Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a refreshing, vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and zesty flavors, this Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to! It combines the succulent bite of shrimp with the lusciousness of ripe mango and avocado, finished with a burst of citrusy lime and a hint of fresh herbs. This salad feels like a celebration of fresh, tropical goodness in every single bite, making it ideal for quick lunches, light dinners, or a standout appetizer at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe is simple, yet essential, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that make the salad truly unforgettable. Each component brings something special to the table, from the sweetness of mango to the creaminess of avocado and the delicate pop of cherry tomatoes.
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides a satisfying, protein-packed base with a mild sweetness.
- 1 large ripe mango, diced: Adds juicy, tropical sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 ripe avocado, diced: Offers creamy texture and healthy fats that balance the acidity.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Brings a gentle sharpness and crunch to contrast softer ingredients.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Imparts a lovely burst of juiciness and mild acidity.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds fresh, bright herbal notes that elevate the salad.
- Juice of 1 lime: Introduces tangy brightness that ties all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth richness and helps blend the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance natural flavors.
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped: Adds a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by gathering your cooked shrimp, diced mango, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. This colorful medley is the heart of the salad, and by mixing them gently, you begin to let the flavors mingle before adding the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the Zesty Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and jalapeño if you’re using it. This bright dressing brings the salad to life, giving every bite a perfect balance of acidity and richness. The lime juice not only lifts the flavors but also keeps the avocado from browning quickly.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the combined ingredients and toss gently yet thoroughly. The key here is to mix without mashing the avocado, preserving its creamy chunks and texture. This step ensures that every forkful delivers a harmonious bite packed with vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can enjoy the salad immediately for a fresh, crisp experience or chill it for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Either way, the Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe shines with its bright colors and fresh taste.
How to Serve Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of jalapeño on top for an eye-catching presentation and added burst of flavor. A few lime wedges on the side give guests the option to add an extra splash of citrus if they like. Toasted pepitas or chopped nuts can also add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides. Think warm, crusty bread to soak up the dressing or a bowl of fluffy quinoa for a more substantial meal. Serve it alongside grilled corn on the cob or a crisp green salad to keep the meal fresh and summery.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Stuff the salad into avocado halves for a visually stunning presentation, or serve it atop a bed of mixed greens for extra freshness. You can even fill small lettuce cups with this salad as fun, handheld bites perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate it for up to one day. Since avocado tends to brown, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but a squeeze of extra lime juice before storing can help preserve the vibrant color.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because avocado and tomatoes lose their texture and become watery once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this delightful salad fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If your shrimp is pre-cooked and chilled, you can let the salad sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off, but avoid heating to maintain the fresh ingredients’ integrity.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp in this Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe?
Raw shrimp would need to be cooked thoroughly before adding to the salad. Using pre-cooked shrimp saves time and ensures the shrimp has a tender texture perfect for this dish.
What’s the best way to dice the avocado to prevent it from mashing when mixing?
Cut the avocado into slightly larger chunks rather than tiny pieces. When tossing the salad, use a gentle folding motion to keep the avocado intact and creamy.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
Absolutely! Lemon juice can be a good substitute and will still provide that bright, citrusy note, though lime gives a more tropical flair that complements the mango perfectly.
Is there a vegan version of this Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe?
To make it vegan, simply omit the shrimp and consider adding chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein. The dressing and fruits still make it vibrant and delicious.
How spicy does the jalapeño make the salad?
The jalapeño adds just a mild to moderate heat depending on how much you include and whether you keep the seeds. It’s a pleasant kick that balances the sweetness without overpowering the salad’s delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe is a spectacular mix of flavors and textures that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for yourself or dazzling guests at a summer party, it brings a delightful freshness and sophistication with minimal effort. I encourage you to give this vibrant salad a try—you might just find it becoming a favorite you turn to again and again!
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Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad combines succulent cooked shrimp with sweet diced mango, creamy avocado, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a fresh, light, and colorful salad that comes together quickly, perfect for a healthy lunch or a refreshing starter on warm days.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked shrimp, diced mango, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh cilantro until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and the finely chopped jalapeño if using, creating a bright and slightly spicy dressing.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado to maintain its creamy texture.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors or refrigerate for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, cooked shrimp for best flavor; pre-cooked shrimp from the store works well.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your heat preference or omit for no spice.
- Chilling the salad slightly enhances the flavor, but avoid storing for too long to prevent avocado browning.
- Can be served on its own, over greens, or with tortilla chips as a refreshing appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
