Vibrant Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad Recipe

Zesty Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad Recipe For Summer Feasts

Fresh shrimp dance with a zesty vibrant avocado salsa salad that bursts with color and flavor.

Each bite promises a tropical escape from mundane meals.

Succulent prawns intertwine with creamy avocado chunks, creating a delightful coastal-inspired dish.

Bright lime juice and cilantro add a tangy Mediterranean twist to this light protein-packed creation.

Crisp vegetables provide a satisfying crunch that complements the tender seafood.

Summer feels closer with this refreshing combination of ingredients that sing with brightness.

Pack this salad for a quick lunch or serve as an elegant starter that will impress any guest.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

For Protein:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings tender texture and oceanic flavor, choose wild-caught or fresh frozen for best taste and sustainability.
  • Cumin: Warm spice that adds earthy depth to shrimp marinade, look for whole seeds or ground version from recent harvest.
  • Chili Powder: Delivers subtle heat and vibrant color, select high-quality blend for balanced flavor profile.
For Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Mixed Greens: Crisp base providing nutritional foundation, select seasonal mix for maximum freshness and variety.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweet acidity, choose ripe, firm tomatoes with bright color.
  • Red Onion: Sharp ingredient adding zesty crunch, pick firm onions with tight, glossy skin.
  • Cucumber: Light, refreshing element that provides cool contrast, select firm specimens without soft spots.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetable offering sweet crunch, choose peppers with vibrant, smooth skin.
  • Cilantro: Bright herb bringing fresh, citrusy notes, select leaves with deep green color and no wilting.
  • Jalapeno: Optional spicy kick, choose peppers with smooth, glossy exterior for maximum heat.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base for marinades and dressings, select extra virgin for best flavor.
  • Lime Juice: Tangy citrus that brightens entire dish, choose fresh limes with smooth, heavy feel.
  • Garlic Powder: Concentrated flavor booster, select high-quality version without clumping.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning components, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

Tools To Toss Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad Fresh

  • Grill Pan or Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp evenly and creating a nice sear.
  • Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for preparing the avocado salsa and tossing ingredients gently.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and herbs with ease.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
  • Serving Bowls: Great for assembling and presenting the final salad.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling shrimp while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately portioning spices and oils.

Steps To Make Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad Fast

  • Spice and Sear Shrimp

Grab your shrimp and coat them with a zesty blend of spices. Fire up a grill pan or skillet and cook those babies until they turn a beautiful pink and look perfectly opaque.

  • Create Vibrant Avocado Mixture

Chop and toss fresh avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and bright cilantro into a bowl. Add a kick of jalapeno if you’re feeling adventurous. Gently mix everything to keep the avocado chunks intact.

  • Build Your Colorful Salad

Layer mixed greens onto plates. Sprinkle in crunchy cucumbers and sweet bell peppers. Generously top with your spicy shrimp and freshly made avocado salsa.

  • Final Touch and Enjoy

Splash some extra lime juice over the top for a tangy finish. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of this vibrant summer dish.

Flavor Boosts For Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

  • Quick Cooking Shortcuts: Quickly pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help spices stick better and ensure crispy exterior.
  • Clean Prep Trick: Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time without sacrificing flavor, simply toss with spices and warm briefly.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace mixed greens with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version of the salad.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas seasoned with the same spice blend for plant-based protein.
  • Heat Level Control: Remove jalapeno seeds to reduce spiciness or add extra for more kick, adjusting to personal spice tolerance.

Serve Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad Bright And Zesty

  • Beach Picnic Platter: Create a vibrant spread by arranging the salad on a large wooden board with extra lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for a stunning presentation.
  • Taco Night Twist: Serve the shrimp and avocado salsa in warm tortillas as a fresh alternative to traditional taco fillings, adding a zesty and light meal option.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Transform the salad into a hearty grain bowl by adding quinoa or brown rice underneath, making it a more substantial and nutritious meal that keeps you full longer.
  • Appetizer Party Style: Serve small portions in individual shot glasses or mini mason jars for a cute and elegant appetizer at summer gatherings, perfect for cocktail parties or potlucks.

Store Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad The Fresh Way

  • Quick Chill & Keep Fresh: Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum taste and texture preservation.
  • Shrimp Storage Smarts: Cooked shrimp stays good for 3-4 days when sealed tightly in the fridge. Keep away from other strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor.
  • Avocado Salsa Survival: Prepare salsa just before serving to prevent browning. If storing, place plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize air exposure and slow oxidation.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Grill shrimp and chop vegetables in advance for quick assembly. Keep greens crisp by storing them in a moisture-absorbing container with a paper towel to reduce wetness.
Print
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Vibrant Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad Recipe

Vibrant Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired avocado salsa shrimp salad brings coastal flavors to your plate with zesty lime and fresh herbs. Crisp ingredients and succulent shrimp combine for a light, refreshing meal that will satisfy your craving for something delicious.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (118 ml) cucumber, sliced
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 whole lime

Instructions

  1. Marination: Immerse seafood in a robust spice blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and lime juice, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and infused with bold flavors.
  2. Searing: Heat grill pan to medium-high temperature, carefully cooking shrimp until they transition to a vivid pink hue and develop a perfectly opaque texture, releasing tantalizing aromas.
  3. Salsa Preparation: Delicately combine creamy avocado chunks with cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and optional jalapeño, gently folding ingredients to preserve individual textures and allow flavor melding.
  4. Salad Assembly: Create a lush foundation of mixed greens, strategically layering cucumber and bell peppers, then artfully positioning grilled shrimp on top to showcase the dish’s vibrant composition.
  5. Finishing Touch: Elevate the culinary experience by drizzling lime juice or olive oil over the assembled salad, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding a refreshing brightness to the dish.

Notes

  • Spice Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality spices to guarantee maximum flavor intensity and avoid bland seasoning.
  • Perfect Shrimp Cooking Technique: Watch carefully while grilling – overcooking transforms tender shrimp into rubbery texture; aim for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly curled.
  • Avocado Freshness Control: Cut avocados immediately before serving to prevent browning; add a squeeze of lime juice to maintain bright green color and prevent oxidation.
  • Temperature Balance Strategy: Let grilled shrimp cool for 2-3 minutes before adding to salad to prevent wilting delicate greens and maintain crisp vegetable texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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