Zesty Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad Recipe For Summer

Fresh summer days call for a light, zesty shrimp avocado and spinach salad that bursts with flavor and color.

Crisp spinach leaves dance with succulent shrimp, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Creamy avocado chunks add richness and depth to this refreshing dish.

Bright citrus notes weave through the ingredients, awakening every bite with tangy excitement.

Each forkful promises a nutritious and delightful meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Loaded with protein and vibrant greens, this salad transforms a simple lunch into a gourmet experience.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this stunning culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad Ingredients

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a light, protein-packed punch with a sweet ocean flavor, choose fresh or frozen shrimp with firm, translucent appearance.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy Mediterranean cheese that brings creamy texture and zesty depth to the salad, opt for authentic Greek-style crumbled feta.

• Spinach: Nutrient-dense leafy green with delicate texture, select crisp, vibrant leaves without wilting or discoloration.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst of juicy sweetness that adds bright color, pick firm, glossy tomatoes with deep red hue.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable providing a spicy crunch, choose firm onions with tight, shiny skin.
• Avocado: Creamy, buttery fruit that adds luxurious richness, select slightly soft avocados with dark green skin.

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy base for dressing with smooth, fruity undertones, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy acid that balances and lifts the entire dish, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zest.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that emulsifies dressing and adds complex flavor, select smooth, sharp variety.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out dressing's profile, choose raw, local honey for best quality.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, pungent notes, select fresh, firm cloves.
• Toasted Almonds: Crunchy garnish that adds nutty complexity, toast briefly to enhance natural oils.
• Salt and Black Pepper.

Tools Needed For Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Skillet: Essential for perfectly cooking shrimp with a nice sear.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the tangy dressing.
• Large bowl: Needed for mixing salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice avocado, onion, and other salad components.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and dressing ingredients.

How To Put Together Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Spice and Sear Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a vibrant pink and look perfectly opaque. Set aside to cool slightly.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk energetically until the ingredients blend into a smooth, tangy mixture.

• Build Colorful Salad Base

Layer fresh spinach leaves in a large bowl. Scatter cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and creamy avocado chunks across the greens. Arrange the seared shrimp on top for a beautiful presentation.

• Finish and Feast

Drizzle the vibrant dressing over the salad. Gently toss to ensure every ingredient gets coated. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately and savor the explosion of flavors.

Tips For Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Shrimp Sizzle Secret: Marinate shrimp in lemon and herbs for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap feta cheese with nutritional yeast or omit cheese completely for a vegan-friendly version of the salad.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for alternative protein options that work beautifully in this recipe.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare dressing and chop vegetables in advance; cook shrimp just before serving to keep salad crisp and fresh.
• Low-Carb Twist: Skip honey in dressing and use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

How To Serve Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Coastal Brunch Delight: Pair this vibrant salad with crispy toasted sourdough bread for a complete meal that feels like a seaside breakfast.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Serve small portions in elegant shot glasses or mini martini glasses for a chic and sophisticated cocktail party starter.
• Protein Power Plate: Add quinoa or brown rice on the side to create a more substantial meal with extra protein and wholesome grains that complement the shrimp and spinach.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that matches the bright citrus notes of the lemon-garlic dressing and enhances the fresh seafood flavors.

Storing Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad Right

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store shrimp and salad components separately to maintain crisp textures. Use airtight containers and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
• Dressing Separation Technique: Keep homemade dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use to recombine ingredients.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop avocados and add lemon juice to prevent browning. Cut vegetables just before serving to retain maximum crunch and nutritional value.
• Temperature Control Tip: Chill cooked shrimp quickly by spreading on a plate and refrigerating. Avoid leaving seafood at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Vibrant Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Refreshing shrimp avocado and spinach salad delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with zesty lime dressing. Crisp ingredients and balanced textures create a nutritious meal perfect for summer dining.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 5 cups baby spinach, fresh
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• ½ cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 g) feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup (30 g) toasted almonds or walnuts
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Season and Sear Shrimp: Generously coat shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp until they turn bright pink and become fully opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Prepare Zesty Dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smoothly integrated.
3. Compose Salad Foundation: Layer spinach leaves in a large bowl, then artfully distribute halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and avocado chunks across the verdant base.
4. Assemble and Enhance: Position seared shrimp strategically over the vegetable landscape, then garnish with crumbled feta cheese and toasted almond slivers to elevate texture and flavor profile.
5. Final Touch: Delicately drizzle lemon-garlic dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure uniform coating without compromising the ingredients’ integrity. Serve immediately to capture the salad’s peak freshness and crisp character.

Notes

• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch carefully during searing to avoid rubbery texture; shrimp cook quickly and turn opaque pink within 2-3 minutes per side.
• Boost Dressing Flavor: Allow dressing ingredients to sit for 5-10 minutes before whisking to help garlic and lemon meld, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Maintain Avocado Freshness: Cut avocado just before serving to prevent browning; sprinkle with lemon juice to preserve bright green color and prevent oxidation.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for vegan version; use gluten-free mustard for gluten-sensitive individuals; replace honey with maple syrup for plant-based option.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg