Shrimp Avocado Salad

A refreshing, zesty shrimp avocado salad ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a light lunch. Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a tangy lime dressing make this dish irresistible.

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Got 15 mins? That’s all u need to make this amazing shrimp avocado salad that’ll become ur new fav. Seriously, this combo is a game-changer – juicy shrimp + creamy avocado + zesty dressing = pure magic in ur mouth.

Made this for a BBQ last weekend and ppl couldn’t stop asking for the recipe. The cool thing about this shrimp avocado salad is how it works for basically any occasion – quick lunch, fancy dinner starter, or potluck showstopper.

Why You’ll Totally Love This Shrimp Avocado Salad

Ever tried making something fancy but it took forever? Not this shrimp avocado salad! Ready in minutes but tastes like u spent hours.

First time I made this was for my mom’s bday. Was super nervous cuz she’s picky about seafood. But when she went for seconds, I knew I had a winner! The thing that makes this special is how versatile it is – eat it as is, stuff it in a wrap, or pile it on toast.

What’s great is u can prep most of it ahead of time and just toss it together right b4 eating. Perfect for busy days when u want something that feels special without the hassle.

What You’ll Need for the Best Shrimp Avocado Salad

For the Salad:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen works fine if u thaw it)
• 2 ripe avocados (they should give slightly when pressed)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (any color works)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, diced (English cucumbers r best but regular ones work too)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (leave it out if ur not a fan)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional if u don’t like heat)

The shrimp’s the star here – if u can get fresh ones, awesome, but honestly good quality frozen shrimp work just as well. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

For avocados, u want them ripe but not mushy. If they’re too hard, leave them on the counter for a day or two.

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin gives the best flavor)
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

U can totally play around with the dressing. Sometimes I add a splash of orange juice for sweetness or a bit of Dijon mustard for extra zing.

How to Make Your Shrimp Avocado Salad

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add 1 tbsp oil and let it get hot (should shimmer a little)
3. Toss shrimp with salt and pepper
4. Add shrimp to pan in single layer (don’t crowd them)
5. Cook about 2 mins on each side until they turn pink and curl up
6. Remove from heat and let cool while u prep other stuff

Pro tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp! They get rubbery fast. They’re done when they just turn pink and opaque.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

1. Dice avocados into 3/4-inch chunks
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes
3. Dice cucumber (peel if the skin is thick or bitter)
4. Thinly slice red onion
5. Chop cilantro
6. Mix all veggies in a large bowl

I like to toss the avocado chunks with a bit of lime juice right away to keep them from turning brown.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, cumin, salt and pepper
2. Taste and adjust – maybe add more lime if u like it tangy or more honey if u want it sweeter

Step 4: Put It All Together

1. Add cooled shrimp to the veggie bowl
2. Pour dressing over everything
3. Gently toss to combine (careful not to mash the avocado)
4. Let sit for about 5 mins so flavors can blend
5. Give one more gentle toss before serving

Best served right away but can chill for up to an hour. The avocado might start to brown if u leave it longer.

Awesome Variations of Shrimp Avocado Salad

Tropical Twist

Add diced mango and pineapple plus a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. The sweetness works amazing with the shrimp.

Mediterranean Style

Skip the cilantro and add feta cheese, olives, and a dash of oregano. Change lime juice to lemon and add some chopped dill.

Tex-Mex Version

Add black beans, corn kernels, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

Asian Fusion

Swap cilantro for mint and basil, add edamame, and change the dressing to include sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce.

Spicy Cajun

Season shrimp with cajun spices before cooking, add diced bell peppers, and spike the dressing with hot sauce.

Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe

The Crispy Chef

A refreshing, zesty shrimp avocado salad ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a light lunch. Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a tangy lime dressing make this dish irresistible.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• For the Salad:
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 ripe avocados diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional)
• For the Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
• Sear shrimp in a single layer for 2 minutes on each side until pink and curled.
• Remove from heat and let cool.
• Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
• Dice avocados, tomatoes, cucumber, and slice onion.
• Chop cilantro and jalapeño (if using).
• Combine all in a large mixing bowl.
• Toss avocado with a splash of lime juice to prevent browning.
• Step 3: Make the Dressing
• In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Adjust to taste with more lime or honey if desired.
• Step 4: Assemble the Salad
• Add cooled shrimp to the veggie bowl.
• Pour dressing over the top.
• Gently toss to combine.
• Let sit 5 minutes, then toss again before serving.

Notes

Best served fresh, but can be chilled for up to 1 hour.

Feel free to customize with add-ins like mango, feta, black beans, or herbs.

Great served in wraps or on toast for a quick lunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 24gTrans Fat: 20g

Keyword avocado salad, shrimp salad,

Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!

Shrimp Avocado Salad FAQ

What is the best dressing for avocado shrimp salad?

Lime-based dressings work best for shrimp avocado salad. The acidity from the lime complements the sweetness of the shrimp and helps keep the avocados from browning. My go-to is lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of honey, but u can customize with different herbs and spices. For creamier dressing, try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to the mix.

Do shrimp and avocado go together?

Absolutely! Shrimp and avocado are basically BFFs in the food world. The buttery creaminess of avocado balances perfectly with the light, sweet flavor of shrimp. Plus, texture-wise, the firm bite of shrimp contrasts nicely with the softness of ripe avocado. This combo is popular in cuisines around the world, from Mexican ceviches to California rolls in sushi.

What are the ingredients in shrimp salad?

Classic shrimp salad usually includes: cooked shrimp (obvi), crunchy veggies like cucumber or celery, some kind of onion (red or green), herbs (dill, parsley, or cilantro), and a dressing (often mayo-based or vinaigrette). My shrimp avocado salad adds avocados, tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing that takes it to the next level. U can also add extras like corn, beans, or different herbs depending on what ur going for.

What type of salad goes with shrimp?

Shrimp works great in lots of different salads! Green salads with light vinaigrettes let the shrimp shine. Pasta salads with shrimp are awesome for picnics. Grain-based salads like quinoa or rice salads with shrimp make filling meals. And of course, this shrimp avocado salad is perfect as a main dish. The key is balancing flavors – shrimp has a delicate sweetness that pairs well with bright, fresh ingredients.

What not to mix shrimp with?

Avoid mixing shrimp with super strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar – they’ll overpower the delicate shrimp flavor. Also be careful with really tangy ingredients unless balanced with something sweet or creamy. Some ppl say not to mix shrimp with dairy, but that’s mostly an old food rule that isn’t really necessary. The main thing is not to overcomplicate – shrimp tastes best when u let its natural sweetness come through.

Make This Shrimp Avocado Salad Your Own

Still remember the first time I brought this shrimp avocado salad to a family gathering. My cousin who “hates seafood” had three servings! There’s something about the combo of textures and flavors that just works.

What I love about cooking is how recipes evolve. This shrimp avocado salad started as something basic I threw together with leftovers, but over time it’s become one of my signature dishes. Each time u make it, it’ll be a little different – maybe ur avocados are extra creamy or the tomatoes extra sweet.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this shrimp avocado salad ur own creation. Tag me if u post pics of ur version – love seeing how ppl put their own spin on it!

Now go grab those ingredients and treat urself to something special tonight. This shrimp avocado salad might just become ur new go-to!