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Shrimp and Avocado Salad - Fresh, Fast, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • Avocados: 2 ripe but firm
  • Greens: 4 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine
  • Cucumber: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Red onion: 1/4 small, very thinly sliced
  • Cilantro or parsley: small handful, chopped
  • Olive oil: extra-virgin
  • Lime: 1 (zest and juice)
  • Lemon: 1 (juice)
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: a pinch (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Optional extras: 1 small ripe mango (diced), radishes (sliced), feta or cotija, pumpkin seeds

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, the cumin, and red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove to a plate to cool slightly.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons olive oil with the lime zest, lime juice, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust acid, sweetness, and salt.
  4. Prep the vegetables: Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop cilantro or parsley.
  5. Cut the avocados: Halve, pit, and dice the avocados just before assembling to prevent browning. Gently toss with a teaspoon of the dressing to coat.
  6. Build the base: Add greens to a large bowl. Drizzle with a tablespoon of dressing and toss to lightly coat so the leaves don’t feel dry.
  7. Layer the good stuff: Add cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, herbs, and avocado. If using mango, radishes, cheese, or seeds, add them now.
  8. Add the shrimp: Place the warm (not hot) shrimp on top. Warm shrimp help release aroma and slightly soften the avocado without wilting the greens.
  9. Dress and toss: Drizzle on more dressing a little at a time, gently tossing to avoid smashing the avocado. You may not need it all.
  10. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid. Serve right away with extra lime wedges if you like.