Recipe: Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad
In this recipe, shrimp is paired with plenty of non-starchy greens, healthy fats from walnuts and avocado, and nutrient-dense starches from the strawberries and mandarin oranges. Paired with a tangy citrus dressing, this Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad delivers on flavor while being filling, yet wonderfully light.
Shrimp is a versatile protein that can be baked, pan-seared, grilled, air-fried, breaded, and even chopped up to use as a base of a burger. It also pairs well with many different flavors , including sweet, savory, salty, spicy, and meaty foods. The best part is the nutrition profile of shrimp. They provide 24g of protein for 100g of shrimp (or about 3.5 ounces), which makes them a great star of any dish. They offer omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, selenium to help fight cancer, and even choline which is essential for memory and brain function. The icing on the cake? Shrimp is one of the quickest cooking proteins, which makes it a perfect option for a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal.
Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp + 1/4 C olive oil, divided
- 1lb large peeled and deveined shrimp
- 8 C mixed greens
- 2 medium avocados, cubed
- 11 oz can mandarin oranges in water, drained
- 1/2 pint strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 C walnuts, chopped
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice, or more if a sweeter dressing is preferred
- 1 tsp spicy brown mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a medium sauce pan, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and warm over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp about 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is fully pink. Remove from the heat.
- In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, cooked shrimp, avocado, mandarin oranges, strawberries, walnuts, and scallions.
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the 1/4 C olive oil, red wine vinegar, orange juice, spicy brown mustard, garlic powder and salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp salad and toss well until fully coated.
- Serve and enjoy!
TIP: This dish can be made ahead of time as the shrimp can be cooked and served cold. Keep the shrimp separate from the other salad ingredients and have the dressing in a different container. When its time eat, simply add the shrimp to the salad mixture, pour over the dressing, mix well and enjoy!
Swaps:
- For the mixed greens: spinach, romaine, salad mixture of choice
- For the strawberries: double the mandarin oranges or add blueberries or apple chunks
- For the walnuts: pecans, pistachios, or almonds