Refreshing Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe: A Summer Delight

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

Zesty lime dressing mingles with succulent seafood and creamy green goodness.

Tender prawns dance alongside smooth avocado chunks, creating a light meal perfect for warm afternoons.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and healthy.

Colorful bell peppers add a delightful crunch to this protein-packed dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible culinary creation.

Dive into this easy recipe and transform your lunch into a gourmet experience.

Why Shrimp Avocado Salad Is a Tropical Lunch Dream

• Packed with protein from succulent shrimp, healthy fats from creamy avocados, and fresh vegetables for a balanced, nutritious meal that feels like a guilt-free indulgence.
• Bright lime juice, zesty cilantro, and crisp vegetables create a mouthwatering combination that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach paradise with every bite.
• Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as a refreshing side dish that appeals to both seafood lovers and health-conscious eaters.

Shrimp Avocado Salad Ingredient Essentials

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a light and succulent protein base for the tropical salad.

• Avocado: Creamy fruit that adds richness and healthy fats to the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy vegetables that bring bright color and fresh flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crisp vegetable that provides a zesty bite to the salad.
• Cilantro: Aromatic herb that adds a distinctive fresh and citrusy note.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil used to sauté the shrimp and add a subtle richness.
• Lime Juice: Tangy citrus liquid that enhances the overall flavor and adds brightness.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the salad ingredients.

Quick Steps to a Fresh Shrimp Avocado Salad

Step 1: Sizzle the Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the shrimp into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become completely opaque.

Gently transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

• Ripe avocados (diced into chunks)
• Cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)

Step 3: Create the Tangy Dressing

• Fresh lime juice
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 4: Combine with Finesse

Add the cooled shrimp to a large mixing bowl.

Gently fold in the prepared avocados, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.

Pour the zesty lime dressing over the mixture, using a light touch to blend everything together without crushing the delicate avocado pieces.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the salad to a serving dish.

For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle additional chopped cilantro on top or add a few lime wedges around the edge of the plate.

Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures at their peak.

Pro Tips for Vibrant Shrimp Avocado Salad

• Ensure shrimp are cooked precisely 2-3 minutes per side, turning once to achieve a pink, opaque color without becoming rubbery or overdone.
• Dice avocados just before mixing to prevent browning and maintain a vibrant green color, keeping the salad looking appetizing and fresh.
• Adjust lime juice quantity to personal taste, but avoid over-saturating the salad to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain crisp textures.
• Toss salad ingredients gently with a light hand to keep avocado chunks intact and preserve the delicate structure of each component.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or jalapeño for extra heat, transforming the tropical salad into a zesty, more complex dish that tingles the taste buds.

Keeping Shrimp Avocado Salad Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent avocado browning.
• Squeeze extra lime juice over the salad before storing to slow down oxidation of avocados and keep them looking green.
• Gently warm shrimp at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture and maintain delicate flavor.
• Consume cold or at room temperature for optimal taste. Drain any excess liquid and add fresh cilantro before serving to refresh the salad's appearance and flavor.

What to Pair With Shrimp Avocado Salad for Lunch

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Enhance the salad's light, zesty flavors with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which complement the shrimp's delicate taste and brighten the citrusy lime dressing.
• Boost with Fresh Cocktail: Mix a classic margarita featuring tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to echo the tropical ingredients and provide a refreshing alcohol-based accompaniment.
• Match Crunchy Side Dish: Serve with toasted corn tortilla chips or crispy plantain chips to add textural contrast and provide a satisfying crunch against the creamy avocado and tender shrimp.
• Create Herbal Sparkling Water: Infuse sparkling water with fresh mint or cucumber for a non-alcoholic option that maintains the salad's fresh, vibrant profile and cleanses the palate between bites.

Refreshing Salad Variations With Shrimp & Avocado

• Vegan Ocean Delight: Replace shrimp with marinated, grilled tofu cubes seasoned with Old Bay or seaweed flakes for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Zesty Bowl: Swap cherry tomatoes with diced cucumber and replace red onion with green onions for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and swap cilantro with fresh chopped chives to create a Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Tropical Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and add roasted corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness.

FAQs

• How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

Look for a pink color and opaque texture. Shrimp should curl slightly and turn from translucent gray to a solid pink or orange-pink color. Cooking time is typically 2-3 minutes per side.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't like cilantro?

No problem! You can substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or chives. The herb adds freshness, but the salad will still taste great without it or with an alternative herb.

• Is this salad healthy?

Definitely! Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, while avocados provide healthy fats. This dish is nutrient-dense, low-carb, and packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables.

Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Refreshing shrimp avocado salad combines zesty lime, crisp greens, and succulent seafood for a light Mediterranean-inspired meal. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each bite of this protein-packed, nutritious dish that brings coastal flavors directly to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Produce:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear succulent shrimp in olive oil at medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink and become fully opaque.
2. Transfer cooked shrimp to a spacious mixing vessel, allowing them to cool slightly while preparing remaining ingredients.
3. Carefully dice ripe avocados into uniform cubes, halve juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly slice crisp red onion, and finely chop fresh cilantro.
4. Combine prepared shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro in the mixing bowl, creating a colorful tropical medley.
5. Create a zesty dressing by whisking freshly squeezed lime juice with sea salt and cracked black pepper until well integrated.
6. Gently drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad, using a delicate folding technique to ensure even distribution without crushing the tender avocado chunks.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding additional salt or lime juice if needed for balanced flavor profile.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with extra cilantro sprigs and optional lime wedges for a vibrant presentation that captures the essence of a tropical escape.

Notes

• Select firm yet ripe avocados to prevent turning mushy when tossing the salad ingredients together.
• Consider using wild-caught shrimp for better flavor and more sustainable seafood choice.
• Keep shrimp chilled before cooking to maintain their delicate texture and prevent overcooking.
• For gluten-free variation, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and cross-contamination is avoided.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg