Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shrimp Avocado Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish packed with juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch, dinner, or even a hearty appetizer. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this salad brings a taste of the coast to your table with minimal effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
shrimp (peeled and deveined)avocados (ripe but firm)cherry tomatoesred onioncucumbercilantroolive oillime juicegarlicpowdered cuminred pepper flakes (optional)saltblack pepper
directions
Boil or sauté the shrimp until fully cooked and pink, then set aside to cool.
Dice the avocados, slice cherry tomatoes in half, finely chop red onion and cucumber, and roughly chop cilantro.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp with the chopped vegetables and avocado.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 5-7 minutesChilling time (optional): 15-20 minutesTotal time: 20-35 minutes
Variations
Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
Use grilled shrimp for a smoky flavor.
Swap cilantro with parsley if preferred.
Include cooked quinoa for added texture and protein.
Top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for extra richness.
storage/reheating
Store Shrimp Avocado Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.*Note: The avocado may brown slightly but is still safe to eat.*Not recommended for freezing due to the delicate texture of the ingredients.Best enjoyed fresh; avoid reheating as it may affect the texture of shrimp and avocado.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but mix everything with the dressing and avocado just before serving to maintain freshness.
Is this salad low-carb?
Yes, it is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein.
What type of shrimp is best?
Medium to large shrimp work well, either fresh or frozen.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, lemon juice can be substituted for a slightly different citrus profile.
What’s a good substitute for cumin?
Smoked paprika or chili powder can offer a different but tasty flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make it spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for extra heat.
What dressing goes well with this salad?
A simple lime vinaigrette or even a creamy cilantro-lime dressing complements it perfectly.
Can I add greens?
Yes, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or arugula for extra volume.
Conclusion
Shrimp Avocado Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of year. With its combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing, it delivers a satisfying and refreshing meal in every bite. Whether served as a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your healthy recipe rotation.
PrintShrimp Avocado Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre‑cooked shrimp)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No‑cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: California / Modern American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A fresh and vibrant salad featuring succulent shrimp and creamy avocado, tossed with crisp vegetables and a light lime‑cilantro dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely sliced
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, mixed greens, and chopped cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss everything until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro or a lime wedge if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with cooked crab meat or chicken for variation.
- For extra crunch, add sliced radishes or toasted pepitas.
- Prepare the dressing and vegetables ahead; add avocado and shrimp just before serving to prevent sogginess.