If you’re looking for a recipe that bursts with summer freshness and a delightful mix of textures, look no further than this *Avocado Shrimp Salsa*. A perfect combination of creamy avocado, juicy shrimp, and vibrant veggies, this salsa is not just a dip but a celebration on your palate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and Light: This dish is perfect for hot days when you crave something cool and satisfying.
- Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for last-minute gatherings or simple weeknight meals.
- Bursting with Flavor: A tangy, spicy kick paired with creamy and crunchy textures makes each bite a delightful experience.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy it with chips, as a topping for grilled proteins, or in tacos. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Avocado Shrimp Salsa relies on fresh and simple ingredients that each add their own unique touch. From the creamy avocados to the punchy jalapeños, every component plays a crucial role in crafting this delicious masterpiece.
- Shrimp: Use fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Avocados: Perfectly ripe avocados offer creaminess that balances the zesty flavors.
- Persian Cucumbers: These add a crisp texture without an overwhelming flavor.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes to add a juicy, sweet-tart taste.
- Jalapeños: Adjust the quantity to control the heat to your liking.
- Shallot and Garlic: These provide aromatic depth and a hint of spice.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note.
- Lime: Both zest and juice elevate the salsa with citrusy brightness.
- Salsa Verde: A touch of salsa verde adds a tangy, vibrant flavor.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
Variations
This delightful Avocado Shrimp Salsa is incredibly flexible. Feel free to customize it based on what’s in your pantry or to fit your dietary preferences. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:
- Mango Addition: Add diced mango for a sweet twist that complements the heat from the jalapeños.
- Grilled Shrimp: For a smoky flavor, grill the shrimp before chopping and adding them to the salsa.
- Vegan Option: Swap the shrimp with black beans or grilled corn for a plant-based version.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh mint or basil for a unique herbal flair.
How to Make Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp and let them simmer until they transform into that beautiful pink hue, which should take about 2–3 minutes, depending on their size. Drain and quickly run the shrimp under cold water to halt the cooking process, keeping them tender and juicy.
Step 2: Mix and Mingle
Once the shrimp are cooled and chopped, toss them into a large bowl. Add the remaining fresh ingredients — the avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, jalapeños, shallot, garlic, and cilantro — then finish it off with the lime zest, juice, salsa verde, and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt. Mix gently to keep the avocado chunks intact and let the flavors meld together.
Pro Tips for Making Avocado Shrimp Salsa
- Freshness Matters: Always use fresh, ripe ingredients for the best flavor, especially avocados which are key to the creaminess.
- Chill Time: Let the salsa sit for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Custom Heat: Adjust the jalapeño amounts to tailor the spiciness to your liking.
- Citrus Zing: Don’t skimp on lime; it ties the ingredients together and keeps the avocados from browning.
How to Serve Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Garnishes
Top your salsa creation with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a few slices of jalapeño for added color and kick. A squeeze of lime just before serving adds an extra zing that wakes up all the flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve this vibrant Avocado Shrimp Salsa with crispy tortilla chips, or use it as a zesty topper for grilled fish or chicken. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or as a side to a Mexican-inspired entree.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Instagram-worthy dish, serve your salsa in halved avocado shells or mini taco bowls. Layer it in small mason jars for a chic appetizer on the go. These touches make it as visually appealing as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Avocado Shrimp Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day to maintain the freshness and prevent the avocados from browning.
Freezing
While freezing is not recommended due to the creamy nature of avocados, you can prepare the other components ahead of time and freeze. Just add fresh avocado when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
This salsa is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply sit it out for a few minutes if fridge-stored before enjoying again.
FAQs
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Can I make Avocado Shrimp Salsa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, but mix them with the avocados just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
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What if I don’t like cilantro?
Feel free to substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or basil for a different, yet still refreshing, herbal twist.
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Is there an alternative to shrimp?
Yes, consider using grilled chicken, tofu, or beans for a protein swap that maintains the heartiness of the dish.
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What chips go best with this salsa?
Crispy, sturdy tortilla chips are ideal as they can hold the chunky salsa without breaking easily, ensuring each dip is satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the zesty freshness and delightful textures of this Avocado Shrimp Salsa at your next gathering or as a super simple snack. Dive in with chips or serve it to surprise your guests with a dish that’s as tasty as it is easy to prepare. Remember, life’s too short for boring food—give this flavorful salsa a try today!
Print
Avocado Shrimp Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This vibrant Avocado Shrimp Salsa combines succulent shrimp with creamy avocados and fresh vegetables, all infused with zesty lime and cilantro. Perfect as a light appetizer or a healthy snack, it’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 avocados, cubed
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/3 cup salsa verde
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp and simmer until pink, about 2-3 minutes, depending on size. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped shrimp. Incorporate the cubed avocados, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, jalapeños, shallot, and grated garlic. Mix gently to combine.
- Season the Salsa: Add lime zest, lime juice, salsa verde, and chopped cilantro to the bowl. Season with flaky sea salt to taste. Toss everything gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Chill for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or as a fresh topping for salads or tacos.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice preference.
- For additional flavor, add a splash of olive oil or a dash of cumin.
- This salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 11 grams
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
