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Marinating the shrimp Start by mixing chili powder, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This mixture will be your marinade. Whisk it well until everything blends. Add the large shrimp and coat them fully. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This step makes the shrimp taste great. Cooking the shrimp Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to change to a nice pink color. When they are fully cooked, take them off the heat. Let them cool for about a minute before adding them to the salad. Dicing avocados, cucumber, and bell pepper While the shrimp marinates, it’s time to chop the veggies. Take the ripe avocados and cut them into small pieces. Do the same with the cucumber and red bell pepper. Place all these diced veggies into a large mixing bowl. Then, add the finely chopped jalapeño and red onion. This mix adds crunch and flavor. Adding spices and seasonings Next, sprinkle a bit of salt and black pepper over the chopped vegetables. This step helps bring out their natural flavors. You can also add more lime juice if you like it tangy. Toss everything gently to mix the spices well. Tossing the salad Now, it’s time to combine the shrimp with the veggies. Add the cooled shrimp to the bowl with the diced vegetables. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro, being careful not to mash the avocados. Toss everything together until it’s mixed well. This creates a colorful and tasty salad. Adjusting seasoning to taste Finally, taste the salad. If it needs more flavor, add extra salt or black pepper. You can also squeeze a bit more lime juice if you want more zest. Make sure every bite is full of flavor before serving. To get tender shrimp, cook them just right. Use medium-high heat and watch closely. Shrimp cook fast, so don't let them go too long. They should be pink and firm. Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes. This helps them soak up all the flavors. Don't marinate too long, or they can turn tough. Choosing ripe avocados is key to a great salad. Look for avocados that yield slightly when you press gently. They should feel soft but not mushy. Fresh vegetables make a big difference. For cucumbers and bell peppers, pick ones that are bright and firm. Freshness adds crunch and taste. An eye-catching presentation makes your salad pop. Serve it in hollowed-out avocado skins for a fun twist. Just before serving, drizzle more lime juice on top. This adds a zesty kick. Pair your salad with a light drink, like iced tea or sparkling water. These drinks complement the spicy shrimp and creamy avocado perfectly. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the shrimp for up to an hour to deepen the flavor even further. Perfect Avocado Selection: Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not overly ripe to ensure they hold their shape in the salad. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice tolerance; for a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes. Freshness is Key: Serve the salad immediately after mixing to maintain the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the ingredients. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this salad. If you want a different flavor, try grilled chicken or steak. Both options add a nice, hearty touch. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or chickpeas. They soak up the flavors well and keep the salad filling. Get creative with your salad! Adding fruits like mango or pineapple gives a sweet twist. You can also adjust the heat level by choosing spicy or mild recipes. If you like it hot, add more jalapeño. If you prefer less heat, use just a little. Switching up the dressing can change the whole dish. A creamy avocado dressing adds a rich texture. For a lighter option, try vinaigrette made with lime juice and olive oil. Both dressings enhance the fresh flavors of the salad. To keep your Spicy Shrimp Avocado Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to avoid air and moisture. It’s best to keep the shrimp and veggies separate if possible. This keeps the salad from getting soggy. Use a glass or a high-quality plastic container for the best results. In the fridge, your salad will last for about 1-2 days. After that, the avocados may brown and the shrimp can spoil. If you have leftover shrimp, you can freeze it. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. It can stay fresh for about 3 months in the freezer. For the best taste, enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature. If you want to reheat the shrimp, do it gently. Use a skillet on low heat to warm it up. Avoid heating it in the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Serve the salad right after mixing to enjoy the fresh flavors. Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. It keeps well if you store it right. - Shrimp: Marinate the shrimp ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. - Veggies: Chop the avocado, cucumber, and bell pepper. Keep them in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning. - Mixing: Combine the shrimp with the veggies just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. You can use several tasty options if you prefer not to use shrimp. - Chicken: Grilled chicken works well. Cook it until it's juicy and tender. - Tofu: Firm tofu is a great vegetarian option. Marinate and sauté it for flavor. - Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas add protein and texture. They are easy to use and fill you up. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. - Ingredients: All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Fresh veggies and shrimp are safe for a gluten-free diet. - Dressings: Always check labels on dressings, just to be sure. Some may contain gluten. Enjoy this salad worry-free, knowing it fits your dietary needs! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Spicy Shrimp Avocado Salad. We discussed key ingredients, like large shrimp and ripe avocados, and shared tips for cooking and mixing. You learned about flavor enhancers like lime juice and cilantro. We also explored alternative proteins and storage methods. Enjoy this salad as a fresh meal or a side dish. Its versatility makes it a great choice. Follow the steps, and you will create a dish that impresses everyone!

Spicy Shrimp Avocado Salad

A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring marinated shrimp and fresh vegetables, perfect for a light meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Whisk until well blended.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to enhance their flavor.
  • While the shrimp are marinating, prepare the fresh vegetables. Cut the avocados, cucumber, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped jalapeño and red onion to the bowl.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful pink color and are fully cooked through.
  • After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp cool for about a minute. Once slightly cooled, add the shrimp to the bowl filled with the diced vegetables.
  • Gently fold in the chopped cilantro, careful not to mash the avocados. Toss everything together until well combined and the flavors meld.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
  • Serve the salad immediately to maintain its freshness and vibrant flavors.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocado skins. Drizzle with extra lime juice before serving.
Keyword avocado, healthy, salad, shrimp, spicy