp sweet and classic for Caesar Get the hearts for crunch and freshness
- Croutons (optional): For crunch use sturdy homemade or bakery croutons if available
- Bacon (optional): Cooked and crumbled The salty savory addition that takes this wrap over the top
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp:
- Mix shrimp with olive oil garlic powder paprika salt pepper and lemon juice Let this mixture sit for at least ten minutes so the seasoning soaks in
- Grill the Shrimp:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high Place shrimp on the grill and cook for two to three minutes per side until pink curled and slightly charred Remove to a plate
- Prepare the Caesar Dressing:
- Whisk mayonnaise grated Parmesan lemon juice Worcestershire Dijon mustard and minced garlic together until smooth Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed Let the dressing chill for ten minutes so the flavors meld
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat each large tortilla in a dry skillet for about thirty seconds per side until pliable and lightly golden This makes them easier to roll without tearing
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Spread a generous line of dressing along the middle of each tortilla Top with grilled shrimp chopped romaine lettuce plenty of shaved Parmesan and if you like add croutons and crumbled bacon
- Wrap It Up:
- Fold the sides in over the filling and tightly roll from the bottom so nothing falls out Slice each wrap in half to show off all the layers
- Serve and Savor:
- Arrange wraps seam side down and serve right away with extra dressing for dunking
Shrimp always feel a little celebratory to me and grilling brings out the very best flavor My family loves adding just a few crunchy croutons for texture We once had a poolside picnic with these wraps and every single person asked for the recipe
Storage Tips
Store leftover wraps tightly wrapped in foil or plastic Wraps will keep in the fridge for up to one day but are best eaten fresh because the lettuce can wilt For make ahead lunches store each wrap unassembled and build right before eating Keep Caesar dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to one week
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of shrimp try sliced grilled chicken or even grilled tofu Romaine is classic but you can swap in mixed greens Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier lighter dressing If Parmigiano Reggiano is not in your budget a good quality domestic Parmesan works well
Serving Suggestions
These wraps are a meal on their own Add a side of roasted sweet potato wedges or a bowl of tomato soup for a hearty dinner For a party slice each wrap into mini pieces and serve with toothpicks and a side of extra Caesar dipping sauce
Cultural and Historical Context
Caesar salad was originally created in Tijuana Mexico in the nineteen twenties and was meant to be eaten as finger food These wraps keep the spirit alive by making Caesar salad portable and grill friendly Shrimp is a popular choice along many Mediterranean coasts and brings a coastal vacation vibe into your kitchen
Seasonal Adaptations
In peak summer swap in grilled corn or tomatoes for a fresh twist Add sliced avocado for spring and early fall richness Use arugula instead of romaine for a peppery winter take
These wraps make the ultimate summer lunch or dinner fast easy and full of flavor Serve with extra Caesar dressing for dipping and enjoy every bite
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep shrimp juicy when grilling?
Marinate the shrimp briefly and grill them just until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side, to prevent overcooking.
- → Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to two days ahead and store it chilled for convenience and deeper flavor.
- → What other add-ins work well in these wraps?
Try adding sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or substituting the bacon and croutons for your favorites.
- → Which tortillas are best for these wraps?
Large flour tortillas work best; warming them before assembling prevents cracking as you roll.
- → Is there a way to make this lighter?
Use light mayonnaise in the dressing, skip the bacon, or serve as a lettuce wrap for a lighter option.