Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Bright, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is the perfect light meal or refreshing side. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a tangy lime dressing and paired with creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a hint of spice—making it ideal for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a vibrant appetizer that feels like summer in a bowl.

Total Time: 20 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

1 large avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 small red onion, finely sliced

1/2 cucumber, diced

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

4 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine

For the lime dressing:

Juice of 2 limes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon honey (optional for balance)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Shrimp:

In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, and greens.

Add cooked shrimp on top.

Dress & Toss:

Drizzle with the lime dressing just before serving and gently toss everything together.

Tips

Add a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Serve it in lettuce cups or wrap it in tortillas for a taco-style twist.

Leftovers? Store the salad without dressing and avocado to keep it fresh longer.

Tips and Variations:

Add diced mango or papaya for extra sweetness.
Use different types of citrus (orange, grapefruit).
Experiment with various spices (cumin, smoked paprika).
Serve as a main dish or side salad.

Health Benefits:

1. High in Protein: Shrimp provides lean protein.
2. Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocado supports heart health.
3. Antioxidant-Rich: Lime juice contains vitamin C

Nutritional Information (approximate):

Per serving:

Calories: 220
Protein: 20g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 200mg