Imagine a dish that captures the essence of a perfect summer day—vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor. This Shrimp Avocado Summer Salad is not just a meal; it's a tropical vacation on your plate! With succulent shrimp, creamy avocados, and a zesty lime dressing, this Mexican-inspired recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and cool you down in the most delicious way possible. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a light, nutritious lunch, this salad is about to become your new seasonal obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss these ingredients together to avoid mashing the avocados.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by squeezing the juice of two limes. Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the heat and let them cool slightly. Then, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the avocado and tomato mixture. Drizzle the lime dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If desired, you can add more lime juice for extra tanginess.
- Serve the Shrimp Avocado Summer Salad immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time if needed.
Tips
- Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and ensure they're completely deveined for the best texture and taste.
- Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly! Watch for that perfect pink color and opaque appearance to prevent rubbery texture.
- Keep Avocados Fresh: Dice avocados just before mixing to prevent browning and maintain their creamy texture.
- Lime Dressing Hack: For an extra flavor punch, zest your limes before juicing to intensify the citrus notes.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add diced jalapeños for heat or swap cilantro with fresh parsley if preferred.
- Chill Factor: For the most refreshing experience, serve the salad immediately or keep ingredients separately and combine just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 257kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg