Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, making it the perfect dish for warm days, gatherings, or anytime you crave a light, nutritious meal. With succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables all tossed together with a zesty dressing, this salad not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that showcases the essence of Mediterranean cuisine!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Make This Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
This Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients. The firm, juicy shrimp and creamy avocado create a delightful contrast, while the crunchy cucumber and sweet cherry tomatoes add refreshing pops of flavor. Light yet satisfying, this dish is perfect for lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner. Plus, it’s packed with healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the shrimp, making it not only delicious but nutritious!
How to Make Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Cooking the Shrimp
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients
Add the cooked shrimp to the salad mixture and gently fold in to combine all the ingredients well.
Step 4: Dressing the Salad
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Serving
Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
This salad shines as a main dish, but it can also be served as a side at cookouts or gatherings. Pair it with crusty bread or pita chips for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully, making it an ideal choice for summer evenings!
How to Store Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that avocado can brown quickly, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. If preparing in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the avocado’s vibrant color and texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Ripeness of Avocados: Use perfectly ripe avocados for a creamy texture. If they are too hard, they won’t mix well in the salad.
- Add a Crunch: Consider adding some chopped bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch.
- Customize: Feel free to swap ingredients, such as using different olives or adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste your dressing before pouring it over. You can adjust the acidity with more lemon juice if desired.
Delicious Variations
- Mediterranean Couscous: Incorporate cooked couscous for a heartier option.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble feta cheese over the salad for a tangy twist.
- Spicy Shrimp: Drizzle some chili oil on the shrimp for heat and extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for best results. -
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free. -
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours in advance but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the avocado fresh. -
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
You can substitute with green olives or omit them entirely if you prefer. -
Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! This salad works well with cooked crab or lobster, offering a luxurious twist.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Its vibrant colors and robust flavors make it an enchanting dish for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, create this delightful salad, and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!
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Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 21
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing salad featuring succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and vibrant vegetables, tossed in a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the salad mixture and gently fold in to combine all the ingredients well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For best results, prepare the dressing just before serving to maintain the avocado’s color. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
