This tasty avocado salsa shrimp salad is a colorful mix of shrimp, fresh avocados, and zesty salsa. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for a sunny day!
Whenever I make this, my friends can’t resist coming back for more. It’s so easy! Just toss everything together and enjoy. Plus, it makes me feel fancy without all the fuss! 🥑🌊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Cooked shrimp are the star of the dish. Frozen shrimp work great too; just thaw them before using. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using grilled chicken or canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
Avocados: Choose ripe avocados for creamy texture. If avocados are hard, leave them on the counter to ripen. You can swap avocados with diced mango for a sweeter twist or even use cucumber for a crunchy touch.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add juiciness. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are another yummy alternative—just halve them!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute. Some people even enjoy fresh basil for a different flavor profile.
Jalapeño: This is optional if you want some heat. You can replace it with a pinch of red pepper flakes or omit it for a milder salad. If you like spice, consider adding some diced serrano peppers!
How Do You Combine Ingredients Without Mushing the Avocados?
Mixing carefully is key to keeping your avocados intact. When you combine the shrimp and veggies, use a gentle folding motion rather than stirring vigorously. This helps maintain the avocado’s shape.
- Start with the firm ingredients first: shrimp, tomatoes, and onions, then add the avocados last.
- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together.
- Be patient! If you apply too much pressure, your beautiful avocados will turn into guacamole!
Taking it slow will ensure you have a colorful and appealing presentation for your salad!
How to Make Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious avocado salsa shrimp salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and perfect for a light lunch or dinner! If you’re serving it at a gathering, you can easily whip it up right before your guests arrive.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Fresh Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the cooked shrimp, diced avocados, diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Gently stir the ingredients together to combine.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. This dressing adds amazing flavor, so don’t skip it!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the shrimp and avocado mixture. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocados—they should stay chunky for a delicious texture!
4. Adjust the Flavor:
Take a quick taste of your salad. If it needs a little extra seasoning, add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as you prefer.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your beautiful salad to serving bowls. Garnish with extra avocado slices on the side for an appealing touch. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately with tortilla chips for crunch, if you like! Enjoy your refreshing and colorful Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Salad?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. You can thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge the bag in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh to keep the avocados from browning and the shrimp from getting soggy. However, you can prepare the shrimp and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The avocados may brown, so it’s best to use it up quickly. You can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before storing to help minimize browning.
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Salad?
Definitely! You can mix and match based on your preferences. Consider adding diced cucumber, bell peppers, or corn for added crunch and flavor. Just remember to keep the dice size similar for even bites!
