This Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a vibrant, no-cook dish that perfectly balances freshness, protein, and healthy fats.
Bursting with the zesty brightness of lime and the aromatic touch of cilantro, it’s a salad that satisfies both the taste buds and nutritional needs.
With protein-rich shrimp and fiber-packed avocado, this recipe supports muscle health and digestion while remaining low in carbohydrates and saturated fat.
It’s quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes—making it ideal for busy weekdays, light lunches, or effortless meal prep.
The combination of creamy avocado, tender shrimp, and a hint of jalapeño adds texture and flavor without heavy calories, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice for anyone seeking a fresh, nutrient-dense meal.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Mixing Bowl Set
Perfect for marinating the onions and combining the salad ingredients, a sturdy mixing bowl ensures even flavor distribution. Beyond this recipe, these bowls are essential for tossing salads, prepping dough, or holding ingredients while cooking.
Citrus Juicer
Extract every drop of lime juice effortlessly. This tool ensures maximum flavor and minimal mess, perfect not only for this salad but for marinades, drinks, and dressings.
Chef’s Knife
A sharp, reliable chef’s knife makes quick work of chopping shrimp, avocado, and vegetables. Its versatility extends across countless kitchen tasks, from slicing fruits to mincing herbs.
Measuring Spoons
Precise seasoning is the key to balanced flavor. Measuring spoons guarantee accuracy for salt, olive oil, and spices, elevating both simple and complex recipes alike.
Salad Tossing Spoon or Tongs
Gently combines delicate ingredients without mashing avocado, preserving texture and presentation. Ideal for serving salads or mixing pasta and grain dishes.
20-Minute Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Onion Marinade: Start by finely chopping ¼ cup of red onion. Place the chopped onion into a small mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice from two fresh limes over the onion, then drizzle in 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper. Use a spoon or small whisk to combine everything thoroughly. Allow the onions to marinate for at least 5 minutes. This step softens the raw sharpness of the onions while infusing the lime flavor, creating a bright, zesty base for the salad.
- Chop and Prep the Main Ingredients: Take 1 pound of jumbo cooked shrimp, ensuring they are peeled and deveined, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Dice 1 medium tomato and 1 medium Hass avocado (approximately 5 ounces) into even cubes to ensure a uniform texture. Remove the seeds from 1 jalapeño and finely dice it. This careful prep ensures that each bite delivers a balanced mix of creamy avocado, juicy tomato, and spicy jalapeño with protein-packed shrimp.
- Combine the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped shrimp, diced avocado, diced tomato, and finely diced jalapeño. Gently fold the ingredients together using a large spoon or salad tongs. Take care not to mash the avocado—this keeps the texture light and appealing.
- Add the Onion Marinade: Pour the marinated onion mixture over the large bowl containing the salad base. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro evenly on top. Using gentle, deliberate folding motions, mix the salad until all ingredients are lightly coated with the tangy lime-onion marinade.This step ensures every bite is flavorful without overpowering the delicate shrimp and avocado.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Pause to taste the salad. Adjust with additional salt or black pepper if needed, keeping in mind the balance of zesty, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors. This final seasoning step allows you to personalize the salad according to your preference.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the salad into individual serving bowls or a large serving dish. This salad is perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or part of a healthy meal prep plan. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for presentation and added flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy avocado and fresh shrimp at their best, or cover and refrigerate for up to a day—perfect for busy weekdays.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lime juice instead of bottled.
- Make sure shrimp are fully cooked before adding; pre-cooked shrimp saves time.
- Gently fold the avocado to avoid mashing and maintain texture.
- Adjust jalapeño according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately for best freshness, but it can be refrigerated up to 24 hours.
- Cilantro can be substituted with fresh parsley if preferred.
- This salad works well as a light lunch or as a topping for tacos and grain bowls.
Chef’s Secrets To Maximum Flavor
The key to this salad’s vibrant taste is balancing acidity, spice, and freshness.
Marinating the red onion in lime juice and olive oil softens the raw bite while infusing a zesty tang that complements the shrimp.
Use ripe Hass avocado for creamy texture, and finely dice the jalapeño to ensure even heat without overpowering the dish.
Always taste and adjust seasoning last—salt and pepper can make a huge difference in highlighting the natural flavors.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or add a few drops of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
This salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
Serve it as a standalone light lunch or appetizer, or use it as a topping for tacos, grain bowls, or crisp greens.
For a fun twist, wrap the salad in lettuce leaves or tortillas for handheld meals. Garnish with lime wedges, extra cilantro, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for festive occasions.
It’s equally impressive for casual weeknight dinners as it is for summer entertaining, adding freshness and protein to any meal.
Storage Tips For Freshness
To maintain the salad’s texture and flavor, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep avocado and lime components on top to prevent browning.
Ideally, consume within 24 hours—shrimp can release moisture, and avocado may soften over time.
Avoid freezing, as it will alter the creamy texture of the avocado and reduce freshness.
When storing prepped ingredients separately, chop the vegetables and shrimp in advance but combine them only before serving for optimal taste.
Commonly Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works well if thawed completely and patted dry. Make sure they are cooked before adding to the salad. Avoid excess water, as it can dilute the flavor and make the salad watery.
2. Is this salad low-carb and keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With protein-packed shrimp, fiber-rich avocado, and minimal carbohydrates from vegetables, this salad is naturally low-carb and suitable for keto, low-sugar, or general low-calorie diets.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving. This preserves avocado texture and ensures the salad tastes fresh and vibrant.
4. Can I substitute cilantro?
Yes, fresh parsley or even basil can be used if you prefer or have a cilantro aversion. Each herb brings its own flavor, but cilantro is classic for that bright, zesty Mexican flair.
5. How can I adjust the spice level?
Remove the jalapeño seeds for milder heat or add more if you like a kick. Alternatively, a dash of chili powder or hot sauce can customize the spice without changing the texture.
This recipe is inspired by skinnytaste and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.