Fresh • Zesty • Easy • High-Protein
Ingredients
For the Salad
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 small red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped — optional
2 tbsp feta cheese — optional
For the Shrimp
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder — optional
For the Lime Dressing
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Lime wedges
Extra black pepper
Red pepper flakes — optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl and toss with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Remove from the heat and let them cool for several minutes.
3. Make the Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Lime juice
Olive oil
Honey
Dijon mustard
Garlic
Salt
Black pepper
Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Prepare the Vegetables
In a large salad bowl, add the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cilantro or parsley, and optional jalapeño.
5. Add the Shrimp
Add the cooled shrimp to the salad.
Pour the lime dressing over everything.
6. Toss Gently
Using a large spoon or salad servers, gently toss the salad until the ingredients are evenly coated.
Be careful not to mash the avocado.
7. Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with optional feta cheese, fresh herbs, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.
Recipe Tips
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They should be opaque and firm but still tender.
Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape when tossed.
For extra freshness, add a little extra lime juice just before serving.
Add cucumber shortly before serving for maximum crunch.
If preparing ahead, keep the avocado separate and add it just before serving.
For a creamier version, add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt to the dressing.
Optional Variations
More spicy: Add extra jalapeño or chili flakes.
Mediterranean style: Add feta, olives, and a little oregano.
More filling: Serve over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or a bed of greens.
Creamy lime version: Mix 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt into the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as:
A light lunch
A quick dinner
A side dish
A meal-prep salad
A filling for lettuce cups or wraps
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 4 servings and excluding optional feta:
Calories: ~390
Protein: ~30 g
Carbohydrates: ~13 g
Fat: ~25 g
Fiber: ~6 g
Nutrition is an estimate and varies depending on ingredient brands, avocado size, and portion size.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely, drain well, and pat dry before seasoning.
Q: Can I use cooked shrimp?
Yes. Skip the cooking step and simply season the cooked shrimp lightly before adding them to the salad.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the avocado and dressing separate until shortly before serving.
Q: How long does it keep?
For best quality, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within about 1 day, especially because of the avocado and shrimp.
Q: Can I replace lime with lemon?
Yes. Fresh lemon juice works very well.
Q: What can I use instead of cilantro?
Fresh parsley is an easy substitute.
Q: Can I make it without feta?
Absolutely. The salad is delicious without cheese.
Q: Is this salad spicy?
Not necessarily. The jalapeño and chili powder are optional, so you can adjust the heat to your preference.
Quick Summary
Juicy garlic-spiced shrimp + creamy avocado + crisp cucumber + juicy tomatoes + fresh herbs + tangy lime dressing = a bright, refreshing salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.Fresh • Zesty • Easy • High-Protein