Avocado Shrimp Salad: 15 Min. Creamy Delight

Name: Avocado Shrimp Salad: 15 Min. Creamy Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional); 3 cups mixed greens; For the Lime Dressing:; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

by Manar Jota

September 28, 2025

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Avocado shrimp salad has become my absolute go-to for a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal. I first discovered how amazing this combination could be on a sweltering summer afternoon when I needed something light yet filling. The creamy avocado, plump shrimp, and bright lime dressing were so refreshing, and the vibrant colors made it a feast for the eyes! This isn’t just any salad; it’s a simple yet elegant dish that feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for any weeknight. If you’re looking for an easy avocado shrimp salad recipe that’s packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Shrimp Salad

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Here’s why you’ll be making this healthy avocado shrimp salad again and again:

Incredibly Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and healthy fats from avocado.
Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of creamy avocado, tender shrimp, and zesty lime dressing is irresistible.
Versatile Meal: Enjoy this simple shrimp avocado salad for lunch, a light dinner, or as an appetizer.
No-Cook Wonder: Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove!
Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors make it a beautiful dish for any occasion.
Customizable: Easily adapt this avocado shrimp salad recipe with your favorite additions.

Ingredients for Avocado Shrimp Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this wonderfully easy avocado shrimp salad. I love that most of these ingredients are pantry staples or come together so quickly!

1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined – I like to use medium-sized shrimp for the best bite.
2 ripe avocados, diced – Make sure they’re perfectly ripe, not too hard or mushy, for that signature creamy texture.
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped – This adds a lovely little bite and color.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – Cilantro brings such a bright, fresh flavor that complements the shrimp and avocado beautifully.
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional) – For a touch of heat, but you can leave it out if you prefer a milder shrimp avocado salad.
3 cups mixed greens – Your favorite blend works perfectly as a base for this delicious salad.
For the Lime Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a great fruity note.
2 tablespoons lime juice – Freshly squeezed is key for that zesty kick!
1 clove garlic, minced – A little garlic goes a long way to boost flavor in this simple shrimp avocado salad dressing.
Salt and pepper to taste – To enhance all the wonderful flavors.

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How to Make Avocado Shrimp Salad

Whipping up this vibrant avocado shrimp salad is a breeze, and the best part is, there’s no oven required! It’s a truly quick avocado shrimp salad that’s perfect for a speedy lunch or a light dinner. You’ll be amazed at how fast this comes together.

Step 1: In a large bowl, gather your main salad ingredients: the 1 lb cooked shrimp, your 2 ripe avocados that have been diced into perfect bite-sized pieces, the 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion for a little sharpness, and the 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for that essential fresh flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a little kick, toss in the minced jalapeño now too.
Step 2: Now, let’s make that zesty dressing! In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup olive oil, the bright and tangy 2 tablespoons lime juice, the 1 minced clove garlic for a punch of flavor, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing really lets the other ingredients shine in this avocado shrimp salad.
Step 3: Pour the prepared lime dressing over the shrimp and avocado mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spoon or spatula. Be tender so you don’t mash the avocado too much! You want to coat every bit of the shrimp and avocado with that delicious dressing. The scent of fresh lime and cilantro is already amazing here.
Step 4: Get your serving base ready. Arrange the 3 cups of mixed greens onto a large serving platter or divide them among individual plates. The crisp greens provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy avocado and tender shrimp in this healthy avocado shrimp salad.
Step 5: Spoon the glorious avocado shrimp salad mixture generously over the bed of mixed greens. Make sure you get plenty of shrimp and avocado in each scoop!
Step 6: Serve this delightful avocado shrimp salad immediately while the avocados are perfectly creamy and the flavors are at their peak. Enjoy this simple shrimp avocado salad right away for the best texture and taste!

Pro Tips for the Best Avocado Shrimp Salad

I’ve made this salad countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. Following these tips will help you create the best avocado shrimp salad, full of flavor and perfect texture.

Use perfectly ripe avocados for the creamiest texture; they should yield gently to pressure.
Don’t overmix the salad once the avocado is added to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning for the lime dressing before adding it to the salad; it makes a big difference!
If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite.

What’s the secret to perfect Avocado Shrimp Salad?

The real secret is in the freshness of the ingredients and the balance of flavors. Using ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing is key to making this healthy avocado shrimp salad truly shine. For more delicious recipes, check out our recipes section.

Can I make Avocado Shrimp Salad ahead of time?

You can prep most components ahead. Dice the avocado just before serving or toss it with a little extra lime juice to prevent browning. Store the dressing separately and combine everything right before you’re ready to eat your simple shrimp avocado salad.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Avocado Shrimp Salad?

The biggest mistake is using underripe or overripe avocados. Also, be careful not to overdress the salad or overmix it, which can lead to a mushy texture. Ensure your shrimp are fully cooked and cooled before adding them to this easy avocado shrimp salad. For more tips on cooking shrimp, you can refer to this guide.

Best Ways to Serve Avocado Shrimp Salad

This vibrant avocado shrimp salad is incredibly versatile! I love serving it piled high on a bed of crisp mixed greens as a light and satisfying lunch. It’s also fantastic scooped into lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or even served alongside some grilled corn on the cob for a delightful summer meal. For a heartier dish, consider making it an avocado shrimp salad bowl by adding quinoa or brown rice. This simple shrimp avocado salad truly shines as a refreshing appetizer at parties too! If you enjoy this, you might also like our Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

Nutrition Facts for Avocado Shrimp Salad

This healthy avocado shrimp salad is not only delicious but also packed with good-for-you nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving in this refreshing avocado shrimp salad:

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sugar: 5 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg
Sodium: 400 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your avocado shrimp salad. For more information on healthy eating, consider visiting Nutrition.gov.

How to Store and Reheat Avocado Shrimp Salad

Properly storing your leftover avocado shrimp salad is key to enjoying it for days to come. Once cooled, transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container. This simple shrimp avocado salad can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions of this avocado shrimp salad for up to 3 months, though the avocado texture might change slightly upon thawing. For reheating, it’s generally not recommended to reheat this salad as it’s meant to be served cold. If you do need to warm it slightly, gently warm components separately and then combine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avocado Shrimp Salad

Can I use frozen shrimp for my Avocado Shrimp Salad?

Yes, you absolutely can! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely according to package directions. Pat them dry thoroughly after thawing to ensure they aren’t watery, which is crucial for the best texture in your avocado shrimp salad.

My avocados are browning quickly in my Shrimp Avocado Salad. What can I do?

This is a common issue! The best way to prevent browning is to toss the diced avocado with a little bit of the lime juice right after dicing it. This acidic coating creates a barrier that slows down oxidation. Adding the avocado to the salad and tossing it gently with the dressing just before serving also helps. You can find more tips on preventing avocado browning here.

What other vegetables can I add to this Avocado Shrimp Salad recipe?

This avocado shrimp salad recipe is wonderfully versatile! You can easily add ingredients like corn (fresh or frozen and thawed), black beans (rinsed and drained), diced cucumber for extra crunch, or even some chopped bell peppers for color and sweetness. Some people even love adding diced mango for a tropical twist!

Is this Avocado Shrimp Salad keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein, making it quite keto-friendly. The main ingredients—shrimp, avocado, olive oil, and lime juice—are all excellent choices for a keto diet. Just be mindful of any optional additions like corn or beans if you’re strictly following a keto plan. For more keto-friendly recipes, explore our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

Variations of Avocado Shrimp Salad You Can Try

This avocado shrimp salad is a fantastic base, and I love how easy it is to switch things up! Whether you’re looking for a different flavor profile or need to adapt it for dietary needs, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy this shrimp avocado salad.

Spicy Avocado Shrimp Salad: Amp up the heat by adding more jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some diced Serrano peppers. You could also include a dash of hot sauce in the dressing for an extra kick.
Tropical Shrimp Avocado Salad: For a taste of the tropics, add diced mango or pineapple to the salad. This variation, often called shrimp salad with avocado and mango, brings a wonderful sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the savory shrimp and creamy avocado.
Creamy Avocado Shrimp Salad (No Mayo): While this recipe is already avocado shrimp salad no mayo, you can make it even creamier by mashing half of the avocado into the dressing. This adds an extra layer of richness without any dairy or mayonnaise.
Avocado Shrimp Salad Bowl: Turn this salad into a more substantial meal by serving it over a bed of grains like quinoa or brown rice, or even some cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This makes for a complete and satisfying avocado shrimp salad bowl.

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