Picture this: a sun-drenched afternoon, the air thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and you’re savoring a bite of a dish that somehow captures that very essence. This shrimp avocado salad, it’s like a cool breeze on a sweltering day—refreshing, invigorating, and packed with flavors that dance on your tongue. It’s almost as if summer itself decided to sit on your plate for a while.
Steps
- Thaw the large shrimp under cold running water, then steam them over boiling water for 4-6 minutes until they turn opaque. Once cooked, remove the shells if necessary and set the shrimp aside to cool.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked shrimp with the dressing and diced red onions. Optionally, add chopped cilantro, tomatoes, or other vegetables for additional flavor.
- Arrange the mixture over shredded lettuce and carefully place sliced avocados around the shrimp for an appealing presentation.
- Alternatively, finely chop all ingredients and mix them thoroughly to create a cohesive salad. Serve in butter lettuce leaves for shrimp lettuce wraps if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- ¼ red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- For the dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Cumin (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1452kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 100g | Fat: 104g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 72g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 732mg | Sodium: 1752mg | Potassium: 3496mg | Fiber: 28g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1392IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare this Shrimp Avocado Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s advisable to add the dressing just prior to serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. The dressing itself can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Is this Shrimp Avocado Salad a healthy option?
- Absolutely, the salad is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a healthy choice. One serving contains approximately 360 calories, making it a great option for a nutritious lunch. It’s also a fantastic appetizer when served in lettuce leaves.
- Can I use pre-cooked shrimp in the salad?
- Yes, using pre-cooked shrimp can save time and is a convenient option. Simply toss the pre-cooked shrimp with the dressing and other ingredients as directed in the recipe.
- What can I substitute if I don’t like red onions?
- If red onions aren’t to your taste, you can substitute them with green onions for a milder flavor or omit them entirely if preferred.
- How do I ensure the avocados are the right consistency for the salad?
- Select avocados that are ripe but still firm. They should yield slightly when pressed without being overly soft, ensuring they maintain their shape in the salad.
Tips
- Use Ripe but Firm Avocados: Ensure your avocados are ripe yet firm to achieve the best texture in the salad. They should yield slightly when pressed but not be overly soft, which could make them difficult to slice.
- Opt for Pre-Cooked Shrimp for Convenience: Save time by using pre-cooked shrimp. This allows you to skip the cooking process and quickly assemble the salad, especially if you’re in a hurry.
- Finely Chop Red Onions: To prevent the red onions from overpowering the other flavors, cut them into small pieces. If you prefer a milder taste, consider replacing them with green onions.
- Prepare Dressing in Advance: Make the dressing ahead of time, even up to two weeks in advance, to streamline the salad-making process. This way, you can toss the ingredients together quickly without any additional preparation.
Equipment
- Steamer Basket – This is used to steam the shrimp over a pot of boiling water.
- Mesh Strainer – Alternatively used for steaming shrimp if you don’t have a steamer basket.
