If you’re craving something refreshing yet hearty, look no further than the Avocado Shrimp Salsa. This delightful dish expertly combines juicy shrimp, creamy avocados, and zesty lime, creating a symphony of flavors that are both satisfying and invigorating. It’s perfect for those days when you need something that’s both light and full of flavor, making it an all-time favorite for gatherings or a quick weekday fix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Flavor: The Avocado Shrimp Salsa combines zesty lime and vibrant salsa verde for a refreshing kick.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for a fast, delicious fix.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a dip with chips, or spoon it over a bed of greens for a light meal.
- Super Healthy: This salsa is packed with healthy fats, proteins, and fibers for a wholesome meal option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Avocado Shrimp Salsa comes together with a handful of fresh ingredients that bring bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in enhancing the texture and taste, from the creamy avocados to the spicy jalapeños.
- Shrimp: The star of the show, boiled just enough to retain its texture and flavor.
- Avocados: Add creaminess while balancing the acidity with their rich, buttery texture.
- Cucumbers and Tomatoes: These add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, adjust the amount to suit your spice level.
- Lime Juice and Zest: Essential for adding a fresh, zesty aroma that ties the dish together.
- Salsa Verde: Offers a tangy kick that complements the richness of the shrimp and avocado.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Enhances all the stunning flavors, bringing everything together.
Variations
This Avocado Shrimp Salsa is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to fit your personal taste preferences or dietary needs with ease. Here are a few ideas for mixing things up.
- Grilled Shrimp: For a smoky twist, grill the shrimp instead of boiling them.
- Extra Spicy: Leave the seeds in the jalapeños for more heat or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Fruit Twist: Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet counterbalance to the savory flavors.
- Herb Substitute: Swap out cilantro for mint or basil for a different herbal note.
How to Make Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil and slide in the shrimp. As soon as the shrimp turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes, drain them and run under cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also locks in the tenderness and flavor. Once cooled, chop them into bite-size pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Salsa
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the freshly chopped shrimp with cubes of creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and the spicy bite of jalapeños. Sprinkle in the shallots and garlic for depth, then add cilantro and lime zest for an aromatic finish. A splash of lime juice and a swirl of salsa verde elevate the flavors to perfection. Season with flaky sea salt just before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Avocado Shrimp Salsa
- Shrimp Selection: Opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp if available, as they offer more flavor and better texture.
- Avocado Storage: Cut avocados just before mixing to prevent browning, wrapping extras in plastic wrap to keep fresh.
- Lime Juice Balance: Taste test as you go – lime juice adds acidity, so adjust according to your preferred level of tartness.
- Chill Time: Allow the salsa to rest in the fridge for 10 minutes to meld flavors, enhancing the overall taste.
How to Serve Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a twist of lime as a garnish to enhance the dish’s vibrant color and aroma. If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping with thin slices of jalapeño for extra spice and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Avocado Shrimp Salsa pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or as a topping for fish tacos. It also makes a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or even an unexpected topping for grilled steaks or chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, scoop servings into hollowed-out avocado shells or small glasses for individual portions. This not only looks charming but also provides an eco-friendly serving option that elevates your dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of Avocado Shrimp Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For best results, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air contact and prevent browning.
Freezing
While I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salsa due to the avocado and shrimp’s tendency to lose texture upon thawing, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately and add fresh avocados when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
This dish is best served fresh or chilled, so reheating is not necessary. If you’ve stored leftovers, just give it a good stir, and it’s ready to enjoy again!
FAQs
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Can I make Avocado Shrimp Salsa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a few hours ahead of serving time. Just be sure to keep it chilled and cover tightly to preserve freshness and prevent the avocados from browning.
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What shrimp size works best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp work well as they’re easy to handle and chop, providing a satisfying bite within the salsa. Just avoid using the smallest shrimp, as they might get lost among the other ingredients.
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Is it possible to use a different type of seafood?
Absolutely! You can substitute the shrimp with cooked crabmeat or even chunks of cooked lobster if you’re feeling luxurious, ensuring a delightful taste and texture.
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How can I tone down the spice level?
If you prefer a milder salsa, simply omit the jalapeño seeds or reduce the amount used. Alternatively, you can replace jalapeños with bell peppers for a colorful but mild kick.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe that this Avocado Shrimp Salsa will quickly become a staple in your household. Its refreshing flavors and ease of preparation make it a fantastic dish to whip up on any occasion. So next time you’re looking for something new to try, dive into this vibrant dish with confidence and enjoy every delightful bite!
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Avocado Shrimp Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Avocado Shrimp Salsa combines tender, juicy shrimp with creamy avocados, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty salsa verde, creating a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for dipping or as a light appetizer. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for summer gatherings or healthy snacking.
Ingredients
Protein and Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 avocados, cubed
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/3 cup salsa verde
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp and simmer until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes depending on their size. Drain the shrimp and immediately run them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped shrimp. Incorporate the cubed avocados, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, jalapeños, shallot, garlic, and cilantro. Gently toss to combine.
- Season the Salsa: Add lime zest, lime juice, salsa verde, and season with flaky sea salt to taste. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately with plenty of tortilla chips or on its own as a fresh appetizer. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor, but parsley can be a substitute if cilantro is not available.
- The dish can be prepared a few hours ahead; cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Chop the shrimp and prepare ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
