Tangy Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe

Tangy Lime-Infused Shrimp & Avocado Salad Recipe

Summer heat calls for a refreshing lime shrimp and avocado salad that dances with vibrant flavors and cool textures.

This dish brings together succulent shrimp and creamy avocados in a zesty celebration of taste.

Bright citrus notes mingle with tender seafood, creating a light and satisfying meal perfect for warm afternoons.

Each forkful delivers a burst of freshness that awakens the palate with its tangy and smooth components.

The combination of grilled shrimp and ripe avocado creates a delightful balance between protein and healthy fats.

Quick to assemble and packed with nutrition, this salad promises to be a delicious solution for effortless summer dining.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delectable culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad: Ingredient Guide

For Marinade:
  • Red Onion: Adds sharp, tangy base that mellows and softens when soaked in acidic lime juice.
  • Lime Juice: Brings bright, citrusy punch and helps tenderize the onion's harsh edges.
  • Olive Oil: Creates silky texture and helps blend flavors smoothly.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the zesty lime.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Shrimp: Quick-cooking seafood that adds lean protein with sweet, delicate flavor.
  • Avocado: Creamy texture provider with rich, buttery undertones and healthy fats.
  • Tomato: Brings juicy freshness and vibrant color to the salad.
  • Jalapeño: Introduces subtle heat and authentic Mexican-inspired kick.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Cilantro: Adds bright, herbaceous note with distinctive fresh aroma that complements seafood and Latin-inspired dishes.

Tools for Crafting Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

  • Cutting Board: Large surface for chopping ingredients safely.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for dicing avocado, tomato, and shrimp precisely.
  • Small Bowl: For marinating red onion with lime juice and seasoning.
  • Large Bowl: To mix and combine all salad ingredients together.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurate salt and pepper measurements.
  • Citrus Juicer (optional): Helps extract fresh lime juice easily.

Step-by-Step for Zesty Lime Shrimp Avocado Salad

  • Zesty Citrus Base

In a small container, blend tangy lime nectar with smooth olive oil, creating a vibrant marinade for red onion slices. Let the flavors mingle and soften for a few moments.

  • Ocean and Garden Blend

Chop succulent seafood and creamy green avocado into bite-sized morsels. Dice juicy tomatoes and spicy jalapeño for a colorful medley of textures and heat.

  • Flavor Fusion

Splash the citrusy onion marinade over the seafood mixture. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves throughout, gently combining all ingredients to create a harmonious coastal-inspired salad.

  • Immediate Delight

Serve this refreshing dish right away, letting the bright, zesty flavors dance on your palate. Each forkful promises a burst of ocean-fresh goodness with a sunny, tropical twist.

Helpful Tips for Shrimp and Avocado Salad Lovers

  • Swap jalapeños with milder poblano peppers for a gentler heat level that still adds delicious flavor.
  • Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or seared white fish for versatile protein alternatives that match the zesty marinade.
  • Prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep avocados fresh and prevent soggy textures. Store chopped components in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Drizzle extra hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for adventurous eaters wanting an additional kick of heat beyond the jalapeños.
  • If you have leftovers, consume within 1-2 hours to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent avocados from browning. Squeeze extra lime juice on top to slow oxidation and preserve bright green color.

Serving the Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Right

  • Tropical Beach Picnic Presentation: Serve this vibrant salad in a large glass bowl with a colorful sarong as a backdrop, creating a beachy, vacation-inspired dining experience.
  • Garnish Elegance: Top the salad with extra cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a few lime wedges for a pop of color and added zesty flavor that enhances the dish's visual appeal.
  • Protein Power Pairing: Accompany the salad with crispy tortilla chips or toasted crusty bread to add a satisfying crunch and transform the light dish into a more substantial meal that keeps hunger at bay.
  • Chilled Refreshment Companion: Serve alongside a cold Mexican beer or a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc to complement the lime's brightness and the salad's fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Save and Store Your Shrimp and Avocado Salad

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store the shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping ingredients crisp and flavors vibrant.
  • Quick Separation Trick: Avoid making the entire salad ahead of time; store chopped ingredients separately to prevent avocado browning and maintain optimal texture.
  • Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop shrimp, onions, and vegetables right before serving to ensure maximum freshness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Temperature Wisdom: Serve the salad chilled for the best taste experience, allowing lime and herb notes to shine through each refreshing bite.
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Tangy Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe

Tangy Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired zesty lime shrimp and avocado salad delivers fresh coastal flavors with tangy citrus notes. Crisp vegetables and succulent shrimp combine for a light, refreshing meal you’ll crave on warm summer days.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) jumbo cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium hass avocado, diced (about 5 oz or 142 g)
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced fine
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes, juice
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Macerate Onions: Finely mince red onion and soak in lime juice for 5 minutes to soften harsh edges and infuse with citrusy essence.
  2. Prepare Seafood and Produce: Cut shrimp into uniform bite-sized pieces, dice avocado into creamy cubes, and chop tomatoes and jalapeño into precise segments.
  3. Combine Base: Transfer marinated onions into mixing bowl, creating a tangy foundation for the salad’s flavor profile.
  4. Integrate Ingredients: Gently fold shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and jalapeño into onion mixture, allowing components to harmonize and develop complex taste dimensions.
  5. Enhance Flavor: Scatter freshly chopped cilantro throughout the salad, introducing a vibrant herbal complexity that elevates the overall sensory experience.
  6. Final Seasoning: Calibrate salt and pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile, ensuring each bite delivers a nuanced and bright taste sensation.
  7. Serve Immediately: Present the zesty salad at peak freshness, maximizing the dynamic interplay of textures and flavors for an optimal culinary experience.

Notes

  • Marinate Onions Strategically: Steeping red onions in lime juice softens their sharp bite and infuses a tangy flavor, transforming the ingredient’s harsh profile.
  • Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Consistent, bite-sized pieces of shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and jalapeño ensure even distribution of flavors and textures in every bite.
  • Handle Avocado Carefully: Choose ripe avocados and dice gently to maintain creamy texture without turning mushy, preserving the salad’s delicate structure.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Always sample the salad before serving, fine-tuning salt and pepper levels to achieve a perfectly balanced zesty profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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