Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad!

🍤 Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad

🕒 Ready in: 25 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 2–3

🧂 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp — peeled and deveined (tails on optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic — minced

• Salt and black pepper — to taste

• 1 tsp paprika (optional for color)

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

• 1 avocado — sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes — halved

• 1 cup orange segments (fresh or canned mandarin oranges, drained)

• 2 tbsp red onion — thinly sliced (optional)

For the Citrus Vinaigrette:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• ½ tsp garlic — minced

• Salt and pepper — to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Add the shrimp, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

• Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Salad

• In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, orange segments, and red onion.

• Drizzle about half of the dressing and toss gently to coat.

• Top with the cooked shrimp and drizzle the remaining dressing.

4. Serve

• Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or sesame seeds (optional).

• Serve immediately while shrimp are warm or at room temperature.

🧀 Optional Add-ins

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess

• Toasted almonds or cashews for crunch

• Sliced cucumber or radish for extra freshness

💡 Tips

• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tropical twist.

• If using pre-cooked shrimp, just warm them briefly in a pan with garlic and olive oil before adding to the salad.

• To meal prep, store shrimp and dressing separately; combine just before serving.

🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Approximate — varies by ingredients used)

• Calories: 360

• Protein: 28 g

• Carbs: 11 g

• Fat: 24 g

• Fiber: 5 g