Mediterranean Diet Friendly Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Cilantro
Bright, fresh, and loaded with good-for-you ingredients, this shrimp salad is the kind of dish that feels indulgent while checking every box for wholesome eating. Tender poached shrimp get tossed with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a punchy lime-and-olive-oil dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Extra-virgin olive oil and an abundance of fresh vegetables are cornerstones of the Mediterranean way of eating, and this recipe leans into both without any compromise on flavor. The cumin, red pepper flakes, and optional jalapeño give the dressing a subtle warmth that keeps every bite interesting. Poaching the shrimp is a gentle, hands-off technique that keeps them juicy and lets the vibrant dressing do the heavy lifting. A generous handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring that herby brightness that makes this salad feel restaurant-worthy with minimal effort. Serve it immediately after tossing so the avocado stays perfectly creamy and the cucumber holds its satisfying crunch.
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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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