Easy Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe: Fresh & Zesty Summer Delight

Summers call for light, refreshing meals that burst with vibrant shrimp avocado salad recipe flavors and colors.

Crisp greens and succulent seafood create a perfect harmony on your plate.

Tender shrimp dance alongside creamy avocado chunks, making each bite a delightful experience.

Zesty lime and herbs add a bright, tangy kick that awakens your taste buds.

This simple yet elegant dish comes together in minutes, promising maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary lunch into a gourmet moment.

You’ll love how quickly this salad becomes a go-to meal for warm days and casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Shrimp and Avocado Salad

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a light and tender protein for the salad.

• Avocado: Creamy fruit that adds richness and healthy fats to the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that bring bright color and fresh flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crisp vegetable that adds a zesty crunch.
• Cucumber: Refreshing vegetable that provides a cool and crisp texture.
• Cilantro: Aromatic herb that introduces a vibrant, fresh herb note.

• Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that creates a simple, tangy, and balanced dressing for the salad.

Assembling a Light Shrimp Avocado Salad

Step 1: Chop and Dice Fresh Ingredients

Carefully slice ripe avocados into bite-sized cubes.

Halve the cherry tomatoes.

Finely dice red onion and cucumber.

Roughly chop fresh cilantro leaves.

Prepare cooked shrimp by cutting larger pieces into smaller, manageable bites.

Step 2: Create Zesty Citrus Dressing

In a separate mixing bowl, blend freshly squeezed lime juice with extra virgin olive oil.

Sprinkle in a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-incorporated dressing.

Step 3: Combine and Toss Salad

Transfer all chopped ingredients into a large serving bowl.

Drizzle the prepared lime dressing over the mixture.

Use a gentle folding motion to coat every ingredient evenly, ensuring the flavors blend beautifully without mashing the delicate components.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.

This brief chilling time helps the flavors meld together.

Before serving, give the salad a quick final toss to redistribute the dressing.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Optional: Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro leaves on top.

Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer, light lunch, or summer side dish.

Best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

Tips for Fresh, Creamy Shrimp Salad

• Choose the freshest shrimp possible, preferably wild-caught for the best flavor and texture.
• Toss avocado with a splash of lime juice to keep it from turning brown and maintain its vibrant green color.
• Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Add a touch of jalapeño or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their salad.
• Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option that works well with the fresh ingredients.

Flavor Twists for Avocado Shrimp Salads

• Mediterranean Seafood Swap: Replace shrimp with grilled calamari or white fish, add feta cheese, and use oregano instead of cilantro for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegan Protein Power: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu cubes or chickpeas, keep avocado for creaminess, and use a tahini-lemon dressing for plant-based protein.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Skip cucumber, double avocado portion, add extra virgin olive oil, and incorporate chopped hard-boiled eggs for increased fat content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap cilantro for fresh chopped green onions, include black beans, and drizzle with chipotle-lime vinaigrette for a zesty kick.

Ways to Serve Shrimp Avocado Salad

• Summer Picnic Delight: Pack this vibrant salad in a portable container for a refreshing outdoor meal by the beach or park.
• Taco Twist: Serve the salad inside soft tortillas as a light and zesty seafood taco filling with extra cilantro sprinkled on top.
• Elegant Appetizer: Present the salad in small cocktail glasses or on crisp lettuce leaves for an impressive starter at dinner parties or gatherings.
• Protein Power Bowl: Complement the salad with quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial and nutritious meal that keeps you full and satisfied.

Storing Avocado Shrimp Salad Safely

• Store the salad in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy ingredients.
• Store shrimp, avocado, and vegetables in different containers to maintain freshness and prevent texture breakdown.
• Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to preserve ingredients' crispness.
• Do not freeze this salad, as avocado and shrimp will lose texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the salad to prevent excess water.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and low in calories. It’s a nutritious and balanced meal option.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa or brown rice to the base, or serve it over a bed of mixed greens to increase the volume and nutritional value.

• Can I substitute cilantro if I don't like it?

Sure! You can replace cilantro with fresh parsley or chives for a similar fresh herb flavor without changing the overall taste profile.

Shrimp Avocado Salad – What Makes It So Good

• Whip Up a Quick Delight: This shrimp avocado salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and fresh vegetables, this dish delivers a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra herbs and spices to make the salad uniquely yours, creating a versatile recipe that adapts to your taste preferences.
• Summer Party Superstar: Bright, fresh flavors and colorful ingredients make this salad a crowd-pleasing option for outdoor barbecues, potlucks, and casual get-togethers.

Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Crisp Mediterranean Shrimp Avocado Salad brings refreshing ocean flavors dancing across a light, zesty landscape. Succulent shrimp and creamy avocado create perfect harmony, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of coastal culinary magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Complementary Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes

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Instructions

1. Chop cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces.
2. Cut ripe avocado into cubes, ensuring they are similar in size to the other chopped vegetables.
3. Add cooked, chilled shrimp to the vegetable mixture, ensuring the seafood is at room temperature.
4. Finely mince fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle evenly across the salad components.
5. Create a zesty dressing by vigorously whisking fresh lime juice with high-quality olive oil.
6. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
7. Drizzle the citrusy dressing over the salad ingredients, using a gentle folding technique to coat everything evenly.
8. Allow salad to rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to let flavors meld together before serving.
9. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a fresh, vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Dice avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its creamy consistency.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lime juice or salt as needed for a balanced flavor profile.
• Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the overall taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg