Description
This Zesty Avocado Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and light meal upgrade, combining tender cooked shrimp with creamy ripe avocados, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner, this salad bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and raw)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 medium ripe avocados (or substitute with puréed avocado)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather and prepare all the fresh ingredients and shrimp before starting to cook and assemble the salad.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the raw shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Drain the shrimp immediately and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool quickly and stop the cooking process. Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and chopped cilantro or parsley. Toss gently to ensure the avocado pieces remain intact and the mixture looks vibrant.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Add the chopped shrimp to the vegetable mixture, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, and gently toss everything together to evenly coat all ingredients. Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp and skip the boiling step.
- Adjust the amount of lime juice and seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- For a spicier salad, increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeño.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
