Shrimp Avocado Salad – A Light, Zesty, and Satisfying Seafood Salad

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and a little fancy (without the hassle), this Shrimp Avocado Salad is about to become your new go-to. Juicy steamed shrimp, creamy avocado slices, and crisp lettuce are tossed in a bright lime dressing that ties everything together like a tropical breeze. Whether you’re prepping lunch, a light dinner, or something to impress guests, this salad checks every box.

I love this recipe because it’s so simple but feels upscale. It’s the kind of thing I’ll whip up for myself on a quiet weekday or bring to the table when I’m entertaining. No grill, no fuss, and yet every bite tastes like sunshine.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Avocado Salad

• Fresh, vibrant, and filling
• Packed with healthy fats, lean protein, and crunch
• Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb
• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Totally customizable with your favorite toppings

If you’ve ever wondered whether avocado and shrimp go together—trust me, they absolutely do.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, thawed
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

For the Zesty Lime Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp lime juice (fresh is best!)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

How to Make Shrimp Avocado Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Steam the Shrimp
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Lower to medium heat. Place shrimp in a steamer basket or mesh strainer over the pot. Cover and steam for 4–6 minutes until shrimp are pink and curled. Remove and cool.
2. Make the Lime Dressing
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper until well blended.
3. Toss the Salad
   Add the steamed shrimp directly into the bowl with the dressing. Then add shredded lettuce and diced red onion. Gently toss to coat.
4. Add Avocados & Finish
   Tuck avocado slices into the tossed salad. Top with chopped cilantro.
5. Serve
   Serve immediately at room temp or chill it before serving for extra crispness.

Helpful Tips From My Kitchen

• Use pre-cooked shrimp if you’re in a rush—just thaw and toss.
• Add sliced cherry tomatoes or cucumber for extra freshness.
• For a little crunch, sprinkle on slivered almonds or pepitas.
• Want a spicy twist? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or thinly sliced jalapeño.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Swap the lime dressing for a Thai-style vinaigrette with fish sauce and chili flakes
• Make it a shrimp avocado tomato salad with halved cherry tomatoes and feta
• Turn it into shrimp avocado tacos by stuffing it all into corn tortillas
• Add a base of cooked quinoa or brown rice for a grain bowl version

Common Questions About Shrimp Avocado Salad

Do shrimp and avocado go together?

Yes! The creaminess of avocado complements the juicy texture of shrimp perfectly.

What is Mexican shrimp salad?

It’s usually a chilled salad made with shrimp, avocado, tomato, cilantro, and a lime-based dressing—just like this one!

How do you keep avocado from browning?

Toss it with lime juice and store it tightly covered if not serving immediately.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Definitely—just thaw and steam or sauté them. Make sure they’re fully cooked and pink.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes. You can steam the shrimp and prep the dressing in advance. Add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh.

What else pairs well with shrimp?

Shrimp pairs wonderfully with citrus, herbs, tomatoes, rice, lettuce, cucumber, and creamy dressings.

Serve It With…

Pair your Shrimp Avocado Salad with other light and fresh recipes from the blog:

• Try it next to a light and tangy cucumber-tomato salad alternative
• Balance it with this creamy and protein-packed kale quinoa salad with blueberries
• Sip on homemade blackberry lemonade to pair with your seafood salad

Make It Pinterest-Worthy

Want more fresh and fast recipes like this? Follow along on Pinterest where I share my favorite seasonal eats:
👉 https://www.pinterest.com/Ritzyrecipes/

If you make this shrimp avocado salad, tag me—I’d love to see how you enjoy it. Whether you make it for a quick solo lunch or a weekend crowd, this salad is always a hit!

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