This Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The pan-seared citrus shrimp pairs beautifully with creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and your choice of greens. The combination of citrus and the shrimp’s savory flavors makes this salad both flavorful and nutritious, and it’s great for meal prepping too!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Citrus Shrimp:

  • 1 lb medium shrimp (31/40 size), peeled and deveined

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Juice of ½ lemon or ½ orange

  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Salad:

  • 8 cups salad greens (spring mix, arugula, spinach, or romaine)

  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced

  • 1 small shallot, minced

  • 4 oz sliced almonds, toasted

  • Extra virgin olive oil (preferably lemon-flavored)

  • Fresh lemon or orange juice (for dressing)

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Make the Citrus Shrimp: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon or orange juice, garlic (optional), salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cook the shrimp in a hot pan for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside to rest.

2. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the greens with olive oil, citrus juice, shallots, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the cooked shrimp on top.

3. Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced avocado and toasted almonds to the salad and toss everything together gently.

4. Serve: Garnish with extra lemon or orange wedges if desired and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 374 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 14 g

  • Fiber: 7 g

  • Sugar: 2 g

• Protein: 31 g

• Fat: 23 g

  • Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 286 mg

• Sodium: 906 mg

• Potassium: 693 mg

• Vitamin A: 982 IU

• Vitamin C: 29 mg

• Calcium: 256 mg

• Iron: 4 mg

Why Choose Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad?

This salad is a great option for anyone looking for a light, flavorful, and nutritious meal. The shrimp provides a healthy dose of lean protein, while the avocado offers heart-healthy fats and fiber. The citrus marinade not only enhances the flavor of the shrimp but also adds a refreshing element that brightens up the entire dish. The addition of toasted almonds brings a crunchy contrast that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and savory shrimp.

Moreover, this salad is highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different greens, toppings, or dressings. It’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a light meal on a warm day.

Nutritional Benefits

This Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad is packed with essential nutrients, making it a balanced meal option:

• Protein: With 31 grams of protein per serving, this salad provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.

• Healthy Fats: The salad contains 23 grams of fat, primarily from the avocado and olive oil. These fats are mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and beneficial for overall health.

• Carbohydrates: At 14 grams of carbohydrates, this salad offers a moderate amount of energy without being overly carb-heavy. The carbohydrates come from the greens, avocado, and a small amount from the almonds.

• Fiber: The salad contains 7 grams of fiber, mainly from the avocado, greens, and almonds. Fiber is essential for digestion, and it helps keep you feeling full longer.

• Vitamins and Minerals: The salad provides a significant amount of Vitamin A (982 IU), which supports eye health and immune function. Vitamin C (29 mg) from the citrus juice boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin. The calcium (256 mg) and iron (4 mg) content help support bone health and red blood cell production, respectively.

How to Make Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Making this salad is quick and easy. Here’s how to prepare it in just a few simple steps:

1. Prepare the Citrus Shrimp:

   • In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon or orange juice, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the marinade.

   • Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside to rest.

2. Prepare the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, toss the salad greens (such as spring mix, arugula, spinach, or romaine) with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh citrus juice, minced shallots, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until the greens are well coated in the dressing.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • Add the cooked citrus shrimp on top of the greens. Then, add the sliced avocado and toasted almonds. Gently toss everything together to combine, making sure the avocado and shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the salad.

4. Serve:

   • Garnish with extra lemon or orange wedges for added citrus flavor, and enjoy immediately!

Serving Suggestions

This Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve the salad as a light main dish for lunch or dinner. The shrimp provides enough protein to make it filling, while the avocado and almonds add healthy fats and texture.

• With a Side of Grains: If you’d like to make the meal heartier, serve it alongside quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for added carbohydrates and fiber.

• Tacos or Wraps: Use the shrimp and salad as a filling for tacos or wraps, adding extra toppings like salsa or a drizzle of lime crema for a fun twist.

• As an Appetizer: Serve this salad in smaller portions as an appetizer for a dinner party or summer gathering.

Customization Options

This recipe is highly customizable to suit your dietary preferences and flavor preferences:

• Greens: You can swap out the salad greens for other varieties such as kale, mixed greens, or even iceberg lettuce for a different texture.

• Protein Options: If you prefer another protein, you can substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh.

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add additional veggies like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

• Dressing Variations: Experiment with different dressings such as a balsamic vinaigrette, tahini dressing, or a simple olive oil and vinegar combo for added flavor.

Conclusion: A Light and Flavorful Salad

The Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad is the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients. With the tangy citrus-marinated shrimp, creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and refreshing greens, this salad is not only delicious but also filling and balanced. Whether you serve it as a main dish or an appetizer, it’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and healthy ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it a versatile option for various diets and preferences. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light lunch, dinner, or snack that’s as good for you as it is satisfying.