Cinnamon Free Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Cilantro
Bright, citrusy, and loaded with creamy avocado, this shrimp salad is the kind of dish that feels like a restaurant plate but comes together in your own kitchen with minimal fuss. Warm spices like cinnamon can sneak into spice blends and pre-made dressings more often than you'd expect, so building the seasoning from scratch here — cumin, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and fresh garlic — keeps every element clean and intentional. The dressing is a simple whisk of lime juice and olive oil that ties everything together with a punchy, tangy brightness. Poaching the shrimp gently means they stay tender and juicy rather than rubbery, which makes a real difference in the final texture. Creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a hit of fresh cilantro give you a satisfying mix of richness and crunch in every bite. A little jalapeño is optional but highly recommended if you want a gentle kick that plays beautifully off the lime. This one is best served right away while the avocado is still vibrant and the shrimp are perfectly chilled.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for the poaching water
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1 english cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Fill a medium saucepan with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until opaque throughout and curled into a loose C-shape. Drain through a colander and spread on a plate to cool for 10 minutes.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic until combined.
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