Imagine a dish that combines the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked shrimp with a burst of citrusy brightness and a tantalizing kick of heat. This Spicy Lemon Shrimp Salad is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary lunch or dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both refreshing and incredibly satisfying, proving that gourmet cooking can be quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the juice of 2 lemons, 4 cups of mixed greens, 1 sliced avocado, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated in the marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the salad base. In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens and sliced avocado. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated 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 the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp cool for a minute.
- Top the mixed greens and avocado with the cooked shrimp, ensuring an even distribution. You can drizzle any remaining marinade from the skillet over the salad for added flavor.
- Finally, season the salad with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve the Spicy Lemon Shrimp Salad immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your fresh and zesty dish!
Tips
- Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm, have a mild ocean smell, and are uniformly colored.
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10 minutes allow the shrimp to absorb the garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes, intensifying the overall flavor profile.
- Heat Control: When cooking shrimp, medium-high heat is crucial. Too low, and they'll become soggy; too high, and they'll become tough. Watch for the pink and opaque color as your doneness indicator.
- Avocado Timing: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its creamy texture.
- Customize Your Kick: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you're feeling adventurous!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
