Zesty Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe for Summer Refreshment

Crisp summer days call for a refreshing shrimp avocado salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and colors.

Zesty lime dressing brings a tangy punch to delicate seafood and creamy green slices.

Cool ingredients mingle beautifully, creating a light meal perfect for warm afternoons.

Coastal influences shine through each carefully arranged bite of succulent protein and smooth avocado chunks.

Mediterranean herbs add unexpected depth to this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in crafting a memorable culinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this delightful combination that promises pure satisfaction.

How to Keep Shrimp Avocado Salad Fresh

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it cool and fresh by placing plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning.
• Store dressing and salad ingredients separately to maintain crispness. Mix just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain optimal texture.
• Gently bring the salad to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the delicate texture of shrimp and avocado.
• Before serving leftover salad, drain any accumulated liquid and give the mixture a gentle toss to redistribute flavors and restore freshness.

FAQs

• What makes this salad healthy?

This salad is packed with protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and fresh vegetables, providing a nutritious and balanced meal with low calories and high nutritional value.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are completely thawed, peeled, and deveined before adding to the salad to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa, brown rice, or mixed greens to increase the volume and make the salad more substantial while keeping it nutritious and light.

• Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before eating to keep the salad fresh and prevent soggy vegetables.

Why Shrimp Avocado Salad Is a Crowd-Pleaser

• Whip Up a Healthy Delight: This shrimp avocado salad packs a nutritious punch with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy fats from avocado, making it a perfect choice for wellness-focused eaters.
• Craft a Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation steps mean you can assemble this vibrant salad in mere minutes, ideal for busy individuals craving a delicious meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Enjoy Versatile Dining Experiences: Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as a refreshing side dish, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different occasions and can be easily scaled up for larger groups.
• Elevate Your Flavor Game: Zesty lime dressing and fresh cilantro create a bright, tangy profile that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Shrimp Avocado Salad

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides a light and fresh protein base for the salad.

• Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that add color, texture, and refreshing flavors to the salad.

• Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Cilantro: Zesty and aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall taste and bring the salad together with bright, clean flavors.

How to Prepare Shrimp Avocado Salad

Step 1: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Slice ripe avocados into bite-sized cubes.

Halve cherry tomatoes.

Dice crisp cucumber into small pieces.

Mince red onion finely.

Peel and clean cooked shrimp, ensuring they are room temperature.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

In a separate mixing container, squeeze fresh lime juice.

Add extra virgin olive oil.

Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Whisk ingredients until smoothly combined and slightly emulsified.

Step 3: Blend Salad Components

• Cooked shrimp
• Avocado cubes
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Diced cucumber
• Minced red onion

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour prepared lime-olive oil dressing over salad ingredients.

Using gentle folding motions, carefully mix everything to ensure even coating without breaking delicate avocado pieces.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finely chop fresh cilantro leaves.

Sprinkle herb over salad’s surface.

For maximum flavor, serve immediately at room temperature.

Alternatively, refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before enjoying.

Pro Tips for Shrimp Avocado Salad

• Refrigerate the salad for 15 minutes to let the ingredients meld and enhance the taste.
• Choose plump, firm shrimp without any discoloration or strong fishy smell for the best quality.
• Cut avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes into similar-sized pieces for a balanced bite and appealing presentation.
• Adjust lime juice and olive oil ratio to suit your taste preference, adding more or less according to your liking.
• Serve the salad immediately or keep chilled to maintain the crisp texture and prevent avocado from browning.

Variations on Shrimp Avocado Salad

• Crab Sensation: Replace shrimp with fresh crab meat for a luxurious seafood alternative that offers a delicate, sweet flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken and add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano to create a Greek-inspired version of the salad.
• Vegan Protein Power: Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and use a plant-based mayo or tahini dressing to maintain the creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Transform the salad into lettuce wraps by serving the ingredients inside crisp butter lettuce leaves, perfect for those avoiding grains or watching carbohydrate intake.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Avocado Salad

• Fresh Summer Appetizer: Serve this vibrant salad as a light starter before a main course, perfect for outdoor dinner parties or poolside gatherings.
• Mediterranean Wrap Delight: Stuff the salad into soft tortillas or lettuce wraps for a quick and refreshing lunch option that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Beach Picnic Companion: Pack the chilled salad in a portable container for a delicious beach or park meal that's easy to transport and enjoy in the sunshine.
• Seafood Salad Bed: Present the shrimp and avocado mixture over a bed of mixed greens or arugula to create a more substantial and elegant dining experience.

Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired shrimp avocado salad delivers zesty coastal flavors with fresh ingredients. Crisp greens, succulent shrimp, and creamy avocado create a light, refreshing meal perfect for summer dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Produce:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing:

• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Dice the ripe avocados and plump shrimp into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
2. Slice cherry tomatoes and cucumber into thin, delicate rounds, creating a vibrant and textural base for the salad.
3. Finely mince red onion to provide a sharp, pungent undertone without overwhelming the other ingredients.
4. Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking fresh lime juice with extra virgin olive oil, allowing the citrus to brighten the seafood and vegetables.
5. Season the dressing with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
6. Gently fold the prepared vegetables and shrimp together, ensuring each component is evenly coated with the tangy dressing.
7. Scatter freshly chopped cilantro leaves across the top, adding a fragrant herbaceous note to the dish.
8. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become crisp and refreshing.
9. Serve chilled as a light summer appetizer or refreshing main course, perfect for warm afternoons.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this light, refreshing salad.
• Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent the salad from becoming mushy and maintain a pleasant consistency.
• Quickly blanch shrimp to keep them tender and prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Adjust the dressing’s acidity by balancing lime juice with a touch of honey for those who prefer a slightly sweeter profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg