Easy Spicy Shrimp and Mango Salad
This salad pairs juicy shrimp with sweet mango, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-spicy dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, making it ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a summer gathering.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili flakes
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lime
For the Salad
2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 small cucumber, diced
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves
½ avocado, sliced
For the Dressing
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey or agave
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust for spice level)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Shrimp
Toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, chili flakes/hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine greens, mango, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and herbs.
Add shrimp and gently toss with dressing.
Top with avocado slices if using.
4. Serve
Serve immediately while shrimp are still slightly warm, or chill for 10 minutes for a refreshing cold salad.
Notes & Tips
Grill Option: For extra smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan-cooking.
Extra Crunch: Add toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or cashews.
Make Ahead: Chop veggies and prepare dressing in advance; cook shrimp right before serving.
Mild Version: Reduce chili flakes or swap with sweet paprika.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have mango?
Use pineapple, papaya, or peaches for a similar sweetness.
Q: Can I make it a full meal?
Yes — serve over quinoa, couscous, or farro for extra fiber and protein.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~360
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 12 g