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shrimp avocado salad

Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe: A Fresh, Protein-Packed Meal in Minutes

A refreshing, protein-packed salad featuring succulent seasoned shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing. This restaurant-quality dish comes together in just 15 minutes and makes a perfect light lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Salad:

  • 2 large ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
  • 4 cups mixed greens or romaine

Instructions

  • Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and toss with garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Let sit 5 minutes.
  • Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and let cool.
  • Make the dressing: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Prepare the vegetables: Combine diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño in a large bowl.
  • Assemble the salad: Add cooled shrimp to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with lime dressing and gently toss to combine.
  • Serve: Arrange greens on plates or a platter, top with the shrimp and avocado mixture, and garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store shrimp, vegetables, and dressing separately for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should form a loose “C” shape, not a tight “O.”
  • Choose ripe but firm avocados that yield to gentle pressure.
  • The dressing can be made spicier by adding more cayenne or jalapeño.
  • Leftover assembled salad keeps refrigerated for up to 24 hours but is best fresh.
  • Author: Emy Hayer
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: Sautéing, Tossing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
  • Diet: Low Salt