cajun shrimp salad

 This salad is from Alexander Hoover's restaurant called Hoover's Cooking in Austin. It is made with grilled or smoked shrimp and a spicy cream cheese dressing. Savor that! I sure did. I thought it was really, really delicious.
This salad is so good it might be Hall of Fame.

cajun shrimp salad (Saveur Magazine, April 2011)
2 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing (I used Greek Vinaigrette with Feta and Oregano)
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Combine shrimp, dressing and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning in a medium bowl; set aside. Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat, and add shrimp; cook, turning once, until just cooked, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
Stir cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, celery, scallions, lemon juice and parsley and stir until combined. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Serve on a freshly toasted slice of french bread or on a crisp lettuce leaf.