Embark on a refreshing culinary journey with our Avocado and Lime-Marinated Shrimp Salad. This dish is a harmonious blend of zesty lime-marinated shrimp, creamy avocado, and a medley of fresh greens, creating a light yet satisfying meal. It's perfect for a healthy lunch or a delightful starter, offering a burst of vibrant flavors and textures in every forkful.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including marination)
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
Ingredients
- Raw shrimp (400 g / 14 oz), peeled and deveined
- Lime juice (60 ml / 2 fl oz)
- Olive oil (30 ml / 1 fl oz)
- Garlic cloves (10 g / 0.35 oz), minced
- Ripe avocados (2 medium-sized), sliced
- Mixed salad greens (200 g / 7 oz)
- Cherry tomatoes (100 g / 3.5 oz), halved
- Red onion (50 g / 1.75 oz), thinly sliced
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Cilantro (15 g / 0.5 oz), for garnish
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Marinate Shrimp: Combine shrimp with lime juice, half the olive oil, and garlic. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: In a skillet, cook the shrimp over medium heat until they are pink and opaque, about 3 minutes per side.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add Shrimp and Avocado: Top the salad with cooked shrimp and sliced avocado.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Shrimp Size: Use medium to large shrimp for a satisfying bite.
- Marination Time: Don't marinate the shrimp for too long as the lime juice can start cooking it.
- Dressing Variation: Add a dash of honey or mustard to the dressing for an extra flavor dimension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I grill the shrimp?
Yes, grilling adds a nice smoky flavor.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Toss it in a bit of lime juice before adding to the salad.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add the avocado and shrimp just before serving.