Caesar salad is one of America's most popular comfort foods.

Adding grilled shrimp and walnuts turns it into a complete dinner.

The crisp lettuce and smooth, tangy dressing provide an enjoyable, mouth-watering combination.

The walnuts are grilled for a couple of minutes. This intensifies their flavor.

Helpful Hints

Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts.

The shrimp and nuts can be sautéed in a skillet instead of a stovetop grill.

Countdown

Grill shrimp and walnuts.

Assemble salad.

Shopping List

To buy: 1 small package walnut halves, 3/4 pound shelled shrimp, 1 head romaine lettuce, 1 bottle Caesar dressing, 1 small piece Parmesan cheese and 1 package whole wheat pita bread.

Staples: Vegetable oil spray, black peppercorns.

Vegetable oil spray1/4 cup walnut halves3/4 pound shelled large shrimp6 cups washed, ready-to-eat Romaine lettuce2 tablespoons Caesar dressing1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseFreshly ground black pepper2 whole wheat pita breadsHeat a stovetop grill and spray with vegetable oil spray. Add walnuts and grill 1 minute; turn and grill 1 minute. Watch to make sure they do not burn. Remove and set aside.Add the shrimp and grill 2 minutes; turn over and grill 2 minutes. They should be pink. Grill a little longer if needed.Break the lettuce into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the walnuts, shrimp and dressing to the bowl. Toss well.Divide between 2 dinner plates, and sprinkle Parmesan on top. Add pepper to taste.Warm pita breads in a toaster oven, and serve with salad.Yield 2 servings.Per serving: 575 calories (41% from fat), 26 g fat (4.2 g saturated, 4.9 g monounsaturated), 302 mg cholesterol, 49.3 g protein, 43.8 g carbohydrates, 8.8 g fiber, 800 mg sodium.