Name: Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed); 2 ripe avocados (diced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional); juice of 2 limes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s fresh, bold, and ready in a flash, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Jumbo shrimp, creamy avocados, juicy tomatoes, and a pop of lime come together in this lively salad that instantly transports you to a sunny day. It’s the very definition of light but satisfying—perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next backyard gathering. One taste of this vibrant dish, and you’ll be hooked!

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad lies in its simple, sun-kissed ingredients. Each component brings its own unique flair, ensuring every bite is a colorful celebration of flavors and textures. Here’s what you need for salad success:

Shrimp (1 pound, cooked, peeled, deveined, tails removed): Tender, juicy shrimp form the heart of this salad, delivering protein and a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with citrus.
Avocados (2 ripe, diced): Creamy avocados balance the salad with richness and add that signature buttery goodness.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursting with juice, cherry tomatoes bring gorgeous color and a refreshing tang.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): A little goes a long way, offering a crunchy bite and sharpness that keeps things interesting.
Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Cilantro adds an unmistakable, lively note that ties all the other flavors together.
Jalapeño (1, seeded and finely chopped, optional): For those who love a touch of heat, jalapeño delivers just the right kick.
Lime Juice (from 2 limes): Bright and tangy, freshly squeezed lime juice is key for that irresistible, zesty finish.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): This rounds out the dressing with a luscious, silky touch.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A little salt enhances all the other flavors in the bowl.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice and depth to every forkful.

How to Make Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Begin by washing and prepping your produce. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion and cilantro, dice your avocados into bite-sized chunks, and, if desired, chop the jalapeño (be sure to remove the seeds for less heat). Get your cooked shrimp ready by patting them dry with a paper towel to keep your salad from getting watery.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

Grab a large salad bowl and gently combine your shrimp, avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Go slow with the avocados—they should stay chunky, not mushy! This base is already gorgeous to look at, bursting with color and texture from every ingredient.

Step 3: Whisk the Zesty Lime Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The key here is to taste as you go—make sure the lime shines through, since it’s the backbone of the Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad flavor profile.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Drizzle that vibrant lime dressing evenly over the salad mix. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated, being extra careful not to mash the avocado. You want every bite to give you the perfect balance of all the stars in this dish.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

You can enjoy Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad right away for the freshest taste, or, if time allows, chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors marry and intensify. Either way, you’re in for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side really elevates the presentation and freshness. For extra visual flair, add a thinly sliced jalapeño or a dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile—pair it with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping, serve it atop crisp lettuce leaves for a light lunch, or tuck it into warm corn tortillas to make incredible shrimp tacos. It also teams beautifully with grilled corn or a creamy rice pilaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad into avocado halves for a gorgeous edible bowl, layer it in individual glasses for a fancy starter, or serve in lettuce cups for a healthy, hand-held option. However you serve it, you can’t go wrong!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to one day in the refrigerator—just be aware that the avocado may slightly brown, though the lime juice helps slow this down.

Freezing

Freezing Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad unfortunately isn’t ideal. The textures of the shrimp and especially the avocado suffer, turning mushy and watery after thawing. For the freshest flavor and vibrant texture, always enjoy this salad chilled, never frozen.

Reheating

This is a no-cook, chilled salad, so there’s no need to reheat. For the best experience, give your leftover salad a gentle toss and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften the flavors before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad?

Absolutely, just make sure to thaw and pat dry before using. Frozen shrimp is a great, convenient choice—just skip any that have added flavorings or preservatives so the fresh lime really shines.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

The lime juice in the salad helps prevent the avocado from turning brown, but for extra protection, toss the diced avocado with a bit of lime juice as soon as you cut it, before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.

Is this salad spicy?

That’s totally up to you! Including jalapeño adds a touch of heat, but leave it out or swap for milder peppers if you aren’t a fan of spice. The great thing about Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is how easy it is to customize.

Can I make Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad ahead of time?

You can prep everything but the avocado and the dressing a few hours ahead. When it’s time to serve, dice your avocado, add the dressing, and toss—it will taste fresh and vibrant, with perfect texture.

What proteins can I swap in besides shrimp?

Feel free to try cooked diced chicken, lump crab meat, or even tofu for a different twist. Just keep the quantities similar and you’ll still capture the spirit of this bright, refreshing dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something quick, light, and bursting with flavor, Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad might just become your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to gather these ingredients and taste how zingy, creamy, and satisfying this dish can be—so fresh, it’s like sunshine in a bowl! Give it a try and let the vibrant flavors whisk you away.

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light main course or a side. The combination of shrimp, creamy avocado, and tangy lime creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Salad:

1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
2 ripe avocados (diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional)

Lime Dressing:

juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño if using.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately as a light main dish or chilled as a side.