This Shrimp Avocado Lettuce Salad is the perfect blend of light and satisfying. The juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp lettuce make every bite a refreshing delight. With a tangy lemon dressing and a touch of garlic, the flavors come together beautifully, making it an irresistible meal option for any time of the year.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this shrimp and avocado salad is sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large head of romaine or butter lettuce, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Set aside.
- In a small jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and cilantro.
- Add the cooked shrimp and toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Shrimp Avocado Lettuce Salad is a refreshing and nutritious meal that’s perfect for warm weather or when you want something light yet satisfying. The combination of juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and a tangy lemon dressing creates a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly, making it an excellent choice for various dietary preferences.
The Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
Each ingredient in this salad not only contributes to the amazing taste but also provides several health benefits:
🦐 Shrimp
- A lean protein source that helps build muscle and keeps you full.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health.
- Low in calories but packed with essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.
🥑 Avocado
- Provides healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
- Contains fiber, helping digestion and keeping you full longer.
- Loaded with vitamins E, C, and potassium, which are great for skin and immunity.
🥗 Lettuce
- A low-calorie base that adds crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Provides fiber and hydration, keeping you feeling light and refreshed.
- Can be replaced with baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for variety.
🍋 Lemon Dressing
- Adds a zesty, refreshing flavor that brightens up the dish.
- Contains vitamin C, which helps with immune support.
- Balances the richness of the avocado and shrimp.
Health Benefits of This Salad
- High in Protein: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, making this salad an excellent post-workout or high-energy meal.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and essential nutrients like potassium and fiber.
- Packed with Antioxidants: The fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health.
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With minimal carbs and a high protein and fat content, this salad is ideal for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Avocado Lettuce Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great salad is fresh, high-quality ingredients. Look for ripe avocados, crisp lettuce, and firm shrimp.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
- Customize Your Toppings: You can add extras like crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, diced mango, or toasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make the Dressing in Advance: Whisk together the dressing ingredients and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Pair it with crusty whole-grain bread or garlic butter toast for a complete meal.
- Add a side of quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for extra fiber and sustenance.
- Drizzle with extra lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes for a flavor boost.
Storage & Meal Prep
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can meal prep it by storing ingredients separately:
- Shrimp: Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Dressing: Store in a small jar and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Lettuce & Avocado: Chop lettuce ahead of time, but add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
This Shrimp Avocado Lettuce Salad is the ultimate light and refreshing meal, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor, making it a must-try recipe for any healthy eating plan.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
🔹 Make It Spicy – Add chili flakes or sriracha to the dressing for a kick.
🔹 Try a Different Protein – Swap shrimp for grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu.
🔹 Use Different Greens – Substitute lettuce with baby spinach, kale, or arugula.
🔹 Add More Crunch – Toss in cucumber, radishes, or bell peppers for extra texture.
🔹 Go Dairy-Free – Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
What Makes This Shrimp Avocado Lettuce Salad Special?
This Shrimp Avocado Lettuce Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and zesty flavors. It combines succulent shrimp, buttery avocado, crisp lettuce, and a vibrant lemon dressing for a dish that is both light and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a healthy meal prep option, this salad fits the bill.
It’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, and low in carbs, making it ideal for those following a healthy lifestyle. Plus, with its high protein content and heart-healthy fats, this salad is a nutritious choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Avocado Lettuce Salad is the ultimate go-to meal when you need something fresh, healthy, and quick to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests at a summer gathering. With so many ways to customize it, this salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection!