ZESTY SHRIMP AND AVOCADO SALAD
This zesty shrimp and avocado salad is a light, refreshing dish bursting with vibrant flavours and textures. Succulent shrimp are paired with creamy avocado and crisp cucumber, then tossed with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice for a tangy finish. This simple yet flavourful salad is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious lunch, appetiser, or light dinner. The combination of citrus and fresh herbs enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while balancing the richness of the avocado. With no cooking required, it’s perfect for busy days when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, serving it over greens, or pairing it with a side of whole-grain toast, this salad is a delicious and versatile option for any occasion.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Salad, Lunch, Dinner, Appetisers
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mexican, Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, Prepared in Advance
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Picnic, Family Reunion, Backyard BBQ, Potluck
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Carb, Quick & Easy, Gluten-Free, Low Sodium, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
The following are the ingredients we need to prepare the shrimp and avocado salad.
- 100g cooked shrimp
- ¼ avocado, diced
- ¼ cucumber, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fibre: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Shrimp: If the shrimp are not pre-cooked, steam or boil them for 2-3 minutes, then let them cool completely before use.
- Chop The Vegetables: Dice the avocado into small cubes and chop the cucumber into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- Mix The Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced avocado and chopped cucumber.
- Add The Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the mixture to enhance the flavour.
- Dress The Salad: Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently Toss: Mix all the ingredients lightly to avoid mashing the avocado while ensuring an even distribution of flavours.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh or chill for 10-15 minutes before serving for a more refreshing taste.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
0 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for you when making this shrimp and avocado salad.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will enhance the flavour and texture of the salad. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before mixing.
- Prevent Avocado From Browning: Toss the avocado in a little extra lime juice before adding it to the salad to keep it fresh-looking.
- Chill For Better Flavour: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes after mixing to allow the flavours to meld together.
- Adjust The Lime Juice: Add more lime juice if you prefer a tangier taste or want to brighten up the dish further.
- Customise The Seasoning: Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or chilli flakes for an extra layer of flavour.
- Pair With Greens: Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or lettuce for added volume and nutrients.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Shrimp Salad: Add ¼ teaspoon of chilli flakes or finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Avocado Dressing: Mash some avocado with Greek yoghurt and lime juice to create a creamy dressing.
- Mediterranean Twist: Mix in crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavour.
- Tropical Fusion: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Protein-Packed Option: Increase the shrimp quantity or add cooked quinoa for more protein and texture.
- Garlic-Lime Infusion: Toss the shrimp in minced garlic and olive oil before mixing for an extra punch of flavour.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Since avocado browns quickly, add a bit more lime juice to help preserve freshness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of avocado and cucumber changes after thawing.
- Make-Ahead Tip: If preparing in advance, mix all ingredients except the avocado, then add it just before serving to maintain its texture and colour.