Description
This Cold Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a quick and healthy no-cook dish perfect for warm days or light meals. Combining tender cooked shrimp with creamy avocado, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime-olive oil dressing, it offers vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Enhanced with cilantro and optional cucumber or jalapeño for extra freshness and a hint of spice, this salad is refreshing, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (optional)
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked shrimp, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and diced cucumber if using. Gently mix to combine the ingredients without mashing the avocado.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well blended to create a flavorful dressing.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the shrimp and avocado mixture. Carefully toss all the ingredients to evenly coat them with the dressing, ensuring the avocado remains intact.
- Add Cilantro: Add the fresh chopped cilantro to the salad and give it a light toss for an added burst of color and flavor.
- Chill: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and serve it cold.
- Serve: Serve the salad on its own or over a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for an attractive presentation and added crunch.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a small diced jalapeño or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing or salad.
- Serve immediately after tossing to prevent the avocado from browning and maintain its fresh appearance.
- You can customize the salad by adding other fresh vegetables like diced bell peppers or radishes.
