Quick Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Gem

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing shrimp and avocado salad that dances with zesty flavors.

Crisp greens mingle with plump, juicy seafood in this light dish.

Cool avocado chunks add creamy texture to each vibrant bite.

Sea-kissed shrimp bring protein-packed goodness to your plate.

Lime juice and fresh herbs create an unexpected flavor symphony.

Delicate seasonings whisper of coastal cuisine and relaxed dining.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for quick lunches or elegant gatherings.

Grab a fork and savor every delightful, cool spoonful.

Shrimp Avocado Salad That’s Fresh, Creamy, and Light

• Whip Up a Quick Meal: Lightning-Fast Preparation makes this shrimp and avocado salad perfect for busy professionals who want delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Create Nutritious Delight: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and healthy fats from avocado, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that supports wellness goals without sacrificing flavor.
• Summer Sensation: Perfect for hot days, this refreshing salad offers a cool, zesty experience that feels like a culinary vacation with minimal cooking required and bright, vibrant ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients, adjusting spice levels, and creating personal variations to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad: Ingredient Guide

• Shrimp: Sweet and succulent seafood protein, best when fresh and deveined.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook shrimp evenly and adds rich flavor.

• Lettuce, Cabbage: Crisp base for the salad, choose fresh and crunchy varieties.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich, provides healthy fats and smooth texture.
• Red Onion: Sharp and colorful, adds a zesty crunch to the salad.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brightens the overall dish with its distinctive taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the dressing's depth.

• Lime Juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness to balance the dish.
• Cumin: Warm spice that complements the shrimp's natural flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing all flavors.
• Olive Oil: Binds the dressing and provides smooth, rich undertones.

Shrimp & Avocado Salad Instructions with Citrus Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Seafood

Warm a skillet over medium heat and pour in olive oil.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the shrimp.

Cook shrimp in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink color and are fully cooked.

Transfer shrimp to a plate and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings until the flavor feels just right.

Step 3: Build Vibrant Layers

Select a large serving bowl and create a foundation with crisp lettuce or cabbage.

• Cooled shrimp
• Creamy avocado slices
• Finely chopped red onion

Gently pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and softly toss everything to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Final Flourish

Scatter fresh cilantro leaves across the top of the salad.

Serve this refreshing dish immediately as a light meal or elegant side companion.

Shrimp & Avocado Salad Tips That Keep It Fresh

• Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to an ice bath to stop cooking and maintain tender texture.
• Taste and adjust lime juice and cumin levels for a bright, zesty profile that complements the seafood.
• Cut avocado just before serving and sprinkle with fresh lime juice to keep slices green and fresh.
• Select ripe avocados with slight give and use large, fresh shrimp for maximum flavor and texture.
• Swap lettuce with mixed greens for more nutrients or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Storing Shrimp and Avocado Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of preparation. Keep shrimp and avocado salad chilled for up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Squeeze extra lime juice over avocado slices to slow down oxidation and maintain freshness.
• Keep dressing separate from salad to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture. Add dressing just before serving.
• Consume cold or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp and mushy avocado texture.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the creamy avocado, creating a refreshing taste experience.
• Enhance with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a light margarita or mojito that echoes the lime in the dressing, bringing out the zesty notes of the salad while adding a tropical twist.
• Boost with Crunchy Side: Serve alongside toasted tortilla chips or crisp plantain chips to add texture and provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft shrimp and avocado.
• Create Herbal Pairing: Brew a fresh mint iced tea that mirrors the cilantro garnish and offers a cooling counterpoint to the salad's bright, tangy flavors.

Shrimp Avocado Salad with Fresh Ingredient Swaps

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace lettuce with mixed greens, use zucchini noodles as base, and add extra avocado for higher fat content. Ensure shrimp is grilled without breading.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap shrimp with grilled tofu or tempeh, use cucumber instead of avocado, and create a similar citrus-based dressing with tahini and lime juice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and add quinoa for additional protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Spin: Remove onions, increase protein portion, use spinach as base, and add roasted sunflower seeds for crunch and healthy fats.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this salad?

Opt for medium or large-sized raw shrimp with shells removed. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well, just ensure they are deveined and cleaned before cooking.

• How can I tell if the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns opaque and pink when fully cooked. They should curl slightly and look plump. Avoid overcooking, which makes them tough and rubbery.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare components separately and combine just before serving. Chop avocado and add dressing right before eating to prevent browning and maintain fresh texture.

• Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, this shrimp and avocado salad is naturally low-carb, high in protein, and packed with healthy fats. It’s perfect for keto and low-carb eating plans.

Shrimp And Avocado Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing Shrimp and Avocado Salad brings coastal flavors to your plate with zesty lime and crisp ingredients. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this light, protein-packed dish that delivers Mediterranean-inspired freshness in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Produce:

• 2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle succulent shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper until they transform into a vibrant pink hue, ensuring thorough cooking. Transfer to a plate and allow slight cooling.
2. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking together olive oil, tangy lime juice, pungent minced garlic, earthy cumin, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning for optimal flavor complexity.
3. Create a verdant foundation using shredded lettuce or crisp cabbage in a spacious serving bowl. Artfully arrange the perfectly cooked shrimp atop the greens, layering with creamy avocado slices and sharp red onion pieces.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly across the salad, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is lovingly coated with the vibrant vinaigrette.
5. Finish the dish by scattering fresh, bright cilantro leaves as a final garnish, adding a burst of herbaceous aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your salad.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Marinate shrimp in lime juice for 10 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and add zesty flavor.
• Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushy texture and maintain salad’s structural integrity.
• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a protein alternative catering to different dietary preferences.
• Chill ingredients before assembling to keep the salad crisp and refreshing, especially during warm weather.
• Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for those wanting an extra kick of spiciness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg