Catch the scent of fresh shrimp mingling with juicy citrus and creamy avocado. This Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad Recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a flavor party on your plate! Picture this: a sunny afternoon, laughter filling the air, and you serving up bowls of this vibrant salad that spark joy like confetti at a birthday bash.
I remember the first time I made this salad—it was a casual summer BBQ. Friends gathered around the grill while I whipped up this masterpiece. The moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning! This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser that turns any gathering into a festive celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad is incredibly easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
- The bright colors will make it the star of your dinner table.
- It’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or a light meal on hot days.
- With its refreshing taste and elegant look, it’s perfect for impressing guests at summer parties.
I once served this delightful salad at a family gathering, and my aunt declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Shrimp: Use large shrimp for better texture; frozen works too if thawed properly.
- Avocados: Choose ripe avocados for creaminess; they should yield slightly when pressed.
- Citrus Fruits: A mix of oranges and grapefruits adds brightness; opt for juicy varieties.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp bite; soak in water to mellow its flavor if desired.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances flavors; feel free to substitute with parsley if you’re not a fan.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil brings richness; use high-quality oil for the best taste.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish; bottled juice lacks that zesty punch.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all flavors; season to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining your fresh shrimp if not prepped already. Rinse them under cold water until clean.
Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the shrimp until they’re pink and opaque—about 3-5 minutes should do!
Mix Your Dressing: While your shrimp cools down, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until combined perfectly.
Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp with diced avocados, segmented citrus fruits, red onion slices, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over everything.
Plate It Up!: Gently toss all ingredients to coat evenly without smashing the avocados. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Make sure to enjoy every bite of this delightful combination!
This Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad Recipe offers an explosion of flavors that are sure to impress anyone fortunate enough to join you at the table!
You Must Know
- The Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a flavor fiesta!
- The combination of shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty citrus creates a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, the vibrant colors make it Instagram-ready.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque before assembling the salad for optimal flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute lime juice with orange or grapefruit for a unique twist on the citrus flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days; avoid reheating to keep shrimp tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve juicy shrimp, don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking.
- Use fresh, ripe avocados for creaminess.
- A sprinkle of sea salt enhances all flavors beautifully.
Sharing this Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad recipe always brings back memories of summer picnics filled with laughter and sunshine, where everyone went back for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this salad?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What can I substitute for avocado?
You can try using mango or even cucumber for a lighter option.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad keeps well for up to two days when stored properly.
Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight in a refreshing Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad, where succulent shrimp meets creamy avocado and zesty citrus for a vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup mixed citrus fruits (oranges and grapefruits), segmented
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté shrimp for 3-5 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp, diced avocados, segmented citrus fruits, red onion slices, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with dressing.
- Gently toss ingredients to coat without mashing the avocados. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: For added sweetness, substitute lime juice with orange or grapefruit juice. Ensure shrimp are not overcrowded in the pan while cooking for optimal tenderness.
