Tangy Lime Shrimp & Avocado Salad Recipe For Summer Nights

Summer heat calls for a refreshing lime shrimp and avocado salad that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

This vibrant dish blends succulent shrimp with creamy avocado in a zesty marinade.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a light and satisfying meal perfect for warm evenings.

Each bite delivers a burst of citrusy flavor and tender seafood.

The combination of crisp vegetables and plump shrimp makes this salad both nutritious and delightful.

Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this salad transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and treat yourself to a culinary adventure.

FAQs

• How can I prevent the avocado from turning brown?

Toss the diced avocado with lime juice from the dressing, which helps prevent oxidation and keeps it fresh and green.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, but add the avocado just before serving to maintain its texture and prevent browning. You can prepare the other ingredients and dressing in advance.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat dry with paper towels, and cook thoroughly before adding to the salad to ensure food safety and best flavor.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe is mild, but you can add heat by including diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the salad for those who enjoy more kick.

Why This Shrimp and Avocado Salad Shines

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a balanced and wholesome eating experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad appeals to various taste preferences and dietary needs with its vibrant flavors and simple ingredients.
• Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings, allowing you to create a personalized dish that suits your taste and dietary requirements.

Ingredients for Lime Shrimp Salad

• Shrimp: Ocean gems packed with protein and sweet flavor.
• Avocado: Creamy green fruit with buttery goodness.
• Red Onion: Sharp and colorful vegetable adding a zesty crunch.
• Tomato: Juicy red vegetable bringing fresh brightness.

• Lime Juice: Tangy citrus liquid that adds bright spark.
• Honey: Sweet golden liquid for balanced flavor.
• Olive Oil: Smooth liquid that helps blend ingredients.

• Garlic: Aromatic herb with bold flavor punch.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for perfect taste balance.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb with vibrant green color and herbal notes.

How to Prepare This Fresh Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Tangy Lime Elixir

Grab a small bowl and create a zesty dressing by blending lime juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, vibrant concoction.

For an ultra-silky texture, zap the dressing in a blender or food processor.

Taste and tweak the flavor balance to make it sing.

Step 2: Toss Seafood and Veggie Medley

In a spacious mixing bowl, unite your cooked shrimp, crisp red onion, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado.

Gently fold the ingredients together, treating the delicate avocado and tomato with tender care to preserve their pristine texture.

Step 3: Drizzle with Golden Liquid Sunshine

Cascade extra-virgin olive oil over the salad, followed by the vibrant lime dressing.

Softly toss the ingredients, ensuring each morsel gets a loving coating of flavor.

Step 4: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Let the salad rest for a quick 5-10 minutes.

This pause allows the ingredients to mingle and develop a harmonious taste profile that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Garnish and Present with Flair

Sprinkle fresh cilantro across the top, adding a pop of green and an herbal kick.

Serve immediately to capture the salad’s peak freshness and creamy avocado texture.

Pro Tips for Zesty Shrimp Salad

• Use a food processor or blender to create a silky, well-integrated lime dressing that coats ingredients evenly without clumpy texture.
• Toss avocado gently and add it last to maintain its vibrant green color and creamy texture, reducing oxidation and discoloration.
• Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile.
• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or canned beans for alternative protein sources that suit different dietary preferences.
• Add toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the soft avocado and tender shrimp.

Store and Refresh Leftover Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The avocado might brown slightly, but it remains safe to eat.
• Squeeze extra lime juice over the salad to help maintain the avocado's freshness and prevent oxidation.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the shrimp and avocado will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.
• Before serving leftover salad, gently toss with a splash of fresh lime dressing to revive the flavors and restore moisture.

Sides That Complement This Shrimp Salad

• Refreshing Wine Selection: Pair this zesty shrimp salad with a crisp, light sauvignon blanc that matches the lime's bright acidity and complements the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Tropical Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice to echo the salad's citrusy profile and enhance the overall tropical taste experience.
• Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Create a quick cucumber-mint sparkling water that provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the salad's rich avocado and succulent shrimp.
• Crisp Side Pairing: Serve with light, crunchy plantain chips that add a satisfying texture contrast and continue the Latin-inspired flavor theme of the dish.

Flavor Combos for Lime Shrimp Salad

• Tropical Mango Twist: Replace tomatoes with diced mango for a sweeter, more exotic flavor profile that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Protein Power Bowl: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a hearty alternative that maintains the zesty lime dressing's punch.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Eliminate honey, use stevia as a sweetener, and increase healthy fats by adding more avocado and replacing red onion with green onions for lower carb content.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate cucumber, feta cheese, and replace cilantro with fresh mint to give the salad a Greek-inspired transformation while keeping the lime dressing's brightness.

Zesty Lime Shrimp And Avocado Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing lime shrimp and avocado salad delivers a perfect summer fusion of Mexican coastal flavors and crisp ingredients. Chilled seafood and creamy avocado mingle with bright citrus notes, promising a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) cooked, peeled, and chopped jumbo shrimp

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) chopped red onion
• 1 diced tomato
• 1 diced avocado

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup or 60 milliliters)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional, for added aroma)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant lime dressing by whisking together tangy lime juice, golden honey, aromatic garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, harmonious blend.
2. Select plump, succulent shrimp and cook them thoroughly, then chop into bite-sized pieces ensuring even cooking and optimal texture.
3. Dice ripe avocados with precision, creating uniform cubes that will provide creamy richness to the salad without turning mushy.
4. Finely mince red onion to distribute sharp, pungent notes throughout the dish, creating balanced flavor profiles in each forkful.
5. Slice juicy tomatoes into neat, petite cubes that will add refreshing brightness and visual appeal to the salad.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared shrimp, avocado, red onion, and tomatoes, using a delicate folding technique to preserve ingredient integrity.
7. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil across the mixture, allowing its smooth essence to coat the ingredients lightly and enhance overall flavor complexity.
8. Pour the previously crafted lime dressing over the salad, tossing with minimal manipulation to ensure each component remains distinct yet harmoniously blended.
9. Allow the salad to rest momentarily, permitting flavors to intermingle and intensify for a more profound taste experience.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, scattering them artfully to introduce a final layer of aromatic freshness and vibrant green color before serving immediately.

Notes

• Customize the lime dressing by adjusting honey or maple syrup for desired sweetness and tanginess.
• Prevent avocado browning by adding it last and tossing gently to minimize oxidation.
• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for alternative protein options catering to different dietary preferences.
• Chill ingredients beforehand for a refreshing summer salad that maintains crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 190mg