This bright and fresh shrimp and avocado salad is packed with flavor! Juicy shrimp pair perfectly with creamy avocado and crisp veggies for a delightful dish.
It’s like a party on your plate! I love serving it with a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick. Perfect for sunny days or when you want something light and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use cooked shrimp for convenience. If you want to save time, frozen cooked shrimp works great too! You can also use grilled shrimp for added flavor.
Avocados: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to pressure. For substitutes, try diced mango or even cucumber for a crunchy texture.
Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes add a sweet burst. If they’re out of season, you can use diced bell peppers for color and crunch instead.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a nice herbaceous flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can swap it with parsley, or just leave it out altogether.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice works in a pinch, though it’ll change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Ensure Your Avocado Stays Perfectly Creamy?
When preparing avocados, the key is to be gentle. If you overmix, they can turn mushy. To keep them intact and creamy, slice them just before adding to the bowl.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice while still in the skin.
- Use a spoon to scoop the slices out, placing them directly into the salad bowl.
This way, you maintain beautiful chunks instead of a mushy mix! Enjoy your salad while everything is fresh for the best flavor!
Delicious Shrimp And Avocado Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced or cubed
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple Shrimp and Avocado Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and healthy choice for lunch or as a refreshing appetizer for your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked shrimp, sliced avocados, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently mix these ingredients to make sure they’re well-distributed.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This dressing will add a nice zing to your salad!
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the shrimp and avocado mixture. Carefully toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated in that delicious dressing. Be gentle to avoid mashing the creamy avocado!
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the salad. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the cilantro throughout without breaking the avocado.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve this refreshing salad immediately as a light lunch or starter. It pairs perfectly with some crispy crusty bread or tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch!
Your fresh, vibrant Shrimp and Avocado Salad is ready to be enjoyed—dig in!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Do I Keep Avocados from Browning?
To prevent avocados from browning, try to serve the salad immediately after preparing it. If you need to make it ahead of time, sprinkle some extra lime juice over the avocado pieces before adding them to the salad, as the acidity helps slow down browning.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components separately ahead of time. Keep the shrimp, chopped veggies, and avocado stored separately in airtight containers. Combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, feel free to replace it with fresh parsley for a milder flavor, or omit it altogether. You can also add a bit of fresh dill for a unique twist!
