Description
A vibrant and refreshing Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad featuring perfectly cooked shrimp tossed with fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy lime dressing, garnished with optional feta cheese for added creaminess. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light meal or side dish, combining bold southwestern spices with crisp vegetables and creamy avocado.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
Salad
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime Dressing
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey or agave (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the shrimp and toss well to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, gently combine diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro, mixing carefully to maintain the avocado’s shape.
- Make the Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey or agave (if using), and salt and pepper until emulsified and well blended.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked shrimp to the avocado salad. Drizzle the lime dressing evenly over the mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients without mashing the avocado.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess. Serve the salad immediately as a light, fresh meal or as an appealing side dish.
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp briefly helps infuse them with bright, bold flavors.
- Be gentle when mixing the avocado to keep it from becoming mushy.
- Use ripe but firm avocados for the best texture.
- The optional feta cheese adds a nice tangy contrast but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- This salad is best served fresh and not stored for long periods to preserve texture and flavor.
