Description
Mediterranean-inspired quick cold shrimp & avocado salad brings zesty coastal flavors to your summer table. Fresh ingredients and simple dressing create a light, protein-packed meal you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Produce:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 red onion
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper
Pantry & Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the shrimp’s flavor.
- Carefully drop the peeled and deveined shrimp into the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Immediately drain the shrimp and transfer to an ice bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their tender texture.
- Finely mince the garlic, jalapeño, and red onion, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
- Chop the cilantro leaves, removing any tough stems.
- Halve the avocados, remove the pit, and dice into uniform cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper to create a zesty dressing.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cooled shrimp to add brightness and prevent discoloration.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the shrimp, diced avocados, minced onion, garlic, and jalapeño.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss delicately to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal finish.
- Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Prevent Overcooking: Remove shrimp from boiling water precisely when they turn pink to maintain a succulent, tender texture without becoming rubbery.
- Customize Heat Level: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
- Keep Avocados Fresh: Add lime juice immediately after dicing to prevent browning and enhance the salad’s vibrant green color.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg