Overhead shot of shrimp and avocado salad with cherry tomatoes, arugula, and lime wedges

Shrimp and Avocado Salad

by

Fresh, healthy & delicious

Looking for a fresh, flavor-packed meal that feels indulgent and nourishing? This Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a total game changer! Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies come together in a zesty lime dressing for the ultimate summer salad. It’s bright, colorful, and loaded with protein and healthy fats perfect for lunches, light dinners, or meal prep. This Emma’s Cake Studio recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and tastes like something you’d order at a seaside café refreshing, filling, and simply delicious.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of ½ lime

🥑 For the Salad

  • 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

🍋 For the Lime Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets — just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or small jar (for dressing)
  • Salad tongs or wooden spoon
  • Knife & cutting board

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Cook the shrimp:
    In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Squeeze fresh lime juice over shrimp and set aside. 🦐
  2. Make the dressing:
    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. 🍋
  3. Assemble the salad:
    In a large bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
  4. Add shrimp & dress:
    Top salad with shrimp and drizzle with lime dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. 🌿
  5. Serve:
    Plate immediately for the freshest flavor, or chill briefly before serving for a cool, refreshing twist. 🥗✨

💡 Pro Tips

  • Keep avocado fresh: Toss avocado pieces in lime juice to prevent browning.
  • Add crunch: Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or crushed tortilla strips.
  • Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeño or a dash of chili flakes to the shrimp. 🌶️
  • Meal prep magic: Store salad components separately and toss just before eating to keep greens crisp.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl34028g10g22g5g4g