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Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad packed with plump shrimp, creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, and red onion, all tossed in a zesty cilantro-lime dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
chill time (optional) 30 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 plate
Course: Appetizer, Light Main, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Summer
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 1 lb large shrimp approx. 21-25 count; peeled, deveined, pre-cooked
  • 2 large ripe avocados diced (ripe but firm)
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved or quartered
  • 1/2 large red onion finely diced
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped (approx. 1/2 cup, packed)
  • fresh lime wedges for serving
Zesty Lime Dressing
  • 2-3 medium fresh limes for juice & zest
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey or agave nectar optional, to balance acidity
  • 1/2 tsp salt preferably flaky, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl or measuring cup
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Medium pot (if cooking raw shrimp)

Method
 

  1. Thaw pre-cooked shrimp if necessary. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. (If using raw shrimp, poach in salted water for 2-3 minutes, plunge into an ice bath to cool, then peel, devein, and pat dry).
  2. On a large cutting board, finely dice the red onion, halved or quarter cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh cilantro. Do not dice the avocados yet.
  3. Place the dried shrimp, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro into a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the fresh lime juice, lime zest, extra virgin olive oil, and the optional honey or agave until the dressing is emulsified.
  5. Add the salt and black pepper to the dressing and whisk again.
  6. Dice the avocados just before assembling the salad to prevent browning. Add the diced avocado to the large bowl with the other ingredients.
  7. Drizzle the entire amount of the lime cilantro dressing over the salad in the large bowl.
  8. Using large salad spoons or a gentle hand, fold the ingredients together gently until coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado.
  9. For the best flavor development, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve garnished with an extra sprig of cilantro and a lime wedge. Serve alongside tortilla chips, over lettuce wraps, or as is.

Notes

Using pre-cooked shrimp makes this recipe extremely fast. The acidity of the lime slows the avocado browning, but do not assemble more than 4-6 hours in advance. Patting the shrimp dry is crucial for the dressing to adhere.