Name: Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 2 limes (juice of); 1 tsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp kosher salt (black pepper to taste); 1 lb jumbo cooked shrimp, peeled, chopped*; 1 medium tomato, diced; 1 medium hass avocado, diced (about 5 oz); 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced fine; 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Craving something light, fresh, and packed with bold flavors? This Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is your answer! Every bite is a vibrant celebration of sweet shrimp, creamy avocado, tart lime, and a little jalapeño kick—a perfect harmony of taste and texture that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Freshness: Every ingredient is packed with flavor, making each bite bright and lively—no wilted greens in sight!
Ready in 20 Minutes: You’ll have a healthy, protein-rich meal or appetizer on the table faster than you can say “what’s for dinner?”
Naturally Gluten-Free & Low-Carb: No complicated substitutions needed—this salad fits beautifully into a variety of eating styles.
Crowd-Pleaser: The zesty lime, creamy avocado, and sweet shrimp make this salad irresistibly delicious for family meals, lunch prep, or entertaining.

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is how every ingredient plays a specific role in creating that fresh, balanced flavor. You’ll need only a handful of kitchen staples, but each one adds an important pop—whether it’s color, crunch, or creamy goodness.

Red onion: Mellowed in lime juice, these add just the right hint of sharpness without overpowering.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens the whole salad, bringing out the sweet, briny flavor of shrimp.
Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps blend all those fresh flavors together.
Kosher salt + black pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing every bite—season generously, but taste as you go!
Jumbo cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped: Sweet, tender, and protein-packed—the true star of this recipe. Chopping helps catch every bit of zesty lime flavor.
Ripe tomato: Diced tomato brings juiciness and a mild sweetness that balances the citrusy zing.
Hass avocado: Creamy, buttery avocado chunks melt with each forkful—choose a just-ripe one for best texture.
Jalapeño: Diced fine (seeds removed), it gives the salad a gentle kick without making it too spicy.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds herbal freshness and that unmistakable finishing touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad is how truly versatile it is. Don’t hesitate to get creative—swap in your favorites, make it spicier or milder, or adapt for dietary needs with zero fuss!

Extra Veggies: Add diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even a handful of sweet corn for extra crunch and color.
Switch up the Protein: Substitute bay scallops, cooked lobster, or even flaked grilled fish if you want to change things up.
Mango Magic: Toss in diced fresh mango for a juicy, tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lime and shrimp.
Go Dairy: Crumble in a little queso fresco, cotija, or feta for an extra touch of richness.
Make it Mild: Skip the jalapeño (or replace with a milder pepper) for a version that’s big on flavor but gentle on spice.

How to Make Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Onions

Begin by combining the chopped red onion, fresh lime juice, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for at least 5 minutes—the acidity of the lime juice tames the sharp bite of the raw onions and infuses everything with that irresistible citrusy aroma.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Base

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together your chopped shrimp, diced avocado, tomato, and finely diced jalapeño. This colorful combo gives the salad its signature mix of textures—soft, juicy, slightly crisp, and creamy all at once!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Now, pour that tangy onion-lime mixture over your shrimp salad base. Add the chopped cilantro, then gently (but thoroughly) toss until everything is evenly coated. Do a final taste and tweak the salt or pepper as you like—now it’s ready to go!

Pro Tips for Making Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Chill Your Shrimp: For maximum flavor and a refreshing bite, be sure your shrimp are fully chilled before mixing into the salad—you want a cool, crisp texture, not lukewarm bites.
Cut Avocado Last: Dice the avocado just before assembling the salad to keep it perfectly green and creamy—otherwise, it may oxidize and brown.
Handle Gently: When tossing all the ingredients together, use a soft spatula and a gentle touch to keep the avocado and shrimp chunky, not mushed.
Taste & Adjust: The acidity, salt, and kick can all be tweaked at the end to make your Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad perfectly attuned to your palate.

How to Serve Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Garnishes

Top your Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad with extra cilantro, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a dusting of chili powder for extra color and heat. Try a few lime wedges on the side for squeezing, so every eater can control just how zesty their bowl gets.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside crunchy tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or warm, toasted pita. It’s also wonderful paired with cilantro rice or a refreshing fruit salad—you’ll be surprised how versatile the flavors can be!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad into avocado halves for an elegant (and edible!) serving dish, or pile it high in lettuce cups for a party-friendly appetizer. For lunch on the go, tuck it in a mason jar—just keep the avocado at the top to prevent browning until mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The salad tastes best fresh but keeps well for up to a day. If you anticipate leftovers, store the avocado separately and add it just before serving to maintain its color and texture.

Freezing

Because of the high water content in both shrimp and avocado, Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad isn’t recommended for freezing—the texture will become watery and mushy after thawing. It’s truly a salad that’s best enjoyed freshly tossed!

Reheating

This is a chilled salad, so there’s no need to reheat! If it’s been in the fridge, give it a quick toss before serving. If you left out the avocado, mix it in just before enjoying for the creamiest, freshest flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly, drain well, and pat dry before chopping and adding to your salad. This prevents excess moisture from watering down the flavors.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado fresh and green?

Toss avocado cubes with a little lime juice before mixing into the salad, and wait to add them until just before serving if you’re prepping ahead. This keeps those beautiful green chunks from browning.
Is Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad spicy?

It has a gentle heat thanks to the fresh jalapeño, but you control the spice level! Leave the seeds in for more kick or use less—or swap for a milder pepper if you prefer a softer flavor.
Can I make Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad ahead of time?

You can prep almost everything in advance; just keep the diced avocado separate and add it right before serving. This way, the salad stays as fresh and vibrant as possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s as bright and joyful as summer itself, you’ll adore this Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad. It’s quick, healthy, endlessly adaptable, and totally bursting with flavor—give it a try and see just how deliciously refreshing a simple salad can be!

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe