
Looking for a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish? This Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad is the perfect blend of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and zesty lime dressing. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, bursting with flavor, and takes less than 20 minutes to make!
Whether you serve it as a healthy lunch, appetizer, or even a light dinner, this shrimp salad is guaranteed to impress. It’s also low-carb, high in protein, and naturally gluten-free, making it a nutritious yet indulgent meal!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp:
- Shrimp (peeled & deveined) – 450g (1 lb)
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
- Paprika – ½ tsp
- Cumin powder – ½ tsp
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Avocado Salsa:
- Avocados (ripe, diced) – 2 medium
- Cherry tomatoes (halved) – 150g (1 cup)
- Cucumber (diced) – 100g (¾ cup)
- Red onion (finely chopped) – ½ small
- Jalapeño (finely diced, optional for spice) – 1 small
- Fresh cilantro (chopped) – 2 tbsp
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Lime juice – 2 tbsp
- Honey – 1 tsp
- Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
- Garlic (minced) – 1 clove
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lime juice over the shrimp and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Salsa
- In a bowl, combine diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and season with salt & pepper. Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and avocado salsa.
- Drizzle with the lime dressing and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
🥬 Over Greens – Serve on a bed of romaine lettuce, spinach, or arugula for a heartier salad.
🌮 As Tacos – Fill corn or flour tortillas for fresh shrimp tacos.
🥖 With Bread – Pair with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a tasty appetizer.
🍚 With Rice or Quinoa – Serve over cooked rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad
✔ Use Fresh Shrimp – If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
✔ Don't Overcook Shrimp – Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
✔ Choose Ripe Avocados – They should be soft but not mushy for a creamy texture.
✔ Chill for Extra Flavor – Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
✔ Spice It Up – Add extra jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for heat!
How to Store & Meal Prep
🧊 Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep avocados separate and add fresh before serving to prevent browning.
🚫 Freezing:
- Not recommended, as avocados and shrimp do not freeze well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
✅ Healthy & Fresh – High in protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
✅ Versatile – Serve as a salad, tacos, or appetizer.
✅ Naturally Gluten-Free & Low-Carb – A guilt-free meal option.
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