Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado 🍤🍊🥑
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a light, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines the freshness of citrus with tender shrimp, then the Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad is your perfect choice. This vibrant shrimp salad recipe features juicy citrus segments, creamy avocado, and succulent shrimp, making it an ideal meal for summer lunches or light dinners. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also provides a refreshing twist on traditional salads. Whether you’re following a healthy eating plan or simply love seafood, this dish will impress your taste buds with every bite.
2. Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad
- 1 lb large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 grapefruits, segmented
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Fresh lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese for added flavor
3. How to Make the Perfect Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad
Preparing the Citrus Segments
Begin by peeling and segmenting the grapefruits and oranges, removing any seeds and membranes to ensure a clean, easy-to-eat addition to your salad. Citrus segments add a burst of zesty flavor, perfectly balancing the richness of the avocado and shrimp.
Cooking and Preparing the Shrimp
If your shrimp are raw, cook them in boiling water until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. For pre-cooked shrimp, simply rinse and pat dry. To enhance the flavor, you can toss the shrimp with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice before adding them to the salad.
Assembling the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, citrus segments, red onion slices, and chopped cilantro. Gently add the cooked shrimp and slice the avocado thinly. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lime juice, then toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly.
Final Touches
Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top. Serve immediately for the freshest experience or chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days to ensure freshness, but note that the avocado may brown slightly over time. To minimize browning, you can add a light squeeze of lime over the avocado slices before storing.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp Salad Recipe
This zesty citrus shrimp salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy it as a standalone light meal, or pair it with crusty bread or whole-grain crackers for added texture. For a more filling option, serve alongside roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus. Check out our One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage for a perfect accompaniment.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad
Can I substitute cooked shrimp with other seafood?
Absolutely! You can use crab meat, scallops, or smoked salmon as alternatives. Adjust the preparation method accordingly to suit the seafood choice.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, the salad is naturally low in carbs and rich in healthy fats from the avocado. It makes an excellent keto-friendly meal.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation time is approximately 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for busy days.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Perfect for slicing and preparing your vegetables and fruit with ease, saving time and effort.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep your citrus segments fresh and cold during summer gatherings with this efficient appliance.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – For perfectly crispy shrimp or additional roasted veggies to serve alongside your salad.
8. Enhancing Your Salad Experience
For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or even a drizzle of honey-mustard dressing. Customize your shrimp salad recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences. Explore our Million Dollar Chicken Rice casserole for hearty side dish ideas to complement your meal.
9. Conclusion
The Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and delicious dish perfect for seafood lovers and citrus fans alike. Its refreshing flavors and straightforward preparation make it an ideal choice for quick lunches or impressive dinner parties. Incorporate this shrimp salad recipe into your weekly menu and enjoy the harmonious blend of zesty citrus, creamy avocado, and tender shrimp. Happy cooking!
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Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado
Enjoy a fresh and flavorful Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado, a healthy seafood dish packed with vibrant citrus segments, tender shrimp, and creamy avocado. Perfect for summer lunches or light dinners, this easy-to-make salad combines zesty citrus flavors with nutritious ingredients for a satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 grapefruits, segmented
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Fresh lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese for added flavor
Instructions
- Peel and segment the grapefruits and oranges, removing seeds and membranes to prepare citrus segments.
- If using raw shrimp, cook in boiling water until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. For pre-cooked shrimp, rinse and pat dry. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, citrus segments, red onion slices, and chopped cilantro.
- Add the cooked shrimp and sliced avocado to the bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lime juice. Gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optional: sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator up to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare citrus segments just before assembling the salad to prevent them from drying out.
- To minimize avocado browning, add a light squeeze of lime over slices before storing leftovers.
- This salad pairs well with crusty bread or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook, Fresh
- Cuisine: Healthy Seafood
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Paleo, Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg