The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and your taste buds are begging for something refreshing. Enter the shrimp & avocado citrus salad recipe that will make your mouth water and your friends envious. Imagine plump shrimp dancing in a zesty citrus dressing alongside creamy avocado slices that melt in your mouth—each bite is a mini fiesta of flavors!
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I can still hear my best friend squealing with joy when I first served this dish at a backyard barbecue. It was the highlight of our summer gathering, and let me tell you, it’s perfect for any occasion that calls for lightness and brightness on your plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip it up in no time.
- Enjoy a flavor explosion from fresh ingredients combining perfectly.
- The beautiful colors will impress anyone at your table.
- This versatile dish is perfect as an appetizer or light lunch.
Sharing this salad is always a hit; my guests rave about its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp for the best texture; fresh or frozen works well, just ensure they are peeled and deveined.
- Avocado: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to pressure; they add creaminess and richness to the salad.
- Citrus Fruits: A mix of oranges and grapefruits brings brightness; freshly squeezed juice enhances flavor.
- Red Onion: Adds a bit of crunch; opt for thinly sliced red onions to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives an aromatic touch; substitute with parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro’s unique taste.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness; it complements the acidity of the citrus beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential staples that enhance all flavors; adjust to taste based on your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep the Ingredients: Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water until they’re clean and ready to shine in this dish. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque—about 3 minutes per side should do it! The aroma will be irresistible.
Chop the Veggies: While waiting on those gorgeous shrimp, dice up your avocados into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion for that crunchy texture we need.
Mix Citrus Juice: In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juice with olive oil, salt, and pepper for an invigorating dressing. Whisk until well blended.
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, gently combine sautéed shrimp with chopped avocados, red onions, and cilantro. Drizzle citrus dressing over everything and toss lightly—don’t mash those avocados!
Serve Chilled: Let this beautiful creation rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows all those fantastic flavors to meld together beautifully.
This marvelous shrimp & avocado citrus salad recipe is now ready to serve! Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to tropical shores (without needing sunblock).
Let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want such vibrant colors gracing their dinner table? So grab those bowls and enjoy every refreshing bite!
You Must Know
- This Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad is a refreshing delight, bursting with vibrant flavors.
- The combination of juicy shrimp and creamy avocado creates a luxurious texture that dances on your palate.
- It’s perfect for warm days when you crave something light yet satisfying.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create this delightful salad, start by cooking the shrimp until they’re pink and tender, then chill them while prepping the citrus and avocado. This sequence ensures fresh flavors meld perfectly together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu if desired. You can also add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick or sprinkle with feta cheese for added creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating as it’s best served cold to maintain freshness and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best taste; frozen shrimp can work, but fresh is superior.
- Don’t overcook your shrimp; they should be just pink and firm to the touch.
- Squeeze lime juice over avocado immediately to prevent browning.
Creating this Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad reminds me of summer BBQs with friends where laughter filled the air, and compliments flowed like lemonade on a hot day.
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for this salad?
Fresh or frozen shrimp works well, but choose high-quality options for better flavor.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, prepare it a few hours ahead but keep ingredients separate until serving.
What are some good side dishes to pair with this salad?
Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Enjoy a refreshing blend of plump shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty citrus in this vibrant salad—perfect for summer gatherings or a quick, delicious lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup citrus fruits (oranges and grapefruits), juiced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes per side.
- While the shrimp cooks, dice avocados and slice red onions.
- In a bowl, whisk together citrus juice, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp, avocados, red onions, and cilantro. Drizzle dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
- Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
