Description
This Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and healthy dish combining succulent shrimp with creamy avocado and crisp vegetables, tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious dinner, this salad blends textures and flavors beautifully for a satisfying and colorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Salad
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (for heat)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If the shrimp is raw, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes. Drain and let cool. If pre-cooked shrimp is used, simply rinse and drain.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the shrimp cools, dice the ripe avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro. If using jalapeño for heat, dice it finely.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled shrimp, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl and serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor. Optionally, garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is fully cooled before mixing with avocado to prevent avocado from browning.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to desired spice level or omit for a milder salad.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh; consuming within a few hours maximizes taste and texture.
- For added crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds if desired.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor in the dressing.
