Light, refreshing, and bursting with bright flavor, Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad is the perfect recipe for warm weather or when you crave something nourishing yet exciting. This salad features juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a tangy citrus dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

From weeknight dinners to special luncheons, this salad shines as a fresh, gourmet experience without the fuss. If you’re looking for a dish that feels upscale but requires simple effort and ingredients, this is the one.

Why I Love This Recipe

There are endless reasons to adore this salad, but the biggest one is balance—texture, flavor, and nutrition come together flawlessly. The shrimp adds protein and tenderness, while fresh oranges or grapefruit bring a beautiful tang.

The avocado contributes velvety creaminess, creating a luxurious mouthfeel in each bite. This salad is also incredibly customizable and forgiving; add more veggies, swap citrus fruits, or adjust seasoning to your liking. It’s satisfying without being heavy, making it an all-year staple.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

If you enjoy fresh, high-quality ingredients working in harmony, this recipe is an absolute must. Unlike many salads, this one feels complete and filling thanks to the shrimp and healthy fats from avocado.

It also offers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy days when you still want something wholesome and flavorful. Whether you serve it to impress guests or enjoy it solo, you’ll appreciate how vibrant and refreshing every bite feels.

Prep & Cooking Time

Step	Time
Preparation	15 minutes
Cooking	6–7 minutes
Total Time	21–22 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~340 kcal (may vary depending on avocado size and dressing amount)
Course: Salad / Light Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean / California-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
1 orange or grapefruit, segmented
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

For the Citrus Dressing

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 orange
1–2 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked.
Prepare dressing by whisking together lemon juice, orange juice, mustard, garlic, honey, and olive oil until smooth.
Combine mixed greens, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and citrus segments in a large bowl.
Add cooked shrimp and gently fold in diced avocado.
Drizzle with citrus dressing and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Prep Ingredients: Wash produce, slice vegetables, and segment citrus fruit.
Cook Shrimp: Sear shrimp in a hot skillet until tender and lightly golden.
Make Dressing: Whisk citrus juices, olive oil, honey, mustard, and garlic until emulsified.
Assemble Salad: Start with greens, then layer vegetables, shrimp, and fruit.
Add Avocado Last: Gently fold to avoid mashing.
Dress & Serve: Pour dressing evenly and enjoy fresh.

How to Serve

Serve immediately on chilled plates for a refreshing experience. Pair with:

Sparkling water with lime
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Crusty bread (optional)

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook shrimp—rubbery texture ruins the tenderness.
Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds or pepitas.

Variations

✔ Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or chipotle aioli drizzle.
✔ Tropical Twist: Replace tomato with mango or pineapple.
✔ Low-Carb Version: Omit honey and add extra herbs.
✔ Grain Bowl Style: Serve over quinoa or couscous.

Freezing & Storage

Do not freeze. Avocado and citrus texture changes drastically.
Refrigeration: Store undressed salad up to 24 hours.
Dressing: Keep separately up to 5 days.

Special Equipment Needed

Sharp knife
Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
Large salad bowl
Skillet for shrimp

FAQ

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just rinse, pat dry, and season lightly.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
It already is—no adjustments needed.

Q: Can I substitute the avocado?
Yes, with feta, edamame, or roasted chickpeas.

Conclusion

Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a refreshing, beautiful, and incredibly flavorful dish that proves healthy meals can be exciting. With its juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, bright citrus notes, and vibrant dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests. Simple to prepare yet visually stunning, this salad elevates everyday ingredients into a delicious, nourishing culinary moment you’ll want to make again and again.