Shrimp Avocado Citrus Salad (Printable version)
Succulent shrimp meets creamy avocado in this vibrant salad with crisp vegetables and zesty citrus dressing.
# List of ingredients:
→ Seafood
01 - 14 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Vegetables & Fruit
02 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
03 - 5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 3.5 oz cucumber, diced
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 2 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach
→ Fresh Herbs
07 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
08 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Juice of 1 lime
10 - 1 tsp honey
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional
14 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced
# Directions:
01 - Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and become opaque throughout. Drain immediately and transfer to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently fold in the diced avocado and cooled shrimp, taking care not to crush the avocado pieces.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. If desired, add the sliced jalapeño for an extra kick of heat.
05 - Plate the salad immediately while the ingredients are fresh. Garnish with additional herbs if desired and serve alongside your choice of accompaniment.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under thirty minutes and looks like something from a coastal restaurant.
- The lime honey dressing balances richness and brightness so well that even people who skip salad ask for seconds.
02 -
- Avocado browns quickly once cut, so dice it last and hit it with a squeeze of lime right away to slow the oxidation.
- Shrimp overcook in seconds and turn rubbery, which is why the ice bath step is nonnegotiable.
03 -
- Grill the shrimp with a pinch of chili powder instead of boiling them when you want smoky depth without any extra effort.
- Slice the avocado in the peel with a butter knife and scoop it out with a spoon for the neatest cubes.