Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sliced into a perfectly ripe avocado today, memories of sun-soaked picnics flooded my mind. Just like those warm days, this Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad is all about refreshing vibes and vibrant flavors. Packed with juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp greens, it’s not just a feast for the eyes; it’s designed for quick meal prep too. With just 20 minutes of your time, you can whip up this healthy, high-protein dish that shines at any table—whether it’s a laid-back lunch or a chic dinner. And let’s not forget the delightful crunch of toasted almonds that takes it over the top! Are you ready to dive into this irresistible salad that’s perfect for any home chef? Why is this salad a must-try? Refreshing Flavor Profile: The bright citrus notes combined with creamy avocado create an uplifting and satisfying experience in every bite. Easy Meal Prep: In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a nutritious, high-protein dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Flexible Ingredients: Customize with your favorite greens or swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for variety. Texture Galore: Enjoy the delightful contrast of crunchy toasted almonds against tender shrimp and creamy avocado. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This salad makes a stunning presentation that will impress family and friends at any gathering. Consider pairing this dish with a light side like Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad for a complete meal! Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Ingredients Prepare to create a delicious Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad that’s bursting with flavor! For the Citrus Shrimp Medium Pan-Seared Citrus Shrimp – Provides protein and a burst of citrus flavor; choose 31/40 size shrimp for tenderness. For the Greens Greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce, or spring mix) – Adds freshness and nutrition; feel free to mix your favorite leafy greens. For the Dressing Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Acts as a flavor base packed with healthy fats; opt for fruity or lemon-flavored varieties for extra zest. Juice of ½ Lemon or ½ Orange – Brings acidity and brightness; adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. For the Creaminess Avocado (sliced or diced) – Contributes richness and healthy fats; always choose ripe avocados for the best texture. For the Crunch Shallot (minced) – Offers a mild onion flavor with a slight crunch; if unavailable, red onion makes a great substitute. Sliced Almonds (toasted) – Adds nutty flavor and delightful crunch; you can replace them with walnuts or pecans for a different twist. For the Seasoning Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out flavors; adjust to your liking for the perfect taste. Now you’re all set to gather these vibrant ingredients and start crafting your Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Shrimp In a medium pan, heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the medium shrimp, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Sear for about 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and slightly golden on the outside. As they cook, drizzle in a bit of lemon or orange juice for added zest. Step 2: Toss the Greens While the shrimp are cooking, take a large bowl and add your choice of greens—arugula, spinach, or spring mix all work wonderfully. Make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly to maintain their crispness. Once the shrimp are cooked and let cool slightly, toss them in the bowl with the greens, creating a colorful base for your Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Step 3: Add the Dressing Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked and combined with the greens, drizzle in extra virgin olive oil, adjusting to your taste preference. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon or orange, enhancing the flavors. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the greens and shrimp are well-coated and vibrant, ready for the next fresh elements. Step 4: Incorporate the Avocado and Shallots Carefully slice your ripe avocado into cubes and gently fold them into the salad along with minced shallots. The avocado adds a creamy texture that beautifully contrasts with the citrusy shrimp. Be gentle while tossing to avoid mashing the avocado, ensuring each bite remains delightful in your Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Step 5: Final Seasoning and Toasting Almonds In a small skillet, toast your sliced almonds over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, sprinkle the almonds over the salad and season everything with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss lightly one more time, ensuring even distribution in your refreshing salad. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Transfer the Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls, showcasing its vibrant colors. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve immediately alongside crusty bread or as a light main dish. Revel in the mix of textures and flavors that make this dish a delightful addition to any meal. Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Variations Feel free to explore creative twists on this delicious salad that will make it uniquely yours! Grilled Chicken: Swap the shrimp for grilled chicken breast, marinated in citrus for added flavor. The tenderness pairs beautifully with creamy avocado. Tofu Substitute: Prefer a plant-based option? Substitute shrimp with cubed, pan-fried tofu to keep the protein high while remaining vegan-friendly. Seasonal Fruits: Add vibrant seasonal fruits like mango or grapefruit segments to enhance sweetness and provide a juicy contrast to the greens. Quinoa Boost: For a heartier dish, mix in cooked quinoa or orzo. This adds a filling texture that transforms the salad into a complete meal—perfect for lunch! Nutty Variation: Experiment with different nuts—try walnuts for a richer taste or pistachios for a colorful pop to diversify the crunch in your salad. Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, toss in slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This adds an exciting zing to your Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a refreshing lift and aromatic depth, enhancing your salad’s flavor profile. Creamy Dressing: Drizzle a tahini-based dressing or a creamy feta dressing on top for extra richness that complements the citrus notes perfectly. And don’t forget to pair this salad with a light side like Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad. Enjoy diving into these variations for delightful new experiences! Make Ahead Options These Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salads are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pan-seared shrimp and dressing up to 3 days in advance, just be sure to refrigerate them separately to maintain quality. For best results, store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container and the dressing in a sealed jar. However, it’s best to keep the avocado and greens separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent browning and wilting. When it’s time to enjoy, simply toss the chilled shrimp with the fresh greens, drizzle the dressing, and gently fold in the avocado. This way, your Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad will still be just as delicious and vibrant! What to Serve with Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that complement this refreshing salad beautifully. Crispy Garlic Bread: The buttery, crunchy texture balances the salad’s freshness, providing a satisfying bite that’s hard to resist. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, fluffy side adds heartiness while keeping the healthy theme alive, making it a perfect companion for your salad. Grilled Asparagus: Slightly charred and tender, grilled asparagus enhances the citrusy notes while adding a vibrant green touch to your plate. Chilled Cucumber Soup: A chilled, refreshing soup adds a cooling touch that harmonizes wonderfully with the zesty shrimp and creamy avocado. Lemonade Spritzer: This light, fizzy drink with a hint of citrus elevates the flavors in your salad, making for a perfect summer refreshment. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a sweet contrast to your meal while keeping the light and fresh vibe intact. Chocolate Mousse: For a special touch, finish with a silky chocolate mousse; its richness is a delightful contrast to the salad’s freshness. Serve with your Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad to create a luscious dining experience! Expert Tips for Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Perfect Shrimp Cooking: Ensure the shrimp are cooked just until opaque to avoid them becoming rubbery. Perfectly seared shrimp enhances the flavor of your Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Ingredient Freshness: Use fresh, ripe avocados, as they add creaminess and depth. Avoid overripe avocados that can become mushy in the salad. Customizable Greens: Feel free to mix different leafy greens according to your preference—just keep in mind that sturdier greens may require more dressing to balance flavors in your Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Toasting Almonds: Always toast your almonds before adding them to the salad for maximum flavor. A quick toast in a skillet brings out a delightful nuttiness! Dressing Balance: Adjust the amount of citrus juice to find the right balance of acidity for your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with lemon and orange combinations to discover your favorite flavor profile. How to Store and Freeze Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Fridge: Store any leftover Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado fresh, consider adding it just before serving. Freezer: It’s best not to freeze the salad due to the avocado and greens. Freezing may alter their texture, making them mushy when thawed. Reheating: If you have leftover cooked shrimp, they can be reheated gently in a pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating the entire salad, as the fresh ingredients lose their quality. Meal Prep Option: For make-ahead convenience, prepare the shrimp and dressing in advance. Combine with the greens and avocado just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch. Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe FAQs How can I choose the right shrimp for this salad? Absolutely! Opt for 31/40 size shrimp for tenderness and flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm, with a fresh ocean smell. Avoid any with dark spots or a sour odor, as these indicate they may not be fresh. How long can I store leftovers of this salad? Store any leftover Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the quality of the avocado, I recommend adding it just before serving when you know you’ll be enjoying it. Can I freeze this salad? It’s best not to freeze the Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad due to the avocado and greens. Freezing can alter their texture, resulting in a mushy consistency when thawed. If you have leftover cooked shrimp, they can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated before serving. What if my shrimp are overcooked? If your shrimp turn out overcooked, and become rubbery, don’t worry too much! Slice them into smaller pieces and toss them back into the salad, mixing well with the dressing; this should help mask the texture a bit. Make sure to keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they typically only need about 2-3 minutes until opaque. Are there any dietary considerations I should know about? Definitely! This salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. If you’re preparing it for someone with allergies, be sure to double-check that the almonds are safe for them, or consider substituting them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Can I customize the ingredients in this salad? Very much so! One of the delightful aspects of this Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad is its flexibility. Feel free to swap shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu for a non-seafood option. You can also play with greens, seasonal fruits like mango, or incluso grains like quinoa for a heartier meal. The more the merrier! Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad for a Refreshing Twist Enjoy a refreshing Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad, perfect for any home chef, featuring juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp greens. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Citrus Shrimp1 lb Medium Shrimp (31/40 size) Choose tender shrimp for best results.For the Greens4 cups Mixed Greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce, or spring mix) Feel free to mix your favorite greens.For the Dressing3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Opt for fruity or lemon-flavored varieties.1 half Lemon or Orange (Juice) Adjust the amount according to your taste.For the Creaminess1 medium Avocado Always choose ripe avocados for the best texture.For the Crunch1 tbsp Shallot (minced) Red onion can be a substitute.1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (toasted) Can be replaced with walnuts or pecans.For the Seasoning1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste. Equipment medium panLarge bowlskillet Method Preparation StepsPrepare the Citrus Shrimp by heating olive oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, searing for 2-3 minutes until opaque and golden, drizzling with lemon or orange juice.Toss the Greens in a large bowl, washing and drying them thoroughly. Add the cooked shrimp once cooled.Add the dressing by drizzling olive oil and squeezing in citrus juice. Toss to coat the salad evenly.Incorporate the avocado and shallots by carefully folding them into the salad, being gentle to maintain the avocado's texture.Finalize with toasted almonds and season with salt and pepper. Toss lightly for even distribution.Serve immediately on a platter or individual bowls, and enjoy fresh. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg NotesBest to consume fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add avocado just before serving to maintain freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
