This Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad is refreshing and full of flavor! Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and vibrant salsa come together for a delightful meal that’s perfect for sunny days.
I love tossing this salad together in no time. It’s not just tasty; it’s also a colorful dish that impresses guests, even if you made it in five minutes! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp create a lovely texture. If you prefer, use large shrimp or even cooked shrimp to save time. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead!
Avocados: Ripe avocados offer a creamy richness. If they’re not available, you can substitute with diced mango for a sweet twist, or even omit it for fewer calories.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add juiciness. If they’re out of season, use canned diced tomatoes (drained) instead. Roma or cherry tomatoes work great for added sweetness.
Jalapeño: The jalapeño gives a nice kick. Adjust to your liking, or substitute with red pepper flakes or a milder pepper like bell pepper for less heat.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro boosts the flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute, or skip it altogether to keep it simple.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp seems daunting but is quite straightforward. The key is to avoid overcooking as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet. Heating the oil before adding shrimp allows for even cooking.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color and curled shape as signs of doneness.
- Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they turn opaque. Carryover heat will continue cooking them slightly.
Letting them cool for a bit before adding to the salad helps keep the avocados from browning too quickly. Enjoy your shrimp salad!
Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, halved (juice and wedges for garnish)
- For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder or paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 10 minutes for prep and another 5-7 minutes to cook the shrimp. So, in under 20 minutes, you can have this fresh and flavorful dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle them with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Salsa Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the diced avocados, tomatoes, finely chopped onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. These fresh ingredients will create a vibrant base for your salad.
3. Add Lime Juice:
Now it’s time to add some zing! Squeeze half of the lime juice over the avocado salsa mixture. Gently toss everything together with a spoon so that the flavors can mix beautifully.
4. Combine with Shrimp:
Place the cooked shrimp on top of the avocado salsa mixture. This way, everyone can see the colorful shrimp topping off your salad!
5. Garnish and Serve:
For a final touch, garnish the salad with the remaining half lime, cut into wedges, or simply serve it beside the salad for anyone who wants a bit more lime flavor. You can serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or chill it in the fridge if you prefer it cold.
Enjoy Your Salad!
This Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad is a delightful combination of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors that will brighten up your meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp For This Salad?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker results. Once thawed, proceed with the cooking instructions as usual.
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you’re looking for extra heat, consider adding diced serrano peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to the avocado salsa. You can also increase the amount of jalapeño or sprinkle additional chili powder on the shrimp before cooking!
What Should I Do If I Have Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado from browning, try to consume it as soon as possible. When ready to eat, gently toss the salad again to redistribute the flavors before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa ingredients and cook the shrimp a few hours in advance; just keep them separated until serving. Mix them right before serving to maintain the freshness of the avocados and the will vibrant look of the salad!
