Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried this Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad yet, you’re in for a real treat! It’s the perfect blend of fresh flavors and healthy ingredients that just sings summer to me. I remember making this salad for the first time during a sunny picnic with friends, and it was an instant hit! The juicy shrimp paired with creamy avocado and bright cherry tomatoes create a refreshing dish that’s not just a meal, but a celebration on a plate. Trust me, once you whip up this Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
- First things first, grab a skillet and heat up that lovely olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking—careful there!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp, along with the minced garlic, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Cook these beauties for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn that gorgeous pink color and are opaque. Wow, the smell is just divine!
- When your shrimp are perfectly cooked, take the skillet off the heat and let them cool for a bit. This step is crucial, as you don’t want to mash the avocado and veggies with hot shrimp!
- While the shrimp cools, grab a large bowl and combine your diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Just looking at this colorful medley is enough to brighten your day!
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Add those cooled shrimp to the bowl. Don’t forget to drizzle in the fresh lemon juice—it adds such a zesty kick!
- Gently toss everything together. You want to mix it all up without smashing the avocado. Take your time; it’s worth it!
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley right before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, so if you can, pop it in the fridge for a little while to let those flavors mingle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 20 minutes, so you can whip it up even on the busiest days!
- Fresh and flavorful ingredients that make each bite a delightful experience.
- Healthy and low-calorie meal option, perfect for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing taste.
- Great for meal prep or a light lunch—pack it up for work or enjoy it leisurely at home!
Tips for Success
- For the best flavor, always opt for fresh shrimp! Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but there’s nothing quite like the taste of shrimp that’s just been cooked.
- Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste. A little sprinkle of extra lemon juice can also brighten the flavors even more.
- Serve this salad chilled for the ultimate refreshing experience. It’s perfect for hot days when you just want something light and flavorful.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not just tasty—it’s also packed with goodness! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, you can feel good about digging into this salad guilt-free!
FAQ About Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can be a great alternative if you don’t have fresh on hand. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking—place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. They’ll work just fine in this salad!
How can I make it vegetarian?
If you want to make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and add in some chickpeas or grilled vegetables for protein and texture. You could also toss in some feta cheese for that Mediterranean flair!
What can I serve with this salad?
This Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like chicken or fish, or you can serve it alongside warm pita bread and a light, crisp white wine. It’s versatile enough to be a star on its own or a side dish at a dinner gathering!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad, the possibilities are truly endless! For a complete meal, I love pairing it with some beautifully grilled meats, like lemony chicken or flaky fish, which really complement the fresh flavors of the salad. If you want to keep things light, warm pita bread is a fantastic addition—perfect for scooping up every last bite!
And let’s not forget about drinks! A chilled glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, elevates the whole experience and really brings out the Mediterranean vibes. Honestly, this salad is so versatile that you can enjoy it as a light lunch, a starter for dinner, or even as part of a picnic spread. No matter how you serve it, it’s bound to impress!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
When it comes to storing your Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad, I recommend keeping it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, you can definitely savor them! Just make sure to eat it within 2 days for the best quality and flavor.
Now, you might wonder about reheating—well, here’s the thing: this salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s really no need to reheat it. Just grab it from the fridge, give it a gentle toss, and enjoy! The flavors will still be delightful, and the coolness is so refreshing, especially on a warm day. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
For more delicious salad recipes, check out this grilled peach salad or this beet and feta salad!
Z nadrukami
Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad: 7 Fresh Delights
- Całkowity Czas: 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A refreshing salad combining shrimp and avocado with Mediterranean flavors.
Składniki
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instrukcje
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine avocados, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add cooled shrimp to the bowl.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 5 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Mediterranean
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 25g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 20g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 15g
- Włókno: 7g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Słowa kluczowe: mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad
