Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps are a fresh and tasty twist on the classic Caesar salad. They combine juicy, smoky grilled shrimp with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The mix of textures and flavors makes every bite a little bite of happiness.
I love making these wraps when I want something light but satisfying at the same time. The grilled shrimp adds a nice char and flavor that takes it beyond your usual salad, and wrapping it all up makes it perfect for lunch on the go or a quick dinner. I usually add a handful of crunchy croutons inside for an extra fun crunch.
These wraps are great for warmer days when you want something cool and fresh but not messy. They’re easy to eat outside on the patio or to pack for a picnic. I also find that serving them with a side of fresh fruit or a simple soup rounds out the meal perfectly. It’s a little bit of restaurant-quality right at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large raw shrimp are best for grilling. They cook quickly and get a nice char. If shrimp isn’t available, you can use cooked chicken or firm tofu for a different twist.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine keeps the wrap crunchy. Romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce can work, but avoid softer greens like spinach—they won’t hold up well.
Caesar Dressing: A creamy Caesar dressing gives this wrap its signature flavor. You can swap it for ranch or a lemon-garlic yogurt sauce for a lighter option.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, perfect for wraps. If you want a gluten-free or low-carb alternative, try corn tortillas or large lettuce leaves for a fresh feel.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, cheesy note. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute if you want a tangier flavor.
How Can You Grill Shrimp Perfectly for This Wrap?
Grilling shrimp quickly is key to keeping them juicy and flavorful. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan well to medium-high heat for good searing.
- Toss shrimp in oil and spices to add flavor and prevent sticking.
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink with light char marks.
- Avoid overcooking—it makes shrimp rubbery. Once pink and firm, remove immediately.
Letting shrimp rest briefly before assembling the wrap helps juices redistribute, making them more tender. If you don’t have a grill, a hot skillet or broiler works just as well!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I recommend this because it gives the shrimp a great smoky flavor and char.
- Vegetable peeler or knife – to devein the shrimp easily.
- Medium mixing bowl – for tossing the shrimp with oil and spices.
- Large skillet or microwave for warming tortillas – keeps them soft and pliable.
- Serving platter or cutting board – for assembling and slicing everything neatly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein that’s great for variety and dietary needs.
- Add sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce to customize the Wrap for extra richness or spice.
- Use Caesar dressing with a hint of lemon or garlic to boost flavor, or switch to a different creamy dressing like ranch.
- Sprinkle with extra herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh, herbal twist.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas or wraps
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Optional: croutons for extra crunch
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 6-8 minutes to cook the shrimp. Overall, you can have these delicious wraps ready in around 20 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Grill the Shrimp:
First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and get a light char. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
2. Make the Caesar Salad Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together so the lettuce is nicely coated with dressing and cheese.
3. Warm and Assemble the Wraps:
Warm your tortillas slightly on the grill or in a skillet to make them soft and pliable. Then, place a good handful of the dressed romaine in the center of each tortilla. Top the lettuce with 4 to 5 grilled shrimp. If you like, add some croutons for a crunchy touch. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top to finish. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to make a wrap.
4. Serve:
Serve your Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps right away with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the shrimp adds a bright and fresh flavor that really brings the dish to life.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water before using. Pat dry to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, consider storing the shrimp and salad separately and assembling fresh before eating.
Can I Make These Wraps Ahead of Time?
You can prep the shrimp and salad a few hours ahead, but it’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
What Can I Substitute for Caesar Dressing?
If you prefer, ranch or a lemon-garlic yogurt dressing can be delicious alternatives that still complement the shrimp and lettuce well.