🥑 The “Coastal-Breeze” Shrimp Avocado Salad
This salad is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, but it feels like a total indulgence thanks to the rich, buttery texture of the Hass avocados.
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Chill Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Yield | 4 servings |
🍴 Ingredients
- 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (cooked or seared)
- 2 Large ripe avocados, cubed
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 Red onion, finely minced
- 1 Jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 Large limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup charred corn or black beans for extra “bulk”
👩🍳 Instructions
1. The Onion Maceration
- In a small bowl, combine the minced red onion and the lime juice. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This “pickles” the onion slightly, removing the harsh aftertaste.
2. The Shrimp Prep
- If using raw shrimp: Sauté them in a pan with a splash of oil, salt, and a pinch of cumin for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Let them cool slightly.
- If using pre-cooked shrimp: Ensure they are patted dry and cut into bite-sized chunks if they are “Jumbo” size.
3. The Emulsion
- Whisk the olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper into the lime and onion mixture. This creates a zesty vinaigrette right in the bowl.
4. The Gentle Fold
- In a large serving bowl, combine the shrimp, tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Add the cubed avocado last. Pour the onion-lime dressing over the top.
- Use a large spoon to gently fold the ingredients together. You want the avocado to stay in distinct cubes, not turn into guacamole.
5. The Chill
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the shrimp to absorb the lime juice and the flavors to meld.
The “Tostada” Twist: While this is a salad, it is spectacular when served on top of a crispy corn tostada with a thin smear of mayo or refried beans on the bottom to act as “glue.”