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Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

lime shrimp and avocado salad - featured image

This refreshing summer salad combines juicy lime-marinated shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a zesty citrus dressing for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for picnics, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
  • Zest from 1 lime
  • 2 large ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for marinade)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for dressing)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon each)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss and marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. While shrimp marinates, dice avocados, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, mince jalapeño (if using), and chop cilantro.
  3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until pink and just opaque, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, lime zest, and a pinch of black pepper. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine cooked shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime dressing and toss gently to coat.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra lime wedges and fresh herbs.

Notes

Marinate shrimp for no more than 15 minutes to avoid a ceviche-like texture. Dice avocados just before serving and toss with lime juice to prevent browning. For extra flavor, chill veggies before assembling. Adjust jalapeño for desired spice level. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: lime shrimp salad, avocado salad, summer salad, gluten-free, healthy shrimp salad, easy shrimp salad, picnic salad, meal prep salad, low carb salad, seafood salad