Zingy Shrimp, Avocado and Spinach Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Crisp spinach leaves cradle succulent shrimp in this vibrant avocado and spinach salad.

Refreshing ingredients dance across your plate with unexpected harmony.

Mediterranean-inspired textures create a light yet satisfying meal perfect for warm afternoons.

Healthy fats from ripe avocados complement the tender seafood beautifully.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of fresh flavors and nutritious elements.

Verdant greens and delicate proteins intertwine to deliver a colorful dining experience.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this simple yet elegant dish.

Everything In Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides lean protein and adds a delicate oceanic flavor. Wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp work best.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy Mediterranean cheese that adds creamy texture and salty bite. Choose authentic Greek feta for best results.

• Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Avocado: Nutrient-rich base that creates a colorful and vibrant salad foundation. Select ripe, crisp produce for maximum flavor and freshness.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Core dressing ingredients that provide smooth, bright base. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for superior taste.
• Dijon Mustard, Honey: Adds depth and balanced sweetness to the dressing. Opt for smooth Dijon and raw honey if possible.
• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost overall flavor profile. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Toasted Almonds: Provides textural contrast and nutty undertone. Whole almonds should be lightly toasted for maximum crunch.

How To Put Together Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

Step 1: Sizzle The Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Toss shrimp into the hot pan and cook until they turn vibrant pink and look slightly curled, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk everything together until the dressing looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Explosion

• Fresh baby spinach leaves
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Creamy avocado chunks
• Cooked shrimp
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Toasted sliced almonds

Step 4: Toss And Savor

Drizzle the zesty dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and crisp.

Tips For Making Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Boost Shrimp Flavor: Marinate shrimp for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness, using a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
• Perfect Dressing Balance: Adjust dressing ingredients to taste, adding more honey for sweetness or extra lemon juice for tanginess, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
• Prevent Avocado Browning: Toss avocado cubes with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their fresh, vibrant green color and prevent oxidation.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap feta cheese with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for a vegan version, or use grilled tofu instead of shrimp for a plant-based protein option.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers to keep ingredients crisp, assembling the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.

Storage Tips For Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Refrigerate leftover salad separately from the dressing to maintain freshness.
• Store cooked shrimp and salad components in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for maximum 3-4 days.
• Gently reheat shrimp before serving, avoiding overcooking which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Consume chilled salad within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.
• Avoid freezing this salad as avocado and spinach will lose their crisp quality and become soggy when thawed.
• Pro tip: Add fresh ingredients like tomatoes and avocado just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain the salad's vibrant appearance.

Perfect Pairings For Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Zest Up with White Wine: Pair this salad with a crisp, refreshing sauvignon blanc that complements the lemon-garlic dressing and cuts through the richness of shrimp and avocado.
• Crunch with Chardonnay: A light, unoaked chardonnay enhances the nutty almond flavor while balancing the shrimp's delicate texture and spinach's earthy notes.
• Toast with Sparkling Water: Elevate the meal with a citrus-infused sparkling water that mirrors the bright lemon dressing and provides a clean, palate-cleansing experience.
• Boost with Pinot Grigio: A light, dry pinot grigio matches the salad's fresh ingredients, highlighting the shrimp's sweetness and the avocado's creamy texture.

Fun Mix-Ins For Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• Zesty Cilantro Kick: Replace feta cheese with cotija cheese, add chopped fresh cilantro, and swap lemon juice for lime juice to create a Mexican-inspired version of the salad.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate cucumber, kalamata olives, and swap almonds for pine nuts to give the salad a Mediterranean feel with complementary Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Cajun Style: Season shrimp with Cajun spice blend instead of garlic powder and paprika, add roasted corn kernels, and use a spicier honey-cayenne dressing for a bold Louisiana-inspired transformation.
• Tropical Fusion: Mix in diced mango, swap red onion for green onions, and add a touch of coconut flakes to create a tropical variation with sweet and refreshing undertones.

FAQs On Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad

• What makes this shrimp avocado salad special?

This salad combines protein-packed shrimp with creamy avocado and nutrient-rich spinach, creating a balanced and delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. Fresh or frozen work equally well in this recipe.

• Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the components separately and assemble just before eating. Keep the dressing, shrimp, and veggies in separate containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy greens.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

Add extra protein like quinoa or additional nuts. You can also increase the portion of shrimp or sprinkle more toasted almonds to make the salad more substantial and satisfying.

Why Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad Is So Fresh

• Savor Quick Nutrition: This shrimp avocado spinach salad delivers a protein-packed meal in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy professionals seeking healthy, delicious dining without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Combining elegant ingredients like feta cheese, toasted almonds, and succulent shrimp transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience right at home, impressing family and guests effortlessly.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible ingredient swaps, allowing home cooks to adjust based on personal preferences or pantry availability, making it adaptable for different dietary needs and taste profiles.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with omega-3 from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and vitamins from spinach, this dish provides a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that supports overall wellness without compromising flavor.

Shrimp Avocado And Spinach Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Shrimp Avocado and Spinach Salad brings zesty flavors together in one refreshing dish. Crisp greens, succulent shrimp, and creamy avocado blend seamlessly, delivering a light yet satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled & deveined
• ¼ cup (60 grams) feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)

Vegetables and Produce:

• 5 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• ½ cup (75 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Seasonings and Dressing Components:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (30 grams) toasted almonds or walnuts (for crunch)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by seasoning with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become completely opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Craft the zesty dressing by whisking together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, golden honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a small mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Create a verdant base in a spacious salad bowl by layering crisp spinach leaves as the foundation. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and creamy avocado chunks across the leafy surface.
4. Strategically arrange the perfectly cooked shrimp atop the vegetable medley, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted almond slivers for added texture and flavor complexity.
5. Drizzle the vibrant lemon-garlic dressing over the salad, using gentle tossing motions to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated without bruising the delicate components. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s fresh, crisp essence.

Notes

• Choose shrimp that’s fresh and deveined to ensure the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Quickly sear shrimp over high heat to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color.
• Enhance the salad’s nutrition by using raw baby spinach, which provides maximum vitamin retention and a crisp texture.
• Toast almonds separately in a dry skillet for a deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust dressing ingredients to create a lighter version by reducing oil and increasing lemon juice for a zesty, low-calorie option.
• Swap feta with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that still provides a tangy, cheesy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg