Light & Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad with Avocado 🥗🦐🍋
1. Introduction
Welcome to a burst of fresh flavors with this Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad. Packed with succulent shrimp, creamy avocados, and zesty lime, this dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just craving a vibrant salad, this recipe combines the best of citrusy tang and savory ingredients to satisfy every craving.
2. Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red onion, diced for extra zest
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Zesty Shrimp Salad
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by seasoning the shrimp with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.
Making the Lime-Cilantro Dressing
In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well to create an aromatic and zesty dressing.
Assembling the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked shrimp, diced avocados, and red onion (if using). Pour over the lime-cilantro dressing and toss again to evenly coat all ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for an added burst of flavor. This fresh and zesty shrimp salad pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices or as a filling for lettuce wraps.
4. Storage Tips for Your Shrimp Salad with Avocado
To keep this shrimp salad with avocado fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze a little extra lime juice over the salad before storing. For longer storage, consider keeping the avocado separate until serving.
5. Delicious Serving Ideas for Zesty Shrimp Salad
This light and healthy Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad is perfect as a standalone meal or can be served as a topping for grain bowls, tacos, or over a bed of leafy greens. For a complete lunch, pair it with a side of healthy lunch options like quinoa or mixed greens.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad
Can I substitute the shrimp with other proteins?
Absolutely! This salad works well with grilled chicken, tofu, or even scallops for a different protein twist.
What are some dietary tips for this recipe?
To make this dish dairy-free or vegan, omit the shrimp and add more vegetables or tofu. Use olive oil for a healthier fat option, and opt for organic cilantro and lime for added health benefits.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation time is approximately 15-20 minutes, making it an excellent quick meal or lunch recipe.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Perfect for quickly chilling beverages to complement your meal or prep ingredients efficiently.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — This versatile veggie chopper makes dicing avocados and vegetables effortless, saving you time.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Quality cookware ensures your shrimp cooks evenly and safely, elevating your cooking experience.
8. Additional Resources for Perfecting Your Shrimp Salad
If you love exploring more seafood dishes, check out our Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado for a variation on this recipe. For other quick lunch recipes, browse our lunch recipe collection.
9. Conclusion
This Light & Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad with Avocado is a celebration of fresh, healthy ingredients packed into one flavorful dish. Perfect for hot summer days or when you want a guilt-free yet satisfying meal, this shrimp salad with avocado will surely become a weekly favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the vibrant taste of citrus and cilantro in every bite!
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Light & Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad with Avocado
Enjoy a fresh and vibrant Light & Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad with Avocado, a healthy and flavorful seafood salad perfect for summer lunches or light dinners. Packed with succulent shrimp, creamy avocados, and zesty lime, this dish is a delightful combination of citrusy and savory flavors that energize your palate.
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red onion, diced for extra zest
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the shrimp with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well to create a zesty dressing.
- In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked shrimp, diced avocados, and red onion (if using). Pour over the lime-cilantro dressing and toss again to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Pair with toasted baguette slices or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.
Notes
- To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze extra lime juice over the salad before storing.
- For longer storage, keep the avocado separate until serving to maintain freshness.
- This salad can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake (for dressing assembly)
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, Seafood
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg