Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings or a light dinner. This salad combines tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado, all tossed in flavorful salsa and lime juice. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main course or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick meal, this salad is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish comes together effortlessly.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of salsa, lime juice, and fresh ingredients makes every bite irresistible.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and nutrients from fresh veggies, it’s a wholesome choice.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad can be made ahead of time, making it great for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter or bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients without spilling.
• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts for your vegetables and shrimp, enhancing presentation.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while protecting surfaces during chopping.

Ingredients

Tender shrimp, lots of veggies, fresh cilantro & creamy avocado all tossed in your favorite chunky salsa & lime juice then served with tortilla chips! This avocado salsa shrimp salad is loaded with flavor & an easy meal for those hot summer days! (Served ceviche style!)

For the Salad

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined & tail off
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small jalapeno, deseeded & finely chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp chunky salsa, (mild, medium or hot)
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 2 limes, juiced (or more if you prefer)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste (be generous with the salt)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl and set aside. If you’re using frozen pre-cooked shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before cutting.

Step 2: Add Fresh Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the bowl with the shrimp:
– Diced cucumber
– Chopped tomatoes
– Finely chopped jalapeno
– Diced red onion
– Chopped cilantro

Pour your chosen salsa over everything along with a squeeze of lime juice. Mix gently until all ingredients are well coated.

Step 3: Season the Salad

Generously season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir again to combine. Taste your salad and adjust seasonings or lime juice if needed.

Step 4: Add Avocado Before Serving

Right before serving, sprinkle diced avocado over the top of the salad. Serve immediately alongside tortilla chips or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before serving. If chilling, add avocado just before serving for best texture.

Enjoy your delightful Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad!

How to Serve Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to impress your guests or enjoy a simple meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

In a Taco Shell

• Serve the salad in crunchy taco shells for a fun twist. The shells add texture and a delightful crunch.

With Tortilla Chips

• Pair the salad with tortilla chips for a classic combination. The chips make for great scoops and enhance the dish’s overall flavor.

Over Mixed Greens

• Place the avocado salsa shrimp salad over a bed of mixed greens. This adds freshness while keeping it light and healthy.

As Ceviche Style

• Enjoy it as ceviche by letting it marinate longer in lime juice. This intensifies the flavors and gives it a zesty kick.

On Grilled Corn

• Serve on top of grilled corn on the cob. The sweet corn complements the spices in the salad beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to wrap up the salad. This low-carb option is refreshing and perfect for summer days.

How to Perfect Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

To ensure your Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and texture, making your salad more vibrant.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad before serving. Adjust lime juice, salt, and pepper according to your preference for optimal flavor.
• Add avocado last: To keep the avocado from browning, add it right before serving or just before chilling.
• Chill for flavor: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Choose quality salsa: A good quality chunky salsa can elevate this dish significantly; choose one that suits your spice level.
• Experiment with proteins: If you prefer, substitute shrimp with other seafood like crab or scallops for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Spanish Rice: Flavored with spices, this rice dish complements shrimp and adds heartiness to your meal.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring out fresh flavors that pair well with shrimp salad.
3. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed side that adds fiber and balances the lightness of the shrimp salad.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread acts as a delightful contrast to savory shrimp, making for an enjoyable bite.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides an extra layer of richness that enhances every spoonful of shrimp salad.
6. Chips & Queso: A cheesy dip alongside crispy chips makes for an indulgent side that everyone will love.
7. Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds zestiness and brightness that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.
8. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers texture and tang, balancing out the creaminess of avocado in your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can leave your salad bland. Be generous with the salt and adjust according to taste for the best flavor.

• Overcooking shrimp: If you overcook your shrimp, they can become tough and rubbery. Use pre-cooked shrimp or ensure they are just heated through if cooking from raw.

• Adding avocado too early: Adding avocado too soon can make it brown and mushy. Always add diced avocado right before serving for freshness.

• Not chilling the salad: Serving immediately is fine, but letting it chill enhances the flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving.

• Choosing the wrong salsa: Using a salsa that doesn’t match your spice preference can ruin your dish. Select mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep the avocado separate if possible until serving to prevent browning.

Freezing Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

• Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes in shrimp and avocado.
• If you must freeze, omit avocado and add it fresh when serving.

Reheating Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat in a baking dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through. Avoid overheating as it may toughen shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed before adding them to the salad.

How do I customize my Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad?

You can add other veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and flavor. Feel free to experiment with different salsas too!

What type of salsa works best for this salad?

Chunky salsa works best as it adds texture. Choose mild, medium, or hot based on your heat preference.

How long does Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad last in the fridge?

It lasts about 1-2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various veggies or salsas based on your preferences. Perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing main dish, this recipe is sure to impress! Give it a try and enjoy the burst of flavors!

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Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad is a delightful summer dish that combines succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado, all tossed together in vibrant salsa and zesty lime juice. Perfect for light dinners or as a refreshing appetizer at your next gathering, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. With its combination of textures and colors, it’s sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or serve it alongside tortilla chips for a fun twist!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup diced cucumber
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• ½ cup + 2 tbsp chunky salsa (mild, medium or hot)
• 1 large avocado, diced
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, finely chopped jalapeño, diced red onion, and cilantro to the bowl.
3. Pour salsa over the shrimp mixture and squeeze lime juice on top. Mix gently until well combined.
4. Season generously with salt and black pepper; mix again.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle diced avocado on top and serve alongside tortilla chips or chill in the fridge for enhanced flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 490mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 220mg