Chili Lime Shrimp Salad with Avocado is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and the vibrant ingredients that embody the essence of Mexican coastal cuisine. This recipe is a culinary love letter to the sunny shores that stretch endlessly along Mexico’s coastline, where seafood is fresh, citrus fruits flourish, and bold seasonings are a hallmark of the cuisine. With its zesty chili lime shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp greens, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the dynamic flavors found in Mexican cooking, particularly its use of bold spices and the citrus tang of lime, a classic flavor enhancer in this part of the world. Chili and lime are a match made in culinary heaven, combining spicy heat with a refreshing brightness to create a flavor profile that awakens the taste buds. In this salad, the chili lime shrimp are the star of the show, marinated in a blend of chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and lime zest before being quickly sautéed for a perfectly caramelized, juicy finish.
The supporting ingredients play an equally vital role in making this dish shine. Mixed greens form the foundation of the salad, providing a crisp and nutritious base. Sweet cherry tomatoes are halved to add a burst of freshness, while thin slices of red onion lend a sharp, slightly tangy bite. The avocado—a key player in Mexican cuisine—brings its signature creaminess, complementing the spice from the shrimp and adding a luscious texture to every bite. Bright, herbaceous cilantro, an essential herb in many traditional Mexican dishes, adds a fresh aroma that ties the components together.
To elevate the salad even further, a drizzle of lime dressing permeates every bite with tangy, citrusy goodness. While store-bought dressing can be used, a homemade lime vinaigrette is worth the extra step for a more personalized touch. Creamy and slightly salty crumbled cotija cheese is the optional final flourish, offering a nod to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico while adding a contrasting richness to the zesty, spicy notes of the salad.
This Chili Lime Shrimp Salad with Avocado isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. In just 30 minutes, you can transport yourself to a sun-swept beach, savoring the vibrant flavors and textures that define coastal Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this salad is the perfect way to celebrate the transformative power of simple, high-quality ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or to add your own unique twist.
With every bite, this salad offers a little taste of summer, a reminder of the joy that comes from fresh produce, bold seasoning, and thoughtful cooking techniques. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a small crowd, this recipe is sure to impress and delight, leaving you craving another trip to the coastal-inspired flavors of this culinary gem.
Chili Lime Shrimp Salad with Avocado
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 tablespoon (affiliate link)olive oil extra virgin preferred
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (affiliate link)garlic powder
- 1 unit lime zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon (affiliate link)salt sea salt preferred
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens organic, washed and dried
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 unit avocado sliced
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- ¼ cup cotija cheese crumbled, optional
- 3 tablespoons lime dressing store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp mixture and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- In a large serving bowl, assemble the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Add the sautéed shrimp on top.
- Drizzle the salad with lime dressing and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese for an extra flavor boost, if desired.