Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s light, healthy, and bursting with bright citrus notes. The combination of juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty lime makes it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, or even as a refreshing side for your next BBQ or party. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as per your preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the salad:
- 2 large ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 medium tomato, chopped)
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Season and cook the shrimp:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Prepare the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with fresh lime juice and olive oil. Toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
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Assemble the salad:
- Add the cooked shrimp on top of the avocado salad. Gently toss the salad one more time to combine everything.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
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Serve:
- Garnish with extra cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving for an extra chilled, refreshing dish.
Tips:
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad for an extra kick.
- For extra crunch: You can add some toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled tortilla chips, or even a handful of mixed greens for texture.
- Make it a meal: Serve this salad over a bed of greens, quinoa, or rice to make it more filling. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of black beans or corn on the cob.
This Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory, and it’s super light but satisfying. It’s a great dish for hot days, light lunches, or a healthy dinner. Would you like to explore any variations, like adding mango or making it spicy?