Description
This vibrant salad features smoky grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, crunchy greens, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. It’s quick to prepare, packed with protein, and perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium ripe avocados
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups mixed greens or romaine
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling and dressing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey or agave
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (for dressing)
Instructions
- Pat dry shrimp with paper towels. Toss in a bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until coated. Marinate for 10 minutes if desired.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Oil the grates.
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and lightly charred. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, honey, minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Slice avocados, halve tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and chop cilantro. Place mixed greens in a large bowl.
- Add grilled shrimp, avocado slices, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro to the greens. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
- Taste for salt and pepper. Top with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or crumbled feta if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate shrimp for at least 10 minutes. Slice avocado last to prevent browning. Soak red onion in cold water to mellow its flavor. Double the dressing for extra dipping or marinade. Clean grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking. Salad can be customized with grilled corn, black beans, feta, or mango. For meal prep, store ingredients separately and add avocado and dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 23
Keywords: grilled shrimp salad, avocado salad, cilantro lime dressing, healthy salad, summer salad, gluten-free, easy lunch, protein salad, shrimp recipe