Xanthan Gum Free Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Cilantro
Bright, zesty, and loaded with fresh ingredients, this shrimp salad is the kind of dish that feels like a restaurant plate but comes together in your own kitchen with zero fuss. Poached shrimp get tossed with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, red onion, and a generous handful of cilantro, then dressed in a punchy lime and cumin vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully. For anyone navigating thickener-free eating, this recipe is a natural fit — every single ingredient is whole and unprocessed, with no dressings, sauces, or packaged shortcuts that might sneak in unwanted additives. The dressing is whisked together from scratch using lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices, so you know exactly what's going in the bowl. A touch of jalapeño adds optional heat, and the cumin gives the whole thing a warm, earthy depth that keeps it from tasting like a plain summer salad. Serve it immediately after tossing so the avocado stays vibrant and the shrimp hold their texture — this one is best eaten fresh and fast.
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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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