Fresh Shrimp Avocado Salad

This shrimp avocado salad is perfect for light dinners or quick lunches when you want something fresh and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. It balances creamy avocado with bright lime and juicy shrimp for a dish that feels both indulgent and healthy.

This became a favorite the first time I whipped it up on a warm afternoon when I was craving something bright but filling. It’s now a go-to that never feels repetitive.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined to ensure quick cooking and easy eating, pick fresh or frozen from a trustworthy source for best flavor
• Ripe avocados: diced for creamy richness, choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not mushy
• Cherry tomatoes: halved to add bursts of juiciness and color, opt for firm tomatoes for texture
• Red onion: finely chopped to bring sharpness and crunch, select a fresh onion without sprouting or soft spots
• Fresh cilantro: chopped for a lively herbaceous note, best when vibrant green and fragrant
• Lime: juiced to provide a bright citrus zing, pick limes heavy for their size as they tend to be juicier
• Olive oil: for a smooth dressing base, choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Salt and pepper: to enhance all flavors without overpowering, use freshly ground pepper if possible
• Jalapeño: finely chopped optional for a spicy kick, adjust amount according to heat preference

Instructions

Build The Cooked Shrimp:

Bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt to season from within. Add shrimp carefully and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they are pink and opaque. This quick cooking preserves tenderness. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool fully to avoid warming the rest of the salad.

Prepare The Fresh Vegetables:

In a large bowl combine diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. The mix of textures is key here so keep the pieces bite-sized.

Create The Dressing:

In a small bowl whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and jalapeño if using. The acidity from the lime really wakes up the salad and the olive oil smooths the edges.

Combine And Toss Gently:

Add cooled shrimp to the bowl with vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over everything and toss very gently to coat and combine without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately for best texture or chill for up to 30 minutes if you prefer it cold.

Cilantro is my secret weapon for the freshness in this salad. I remember making this for a summer picnic and everyone kept going back for seconds because the flavors felt so lively and fresh.

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 24 hours as avocado browns quickly. Adding extra lime juice before storing can help slow browning. Always give it a gentle toss before serving again.

Ingredient swaps

Shrimp can be replaced with cooked chicken breast or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If cilantro is not your favorite use fresh basil or parsley for a different herbal note. You can swap lime juice with lemon juice but lime gives a more distinctive tang.

Serving ideas

Serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens or with toasted crusty bread on the side. It also works well wrapped in a tortilla or spooned over quinoa or rice bowls for a light meal.

This shrimp avocado salad strikes the perfect balance between fresh flavors and creamy textures, making it a quick and delightful meal anytime.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I cook the shrimp perfectly for this salad?

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the shrimp, and cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients and refrigerate the salad for up to 30 minutes before serving to enjoy it chilled without losing freshness.

→ What if I prefer a spicier version?

Add finely chopped jalapeño to the dressing for a gentle heat that complements the creamy avocado and bright lime flavors.

→ How should I toss the salad to avoid mashing the avocado?

Gently fold the ingredients together using a large spoon or spatula to combine while preserving the avocado’s creamy chunks.

→ What are good substitutes for fresh cilantro in this salad?

If you don’t enjoy cilantro, fresh parsley or basil can offer a fresh herbaceous note without overpowering other flavors.