Okay, friends, let’s talk about my go-to lunch that always feels like a little vacation in the bowl. What is your favorite shrimp avocado salad? What’s the best tuna salad you’ve ever had? Add the creamy richness of avocado. What is a flavor explosion? I swear, I whipped this up last week when I was craving something healthy but seriously lacked the ingredients. How much energy does it take to cook My husband devoured it and now he requests it all the time! This Shrimp Avocado Salad has a vibrant, fresh taste that makes any day feel ‘a bit brighter’. Is this the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying? Why do I have to do it again and again? It’s become a family favorite, and I think it will be yours, too.
What is Shrimp Avocado Salad?
Shrimp Avocado Salad is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. What’s essentially cooked shrimp tossed with diced avocado, a flavorful dressing, and some other ingredients? What are the things that make it sing? Think of it as a vibrant, protein-packed alternative to your everyday salads. The name says it all! What’s a salad where tender shrimp meets creamy avocado in perfect harmony? Is it heavy or complicated? What is the perfect dish for a quick lunch, if you’re in the mood for something different? Contributions that will disappear in minutes. Is it incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking?
Why you will love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat Shrimp Avocado Salad? First, the taste is pure divine. You get the sweetness of shrimp, the buttery richness of avocado, and the zesty kick of lime. Lemon, and a subtle crunch from the red onion. It’s a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Second, it’s unbelievably simple to make. What is a recipe that can be made in 15 minutes? I always have cooked shrimp on hand just for this reason. Third, it’s cost-effective What is a good shrimp salad? Avocado, lemon, and red onion are all relatively affordable and easy to find. Is it incredibly versatile? Can you serve it on its own, stuff it in a pita, top some crackers, or even use it as filling for your favorite pizza? What are the endless possibilities? What I love about this recipe is that it makes healthy eating feel like a treat. I’m not ashamed to admit I love this salad! It reminds me of those beautiful days by the beach, when my family and I used to grab fish tacos. Is it a crowd pleaser? I’ve served it at countless gatherings, and it always gets rave reviews.
How do I make Shrimp Avocado Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make Shrimp Avocado Salad? How do you cook shrimp? What are some good ways to chop up veggies, make a simple salad dressing, and toss everything together.? No fancy techniques or complicated steps required. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, allowing the fresh, natural flavors of the ingredients. How do I shine? What is the most time-consuming part of chopping veggies?
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer medium-sized shrimp for this salad, but any size is fine). How does size work?
* 2 ripe avocados, diced (Make sure they’re a bit soft, but not too soft)
* 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (Red onion adds a nice bite, but you can substitute with green onion). If you prefer a milder flavor (e.g. onion), you can add more onion
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley works well too)
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise (I like using avocado oil mayo, but regular canola oil is fine too)
For the Dressing:
* 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed (Fresh lime is a MUST! What makes a difference?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (Extra virgin olive is my go-to)
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Dijon adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors)
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (Garlic powder gives it that extra zing)
* Salt and pepper to taste (Don’t be afraid to season generously!)
* Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp (if needed)
If you’re starting with raw shrimp, you need to cook it first. What is the best way to sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat? Pink and opaque. What should I do if I want to cook it for a few minutes? Once cooked, let it cool before adding it to the salad. Can you boil the shrimp?
Step 2: Dice the Avocado
Carefully cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and dice the flesh into small cubes. Be gentle when handling the avocado to avoid mashing it. I always do this over a small bowl to catch any extra bits. Is it easy to get all of this in a salad? I find it so annoying when I prep a recipe and then have to pick up little pieces everywhere! What is the best way to sprinkle avocado with lime juice? How do you prevent it from browning?
Step 3: Chop the Remaining Ingredients
How do you finely chop the red onion and cilantro? The smaller you chop the onion, the less overpowering it will be. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out the skin.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately. What are some good ways to use pepper, and red pepper flakes? Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The dressing should be bright, zesty, and well-balanced.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, and dressing. Serve immediately. Toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as the avocado can get mushy.
Step 6: Chill (Optional)
Is this salad good after chilling in the fridge? Is it safe to store in the refrigerator for 30 minutes? How do you get the flavors to meld and the salad to cool down? Is it possible to place a paper towel in ice cube bowl while chilling to absorb moisture from the red wine? Why is it so good to eat fresh fruit?
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Shrimp Avocado Salad on its own, in a pita, on crackers, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. I love serving this with tortilla chips for scooping. This salad is best eaten fresh, so try to consume it within a day or two.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to serve Shrimp Avocado Salad?
For a light lunch:Serve it on top of a bed of mixed greens with sliced crusty bread. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc would pair perfectly.
What’s a quick dinner?What are some healthy ways to eat pitas? Add a side of sweet potato fries to your meal.
As an Appetizer: WhatServe it on crackers or toasted baguettes for a party-perfect appetizer. How do you serve sour cream with smoked paprika?
For a Fiesta Feast:Can you use it as a filling for tacos? Add black beans, corn, and salsa for a complete fiesta experience. What is that summer feeling like?
My family loves tacos, especially on Taco Tuesdays! We love the crunch and added flavor the taco shell gives. If you have picky eaters, try serving the shrimp and avocado separately so they can make their own.
How do you prepare a shrimp avocado salad?
How do you take shrimp avocado salad to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
What are the best ShriI always opt for wild-caught shrimp whenever possible. What are the advantages and disadvantages of farmed shrimp? What is the best way to save time when buying shrimp?
Avocado Ripeness: The key to a great Shrimp Avocado Salad is using perfectly ripe avocados. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If your avocados are not quite ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple for a day or two.
Dressing Customization: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the dressing! If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek Yogurt. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. If you don’t have red onion, you can use green onion or shallots. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley, dill, or even basil are great alternatives. You can also add other veggies like diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes.
Make-Ahead Tips: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time. Cook the shrimp and chop the veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Make the dressing and store it in a separate container as well. When you’re ready to assemble the salad, simply combine all the ingredients and toss gently. I find it helps to prepare the ingredients the night before if I know I’ll be short on time the next day. One of my friends suggested preparing the avocado separately as well, but I always found they brown too easily.
Flavor Boosters: To really elevate the flavor of this salad, consider adding a few flavor boosters like a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a squeeze of sriracha. These little additions can make a big difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Since this Shrimp Avocado Salad is best enjoyed fresh, it’s not ideal for long-term storage. However, if you have leftovers, here are a few tips for storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: This salad should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as the avocado can spoil quickly. If you’re serving it at a party or picnic, keep it chilled in a cooler or on ice.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but it will still be safe to eat. To minimize browning, you can drizzle a little lime juice over the salad before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the avocado and shrimp will become mushy and watery when thawed. Freezing really changes the texture of the shrimp, and no one wants that!
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze in this recipe (yay for a healthy salad!), you don’t have to worry about that! Just make sure to eat it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my beloved Shrimp Avocado Salad! I truly believe this recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this salad has got you covered. I hope you’ll give it a try and see for yourself why I’m so obsessed! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my other salad recipes. They are equally simple and packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Happy cooking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. I’d love to hear your own variations and additions as well!
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 2 medium Avocados
- 0.5 cup Red Onion finely chopped
- 0.25 cup Cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Let cool slightly.
- Dice avocados and red onion.
- Chop cilantro.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
- Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
