Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe

Easy Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe: A Zesty Summer Delight

Every avocado shrimp salad brings a refreshing twist to summer dining that promises delightful flavors and satisfying textures.

This vibrant combination revolutionizes simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses.

Green, creamy elements mingle with succulent seafood, creating a harmonious balance of taste and nutrition.

The dish represents a perfect blend of health-conscious eating and gourmet indulgence.

Crisp vegetables add crunch and depth, while zesty seasonings elevate the overall experience.

Lightweight yet filling, this recipe offers a sophisticated approach to quick and elegant meal preparation.

Each bite feels like a mini vacation for your palate, promising a delectable journey of freshness and flavor.

Avocado Shrimp Salad That’s Light, Creamy, and Satisfying

  • Savor Flavor-Packed Seafood: Infusing shrimp with zesty lime, aromatic dill, and bay leaf creates a mouthwatering base that transforms an ordinary salad into an extraordinary culinary experience.
  • Enjoy Quick and Easy Preparation: This no-fuss recipe takes just 15-20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning without sacrificing taste or quality.
  • Celebrate Creamy Texture Contrast: The combination of tender shrimp, smooth avocado, and crunchy celery delivers a delightful textural symphony that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
  • Embrace Versatile Serving Options: This light and refreshing salad works wonderfully as a standalone lunch, appetizer, or elegant summer party dish that impresses guests with minimal effort.

What Goes Into a Flavorful Avocado Shrimp Salad

Protein:
  • Shrimp: A lean, tender protein that brings delicate ocean flavor to the salad.
Creamy Elements:
  • Avocado, Mayo: Creamy ingredients that add rich, smooth texture and subtle richness.
Fresh Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Lime, Green Onion, Fresh Dill Weed, Dill Sprigs: Bright herbs and citrus that provide zesty, herbal notes and freshness.
  • Celery: Adds pleasant crunch and subtle vegetable background.
  • Bay Leaf, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall dish depth and flavor.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Water, Lime Juice: Poaching liquid for shrimp that helps maintain tenderness and adds subtle citrus undertone.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Avocado Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Rinse shrimp under cold water. Remove shells and devein carefully. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Broth

Gather ingredients for broth:
  • Water
  • Lime juice
  • Bay leaf
  • Dill weed sprigs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp Perfectly

Carefully add shrimp to the simmering broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl slightly. Immediately remove and place in an ice bath to stop cooking process.

Step 4: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Prepare additional ingredients:
  • Ripe avocado (diced)
  • Celery (finely chopped)
  • Green onions (thinly sliced)
  • Fresh dill (minced)

Step 5: Combine Salad Components

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine:
  • Cooked shrimp
  • Chopped ingredients
  • Extra lime juice
  • Salt to taste

Step 6: Add Creamy Dressing

Fold in mayonnaise until ingredients are evenly coated. The dressing should create a light, smooth consistency.

Step 7: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. This resting time allows flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator. Give a quick stir and serve chilled. Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.

Quick Tips for Creamy Avocado and Tender Shrimp

  • Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch shrimp carefully during boiling, removing them immediately when they turn pink and curl slightly to maintain tender, juicy texture.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Add herbs and citrus to boiling water before cooking shrimp, allowing ingredients to deeply penetrate and enhance the seafood's natural taste.
  • Keep Avocado Fresh: Dice avocado just before mixing to prevent browning, and consider adding a splash of lime juice to maintain its vibrant green color.
  • Balance Creaminess: Adjust mayonnaise quantity gradually, ensuring the salad remains light and not overly heavy or saturated.
  • Enhance Chilling Time: For optimal flavor development, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to blend and create a more harmonious taste profile.

How to Store and Enjoy Leftover Shrimp Salad

Storing Leftovers: Transfer the shrimp salad to an airtight container, sealing tightly to prevent air exposure. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Reheating Tips: Gently warm the salad at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shrimp tough and break down the delicate avocado texture. If needed, add a splash of fresh lime juice to revive the flavors before serving.

Best Practices: Consume leftover shrimp salad within 48 hours for optimal taste and safety. Discard if you notice any unusual odors or changes in texture.

Great Sides to Pair with Avocado Shrimp Salad

  • Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this zesty avocado shrimp salad with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, refreshing wines complement the lime and seafood, cutting through the creamy mayonnaise while enhancing the salad's delicate flavors.
  • Match with Crunchy Side Bread: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or rustic ciabatta slices. The bread's crisp texture provides a perfect contrast to the salad's soft ingredients, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy every creamy bite.
  • Balance with Citrus-Infused Cocktail: Create a complementary drink like a classic margarita or a light gin and tonic with extra lime. The citrus notes will echo the lime in the salad, creating a harmonious flavor profile that brightens the entire dish.
  • Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh dill or chives on top just before serving. These herbs intensify the existing flavors, adding a burst of color and an aromatic finish that makes the salad feel more gourmet and sophisticated.

Custom Variations for Your Next Shrimp Salad Creation

  • Spicy Fiesta Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, cilantro, and a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat and bring a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile to the classic shrimp salad.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace dill with chopped fresh oregano and parsley, mix in crumbled feta cheese, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a Greek-style variation that highlights Mediterranean herbs.
  • Tropical Coconut Crunch: Incorporate toasted coconut flakes, swap mayonnaise with coconut yogurt, and add diced mango for a refreshing tropical take that brings sweetness and texture to the original recipe.
  • Cajun Seafood Remix: Season shrimp with Cajun spice blend before cooking, include chopped red bell peppers, and mix in a touch of Creole mustard to create a bold, Southern-inspired version of the salad.
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Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe

Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired avocado shrimp salad promises a refreshing culinary journey through coastal flavors. Crisp greens, succulent shrimp, and creamy avocado combine in a light, zesty dish that transports diners to sun-drenched shorelines with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) raw shrimp, de-veined

Fresh Produce:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 lime
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped celery
  • 0.33 cup chopped green onion
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh dill weed
  • 2 sprigs of dill weed

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice

Additional Cooking Liquid:

  • 2 quarts water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp by thoroughly cleaning and removing the dark vein, ensuring a pristine and appetizing protein for the salad.
  2. Create an aromatic poaching liquid by combining water with lime essence, dill sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper in a large pot, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavors for several minutes.
  3. Gently immerse the shrimp into the simmering liquid, cooking them precisely for 2-3 minutes until they transform from translucent to a delicate opaque white, carefully avoiding overcooking.
  4. Remove the shrimp from the liquid and rapidly cool them using an ice bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their tender texture.
  5. Dice the avocado into uniform cubes, slice the celery and green onions into fine, delicate pieces, and mince the fresh dill to distribute its aromatic qualities evenly.
  6. Combine the cooled shrimp with the prepared vegetables in a mixing bowl, incorporating additional lime juice to enhance the brightness and acidity of the dish.
  7. Fold in the mayonnaise, ensuring each ingredient is luxuriously coated and the salad achieves a creamy, harmonious consistency.
  8. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
  9. Refrigerate the salad for 30-60 minutes, allowing the ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex, integrated taste profile before serving.

Notes

  • Chilling enhances the salad’s flavor profile, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop deeper, more complex taste notes.
  • Gentle mixing prevents breaking delicate shrimp and avocado pieces, maintaining their tender texture and visual appeal.
  • Selecting fresh, high-quality shrimp and ripe avocados guarantees the ultimate taste experience and ensures a vibrant, delicious outcome.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 175 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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