A Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 cups mixed greens (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Salad:
- While the shrimp is cooling, chop the avocado, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large salad bowl.
- Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl with the vegetables.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Once the shrimp has cooled, slice it into smaller pieces or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the veggies.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until evenly coated.
5. Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately on its own or over a bed of mixed greens for added crunch.
Tips:
- Make it Spicy: If you like more heat, you can add a diced jalapeño to the salad or increase the chili powder in the dressing.
- Protein Options: You can also swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor and texture, try adding some crumbled feta, corn, or a few sliced radishes.
- Storage: This salad is best served fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, keep the shrimp and avocado separate from the salad ingredients to avoid them getting soggy.
This Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy meal on a warm day! Enjoy!