MSG Free Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Cilantro
Fresh, vibrant, and built entirely from whole ingredients, this shrimp salad is the kind of dish that feels like a treat without any of the usual processed-food concerns. Every component is clean and recognizable — poached shrimp, ripe avocado, crisp cucumber, red onion, and a bright lime-and-olive-oil dressing seasoned with cumin, garlic, and a touch of heat. There are no flavor packets, no bottled sauces, and no condiments hiding unwanted additives, which makes it a genuinely stress-free choice for anyone avoiding monosodium glutamate. The dressing comes together in one small bowl with pantry staples, and the shrimp are simply poached in salted water, so you stay in full control of every ingredient from start to finish. Creamy avocado balances the citrusy kick of fresh lime juice, while cilantro and optional jalapeño keep things lively and aromatic. It's the kind of salad that looks impressive enough for guests but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner.
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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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