TASTY & HEALTHY! CITRUS SHRIMP SALAD WITH AVOCADO Recipe

Experience a vibrant salad bursting with zesty citrus marinade and succulent pan-seared shrimp combined with creamy avocado, refreshing mixed greens, and a delightful crunch of toasted almonds. This nutritious dish marries tangy flavors with wholesome ingredients for a perfect light meal, ideal for lunch or dinner. Savor every vibrant flavor.

I love this recipe because it combines flavour and nutrition in one hearty meal. I start with 1lb of large shrimp that’s been peeled and deveined, pan searing them with garlic in olive oil, then adding a mix of freshly squeezed citrus juices from orange, lime and lemon.

This not only boosts the taste but provides vitamin C that helps with immunity. Once the shrimp is cooked to perfection, I toss it with diced avocado which supplies good fats and makes it extra creamy.

I then mix in toasted sliced almonds giving a nice crunch and finish with a bed of mixed greens like baby spinach and arugula. This salad is loaded with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins making it a winning option for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Its simplicity and nutritional value make it one of my go-to recipes for meal preps when I need a balanced and flavoursome dish.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love how the citrus marinade makes the shrimp taste so refreshing and full of zing, it just makes my taste buds happy every time.
I like that it’s packed with healthy stuff like avocado and almonds which gives it a nice mix of creamy and crunchy textures that i can never get enough of.
I appreciate how simple and quick it is to make; even on busy days, I can whip up this salad without any hassle.
I enjoy that the flavors are bold and balanced, like the combination of orange, lime, and lemon juices, which makes every bite exciting and different.

Ingredients

This salad offers a burst of vibrant flavors while keepin it nutritionally balanced.

Every ingredient play a special role in boosting both taste and health benefits.

From succulent shrimp loaded with protein to tangy citrus juices packed with vitamin C, creamy avocado with heart-healthy fats and fiber, and crunchy toasted almonds adding extra texture, each one makes the dish uniquely fun and satisfying.

• Shrimp provide lean protein and essential minerals while addin a sweet, seafood flavor.
• Orange, lime, and lemon juices add tanginess, vitamin C and a kick to every bite.
• Avocado brings creamy texture, healthy fats and fiber, helping keep your heart happy.
• Toasted almonds supply crunchy texture, extra protein and fiber, making the salad more interesting.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 2 cups mixed greens (like baby spinach or arugula)

How to Make this

1. In a small bowl, mix the orange, lime, and lemon juices with the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the citrus marinade.

3. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

4. Preheat a pan over medium-high heat and once hot, add the shrimp.

5. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.

6. Meanwhile, dice the avocado and toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet until they are just golden.

7. In a large bowl, place the mixed greens.

8. Once the shrimp is done, transfer them onto the greens.

9. Gently toss in the diced avocado and toasted almonds with the greens and shrimp.

10. Drizzle any remaining citrus dressing over the salad, toss lightly, serve, and enjoy your tasty and healthy meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl for mixing the citrus marinade
2. Fork or whisk for blending the juices, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper
3. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate juice and oil measures
4. Large bowl to toss the shrimp, greens, avocado, and almonds
5. Frying pan or skillet to cook the shrimp
6. Dry skillet to toast the sliced almonds
7. Cutting board and knife for dicing avocado and mincing garlic
8. Tongs or spatula for flipping the shrimp and tossing the salad

FAQ

TASTY & HEALTHY! CITRUS SHRIMP SALAD WITH AVOCADO Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Try swapping the shrimp with scallops or white fish if you aren’t in the mood for shrimp but still want a seafood vibe
• If you dont have fresh orange juice, use a good quality 100% store bought version or even grapefruit juice to add a bit of tang
• If you’re short on lime juice, you can up the lemon juice a little more – it’s not the same but it works fine
• Not a fan of avocado? Diced cucumber or even ripe mango can be a cool substitute for that creamy texture
• If you dont have sliced almonds, walnuts or pecans toasted lightly can give you a similar crunch and flavor

Pro Tips

1. Make sure not to let the shrimp marinate too long cuz the citrus acids can kinda “cook” ’em, and then they might turn rubbery.
2. When you toast those almonds, keep an eye on ’em and stir constantly so they don’t burn or turn bitter.
3. Let the avocado sit at room temp a bit before dicing so it mixes well with the warm shrimp without mushin up too much.
4. If you got any fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, toss a handful in at the end for a little extra flavor kick.