Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad is a refreshing, light dish that combines sweet tropical fruit with juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and tangy lime juice. Perfect for warm weather, this easy-to-make salad takes just 15 minutes and makes for a healthy, satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a quick lunch, or a casual summer dinner, this dish is packed with vibrant flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Salad:

  • 1 pound fresh U20 shrimp (or your preferred size), peeled and deveined

  • 1 ½ cups small-diced fresh mango

  • 1 ½ cups small-diced fresh pineapple

  • ¼ cup diced red onion

  • 1 serrano chile or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced (optional)

  • 1 ripe Hass avocado, diced

  • ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, finely minced

  • 1 teaspoon cumin (adjust to taste)

  • 3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Directions

1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook the shrimp for 90 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on their size. Immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to cool down.

2. While the shrimp is chilling, dice the mango, pineapple, onion, and avocado, and place them in a large bowl.

3. Once the shrimp is cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the fruit and vegetables.

4. Add the cilantro, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently to combine.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 241 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 9g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Sodium: 1230mg

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 16g

Why Choose Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad?

This salad is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy something fresh, light, and full of flavor. The combination of succulent shrimp, sweet mango and pineapple, and creamy avocado creates a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. The tangy lime juice and cumin seasoning bring everything together, giving the salad a zesty kick while the cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note.

It’s also a versatile dish that works for various occasions. If you’re hosting a summer gathering, this salad is perfect as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. It’s also great for a quick and healthy lunch or light dinner, especially on warm days when you want something cooling and satisfying without feeling weighed down.

The Ingredients That Make This Salad Special

What makes this Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad stand out is its mix of fresh, nutritious ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

• Shrimp: Fresh U20 shrimp (or your preferred size) are the protein-packed star of this dish. Shrimp cook quickly and are naturally sweet and tender, making them the perfect pairing with tropical fruit. They’re also low in calories and rich in protein, offering a healthy boost to the salad.

• Mango and Pineapple: The diced mango and pineapple provide a burst of sweetness that balances out the savory shrimp. These fruits are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sugars, making them both delicious and nutritious.

• Avocado: The creamy avocado adds a rich texture to the salad, helping to mellow out the acidity from the lime and the spiciness from the chile. It also offers healthy fats, making this dish more filling and satisfying.

• Red Onion and Serrano Chile (optional): The red onion gives the salad a subtle sharpness, while the serrano chile (or jalapeño) adds a mild heat. These ingredients elevate the overall flavor and bring a bit of spice to contrast with the sweetness of the fruits.

• Cilantro and Lime Juice: Fresh cilantro and lime juice provide an essential zing, brightening up the entire salad with their herbal and citrusy notes. The cilantro also complements the cumin seasoning, adding depth and freshness to the overall dish.

• Seasonings: Cumin, salt, and pepper help to enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and fruits, making this salad flavorful but not overpowering.

How to Make Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad

Making this salad is quick and straightforward. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and it’s as simple as cooking the shrimp, chopping the fruits and vegetables, and tossing everything together. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the Shrimp: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shrimp for 90 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on their size. The shrimp should be opaque and pink when cooked. Once done, immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to cool them down quickly and stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Fruit and Veggies: While the shrimp is chilling, dice the mango, pineapple, red onion, and avocado, and place them in a large mixing bowl.

3. Chop the Shrimp: Once the shrimp has cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the diced fruit and veggies.

4. Season the Salad: Add the fresh cilantro, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Serve: You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutritional Benefits of Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad

This Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad is not only delicious but also healthy. At about 241 calories per serving, it’s a light yet satisfying dish that is perfect for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. The shrimp provides 18 grams of protein per serving, making this salad an excellent source of lean protein. The combination of fruits, avocado, and the lime dressing offers a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

The salad also provides 6 grams of fiber, which helps with digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. While the sodium content may seem high at 1230mg, it’s important to note that it primarily comes from the shrimp and seasonings. You can adjust the salt to your taste, or choose a lower-sodium shrimp if desired.

Customizing Your Salad

This Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad is highly customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences:

• Spice Level: If you like your salad with more heat, you can increase the amount of serrano chile or jalapeño, or even add some chili flakes to the dressing.

• Other Fruits: While mango and pineapple work wonderfully in this dish, you can experiment with other tropical fruits like papaya, kiwi, or orange slices for a unique twist.

• Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can swap it out for fresh mint or basil for a different herbal flavor.

• Add Protein: If you want to make the salad heartier, you can add extra protein like grilled chicken or black beans to increase the dish’s volume and nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions

Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a variety of sides for a more substantial meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips or homemade plantain chips for an extra crunch.

• Tacos or Wraps: This salad makes a great filling for soft tacos or wraps. You can roll it up in a tortilla for a handheld, portable meal.

• Grilled Vegetables: Pair this salad with some grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob for a well-rounded summer meal.

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling dish. The grains will soak up the citrusy dressing, adding another layer of flavor.

Conclusion

Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad is a deliciously fresh and light dish that combines tropical flavors with savory shrimp, creamy avocado, and tangy lime. It’s an easy, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you’re craving something refreshing and flavorful. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a lunch, or a light dinner, this salad is sure to impress and become a go-to recipe for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, prepare the salad in just 15 minutes, and enjoy this vibrant, tropical delight!