Zesty Shrimp Salad Recipe

Zesty Lemon Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado & Tomato Recipe

Summer’s vibrant flavors burst with this zesty lemony shrimp salad that dances on your plate with fresh, bright ingredients.

Succulent shrimp mingle effortlessly with creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes, creating a light yet satisfying meal.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of tangy and rich textures that sing of coastal cuisine.

Crisp greens provide a refreshing backdrop to the tender seafood and smooth avocado chunks.

Ripe tomatoes add a sweet, summery note that complements the herb-infused dressing.

A quick and elegant dish emerges from just a few simple ingredients, ready to impress even the most discerning palate.

Dive into this Mediterranean-inspired feast and savor every refreshing bite.

Instructions to Prepare Lemony Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad

  • Shrimp Preparation

Sizzle shrimp in a hot skillet with a splash of oil, letting them dance until they transform into a beautiful pink hue. Whisper some salt and pepper over them, then let them cool and rest.

  • Salad Assembly

Create a vibrant medley by gathering your cooled shrimp with creamy avocado chunks, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, zippy green chili, and fresh green herbs. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the party.

  • Bright and Zesty Finish

Shower the salad with a sunshine splash of fresh lemon juice and its fragrant zest. This citrus magic not only awakens the flavors but also keeps your avocado looking fresh and inviting.

  • Final Touch

Give everything a gentle tumble, allowing the ingredients to mingle and get acquainted. Taste and adjust the seasoning, making sure each bite is a delightful surprise that dances on your taste buds.

Flavor Tips for Lemony Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad

  • Zesty Ingredient Swap: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or seared scallops for a different protein-packed twist that keeps the salad light and refreshing.
  • Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the salad an extra kick of heat that complements the cool avocado and bright lemon flavors.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers, keeping the dressing and shrimp separate from the fresh vegetables to maintain crispness and prevent soggy textures.
  • Herbal Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or dill to introduce unexpected flavor dimensions that elevate the salad's taste profile and add a gourmet touch.
  • Texture Enhancement: Toss in toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch that provides a satisfying contrast to the soft shrimp and creamy avocado.

Serving Suggestions for Lemony Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad

  • Fresh Picnic Platter: Spread the lemony shrimp salad over a large wooden board, creating a stunning centerpiece perfect for outdoor gatherings with friends and family.
  • Mediterranean-Style Appetizer: Serve small portions in elegant glass bowls or on toasted crostini for a sophisticated starter that impresses guests with minimal effort.
  • Light Lunch Companion: Pair the salad with crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with cucumber slices to create a complete, nutritious meal that feels like a seaside escape.
  • Quick Meal Prep Option: Pack individual portions in clear containers for a delicious work lunch that stays fresh and vibrant, keeping you energized throughout the day.

How to Store Lemony Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad

  • Smart Scheduling: Plan this zesty salad for quick lunches or light dinners. Prep ingredients in advance during busy mornings, making weekday meals effortless and delicious.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep shrimp and avocado separate from dressing to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients.
  • Quick Freshness Hack: Add extra lemon juice before serving to revive the salad's bright flavors if refrigerated overnight. The citrus will help restore the dish's vibrant taste profile.
  • Temperature Tip: Enjoy the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor experience. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let ingredients reach perfect eating temperature.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Calories: 87 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients for Lemony Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad

For Protein Base:
  • Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined shrimp for a succulent seafood centerpiece that adds lean protein and oceanic flavor to the salad.
For Fresh Produce:
  • Avocados, Cherry Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm avocados and vibrant, plump cherry tomatoes to create a colorful and creamy base with juicy bursts of freshness.
  • Green Chili: Pick a bright green chili for a zesty kick that elevates the overall taste profile with a subtle heat.
  • Cilantro, Parsley: Opt for crisp, bright green herbs to add a refreshing herbal note and beautiful garnish to the salad.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Avocado Oil: Select high-quality cold-pressed oils for cooking and dressing, providing rich, smooth undertones and healthy fats.
  • Garlic: Use fresh, firm garlic cloves to infuse the dish with a pungent, aromatic depth.
  • Lemon: Pick a juicy, bright yellow lemon for its zesty citrus punch that will brighten the entire dish.
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Choose freshly ground options to layer complex, clean seasoning throughout the salad.

Kitchen Tools for Lemony Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp quickly over medium-high heat.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining and tossing all salad ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Needed for dicing avocados, halving tomatoes, and chopping herbs.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Helps stir and cook shrimp evenly in the skillet.
  • Zester or Grater: Used for removing lemon zest without bitter white pith.
  • Juicer or Citrus Reamer: Extracts fresh lemon juice easily.
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Zesty Shrimp Salad Recipe

Zesty Shrimp Salad


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 14 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 5 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Lemony Shrimp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad brings zesty coastal flavors to summer dining. Fresh ingredients combine for a light, refreshing meal that delivers bold, tangy notes you’ll eagerly enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 large avocados, diced
  • 8 oz (226 g) mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 green chili, seeded and sliced
  • 12 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 1 lemon, for juice and zest
  • 1 handful cilantro or flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsps olive or avocado oil, divided (use avocado oil for cooking and olive oil for the dressing)
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear Shrimp: Heat skillet to high temperature and cook shrimp with garlic until pink and tender, seasoning with sea salt and cracked pepper. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Cube avocados, halve cherry tomatoes, and finely chop green chili and selected herb (cilantro or parsley). Ensure precise, uniform cutting for balanced texture and presentation.
  3. Create Citrus Dressing: Squeeze fresh lemon juice and zest, then whisk with extra virgin olive oil. This bright dressing will enhance flavors and prevent avocado browning while providing a luxurious coating.
  4. Combine and Season: Gently fold seared shrimp into vegetable mixture, allowing citrus-infused dressing to marry ingredients. Delicately mix to distribute flavors and create a harmonious Mediterranean-style salad.
  5. Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper. Serve immediately to preserve crisp textures and vibrant colors, ensuring maximum flavor intensity and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select plump, firm shrimp without discoloration or strong fishy odor for the best taste and texture.
  • Prevent Avocado Browning: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over cubed avocados immediately after cutting to maintain their bright green color and prevent oxidation.
  • Control Heat While Searing: Use medium-high heat when cooking shrimp to achieve a golden exterior without overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right after preparation to preserve the crisp vegetables, tender shrimp, and vibrant flavors at their peak freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 to 5
  • Calories: 87
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 125 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 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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