Easy Shrimp & Avocado Salad

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Easy Shrimp & Avocado Salad combines juicy shrimps with creamy avocado, crunchy celery and red onion. The shrimp and avocado salad dressing is made with mayonnaise and I’ve added fresh lime juice for a zesty burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Shrimp & Avocado Salad

I make my zesty shrimp and avocado salad with a creamy dressing, although I don’t add any cream. Instead the creamy texture comes from the avocado and the addition of mayonnaise to the salad dressing.

This delicious citrus shrimp and avocado salad is always popular with my family, the fresh flavors in the salad make it super appetizing. Also the dish can be prepared and on the table in just 10 minutes, making this a great lunch with a side of crackers, or light dinner option with additional salad veggies.

Whilst I have made my shrimp avocado salad with mayonnaise based dressing you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream if you prefer.

Recipe ingredients

• SHRIMPS: I used 16 ounces of cooked and peeled shrimp to serve 5.
• AVOCADO: look for a fresh avocado, not too firm, but not too soft either.
• CELERY: a celery stalk not only adds great flavor to the salad, but crunch and texture too.
• ONION: I use red onion for flavor and crunch.
• FRESH HERBS: I stir freshly chopped cilantro through the salad.
• LIME: fresh lime juice adds a great burst of zesty citrus flavor to the shrimps.
• MAYONNAISE: I use regular mayonnaise for the dressing, but you can use low fat mayo too.
• OIL: for flavor I like to add olive oil to the salad dressing.
• MUSTARD: I use Dijon mustard to flavor the salad dressing.

How to make Shrimp & Avocado Salad

Combine the shrimp, avocado, celery, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a large bowl.

Stir to mix.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, and mustard.

Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and stir to coat.

Serve immediately.

Flavor variations

• I’ve used small shrimp but you can use larger shrimp if you prefer.
• Swap the red onion for sliced green onions or shallots which also have a milder onion flavor.
• I like lime with this zesty shrimp salad, but fresh lemon juice would be a great swap.
• For a touch of chili heat, stir through a finely chopped fresh jalapeno pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Add extra fruits and vegetables to the salad, try:
  • diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
  • cucumber
  • sliced radish
  • diced mango
  • corn – canned or frozen and thawed
• Swap the cilantro for fresh parsley, dill or basil.
• Add extra ground spices like black pepper, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

Serving suggestions

I love to serve easy shrimp and avocado salad as a great tasting appetizer dip with my favorite crackers, some crusty bread or toasted bread. I also like to add a wedge of fresh lime so diners can squeeze some over for that extra hit of fresh zesty citrus flavor.

As my shrimp and avocado salad dressing has a lovely creamy texture from the avocado and mayonnaise, it also makes a great sandwich. You can also add extra layers to your sandwich, try layering crunchy lettuce leaves, or slices of tomato or cucumber with the salad.

You can also serve creamy shrimp and avocado salad as a delicious lunch or light dinner. Place on top of a leafy green salad, add some chopped tomatoes and cucumber for a great tasting salad main. Or try loading the shrimp salad into a warm baked potato.

Recipe hints & tips

• If using raw shrimps, make sure you cook the shrimps first and allow them to cool completely, before adding to the salad.
• Taste the salad and add a little more lime juice if you think it’s required.
• Serve this salad fresh as soon as it is prepared otherwise the acid in the lime juice will continue to cook the shrimps making them tough.

FAQs

Try some of my favorite salad recipes here at When is Dinner

• Mediterranean Tuna Salad
• Classic Tuna Salad
• Egg Salad
• Easy Peasy Pea Salad
• Southwest Spicy Chicken Salad
• Caesar Salad Bacon Cups
• Apple & Pear Salad
• BLT Salad