Start a meal off right with Avocado Salad with Marinated Shrimp! The salad incorporates a bed of crisp greens, marinated shrimp, and creamy avocado. The combination of flavors will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. So, why settle for a bland salad when you can enjoy Avocado Salad with Marinated Shrimp?
Avocado Salad with Marinaded Shrimp
Are you an avocado fan? Get ready to fall in love with a delicious avocado salad with marinated shrimp. It is perfect for a light dinner or a refreshing lunch on a hot summer day. The salad combines creamy avocado with the flavors of marinated shrimp. It makes a mouthwatering dish.
It is hard to resist creamy, ripe avocados. This salad gives you all the wholesome goodness of this super-food. The portion of marinated shrimp makes the salad a protein-packed meal. It is a perfectly balanced combination of nutrition and taste.
The preparation is quick and easy. It takes just a few minutes to mix the ingredients. The shrimp marinaded to perfection, tastes delicious, and is aromatic. The avocado and lettuce give the salad a subtle crunch. The textures come together to create a great bite.
This salad is the perfect example of how healthy food can be scrumptiously tasty. It is a classic recipe with a modern twist. It will leave you satisfied, energized, and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
A Start to a Great Meal in Mexico
My experience with this dish was nothing short of delightful. I was vacationing in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. The restaurant offered this salad as a start to a great meal.
Peppery arugula and romaine served as a perfect base. The ripe avocado was creamy and satisfying. Tender, flavorful shrimp added a touch of protein to make this salad a complete and balanced dish.
But what set this dish apart was the marinade used on the shrimp. A combination of citrus and herbs infused the shrimp with a bright, fresh flavor. They tasted great and complemented the creamy avocado.
And the presentation? The colors and textures of this dish impressed me. Serving the salad on a cold plate added a touch of elegance. It was the beginning of a great meal.
The appetizer set the stage for the meal to come. I ordered the Fish Tacos with Lime Crema and a side of Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs. The meal would not have been the same without the great appetizer. I realized that a meal is like a movie production. It takes actors to play a part, working together to create a masterpiece.
For your next special meal, take a page from Mexico. Start things off with this delicious and nutritious appetizer. If you love greens, shellfish, and avocado, this salad is a dish that has something for everyone.
Avocado Salad with Marinated Shrimp Recipe
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. lime zest
- 1 1/2 tbsp. lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Salad:
- 1/2 lb. cooked large shrimp
- 3-pitted avocados cut into 1/2″ cubes
- 1 cup chopped tomato
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
Salad Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Season the raw shrimp with half the marinade.
- Heat a pan with olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp until they turn pink.
- Set them aside to cool.
- Peel and de-vein the shrimp.
Make the Marinade:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, pour half the marinade over the shrimp and set aside for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Dressing:
- Combine the dressing ingredients and reserved marinade in a medium bowl.
- Whisk until well incorporated.
Make the Salad:
- Add the shrimp to the salad ingredients.
- Cool for 1 hour before serving.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Recipe Tips
Avocado Salad with Marinated Shrimp is a refreshing and healthy salad. Here are some tips to make it come out perfect every time.
Choose Ripe Avocados:
You will know they are ready when they give to gentle pressure. Slice them into bite-sized pieces and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Marinate the Shrimp:
Make a flavorful marinade for the shrimp. Ideally, the shrimp should marinate for 30 minutes. The flavor of the marinade will infuse the shrimp with flavor. They turn out tender and juicy.
Assemble the Salad:
When it’s time to assemble your salad, start with a bed of fresh greens. I recommend using romaine lettuce and arugula for a peppery kick. Top the greens with the avocado and shrimp mixture.
Use a Simple Vinaigrette:
Drizzle the salad with a simple vinaigrette. Make it with olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. The tanginess of the lemon will balance with the creamy avocado and the sweetness of the shrimp.
Follow these tips to help make a healthy lunch or a fresh and flavorful dinner.
Avocado Salad with Marinated Shrimp Alternatives
Avocado Salad with Marinated Shrimp is nutritious and delicious. But, if you have already tried this recipe, look for new and exciting alternatives. There are plenty to choose from!
Mango and Shrimp Salad:
Try fresh mangoes instead of avocados for a sweet and tangy twist to your shrimp salad. Dice a few mangoes and mix them with cooked shrimp, toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onions. Finish with a drizzle of honey-lime or a citrus vinaigrette.
Quinoa and Shrimp Salad:
Add cooked quinoa to your shrimp salad. Quinoa is an excellent source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Combine cooked shrimp, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and quinoa. Then, toss with a lemon-garlic dressing.
Watermelon and Shrimp Salad:
Substitute juicy watermelon for avocado for a refreshing twist. This combo might sound strange, but it is delicious! Mix chopped watermelon, cooked shrimp, feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves. A Balsamic Glaze drizzle completes the salad.
Greek Shrimp Salad:
If you like Greek food, you will love this option. Mix cooked shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Add a dressing made from lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and dried oregano. Fresh and flavorful, this salad is sure to satisfy.
These four alternative salads are delicious and nutritious. They offer sweet, tangy, and refreshing options. Try one next time you are in the mood for a shrimp salad.
Avocado Salad with Marinated Shrimp
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. lime zest
- 1 1/2 tbsp. lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Salad:
- 1/2 lb. cooked large shrimp
- 3-pitted avocados cut into 1/2″ cubes
- 1 cup chopped tomato
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
Salad Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Season the raw shrimp with half the marinade.
- Heat a pan with olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp until they turn pink.
- Set them aside to cool.
- Peel and de-vein the shrimp.
Make the Marinade:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, pour half the marinade over the shrimp and set aside for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Dressing:
- Combine the dressing ingredients and reserved marinade in a medium bowl.
- Whisk until well incorporated.
Make the Salad:
- Add the shrimp to the salad ingredients.
- Cool for 1 hour before serving.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
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