🥗 Power Protein Salad with Shrimp, Egg, Avocado & Sesame Beef
🕒 Total Time:
25–30 minutes
🍴 Servings:
2–3 servings
🧂 Ingredients
For the Salad:
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1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 large eggs (hard-boiled)
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1 avocado, sliced
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2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
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½ cucumber, thinly sliced
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1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
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Olive oil (for sautéing)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sesame Beef:
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8 oz (225 g) flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a paleo version)
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tsp honey or maple syrup
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2 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp sesame seeds
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Sesame Beef:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey/maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic.
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Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes if you have time).
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Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until it’s browned and cooked through.
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Remove from the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
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Heat a separate pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.
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Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Eggs:
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In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, then add the eggs. Boil for 9–10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Once done, remove the eggs from the boiling water, cool them under cold running water, peel, and slice them.
4. Assemble the Salad:
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In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber slices, and bell pepper slices.
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Add the shrimp, sliced eggs, avocado slices, and the sesame beef on top.
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Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish & Serve:
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Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds for extra crunch.
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Optionally, drizzle with a bit of sesame oil or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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You can serve this salad on its own for a filling, high-protein meal, or pair it with a small portion of quinoa or brown rice for a complete, balanced meal.
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A light soy sauce-based dressing or tahini dressing would also complement the flavors.
💡 Benefits of the Power Protein Salad:
This salad is perfect for those who want to fuel their body with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Here’s why:
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Protein-packed: Shrimp, eggs, and beef provide lean, muscle-building protein.
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Healthy fats: The avocado and sesame oil deliver heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3s.
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Fiber: The mixed greens, cucumber, and bell pepper help keep your digestive system in check.
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Antioxidants: Ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, and sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants that support overall health.
🌿 Q&A Section
❓ Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep all the components ahead of time (shrimp, beef, eggs, veggies) and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply assemble the salad and enjoy.
❓ Q2: How can I make this salad dairy-free?
A: This recipe is already dairy-free! If you want to add some extra creaminess, you could add a dairy-free dressing like guacamole or a tahini-based dressing.
❓ Q3: What can I substitute for the sesame oil in the beef marinade?
A: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with olive oil or avocado oil. However, sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef, so try to use it if you can!
❓ Q4: Is this salad suitable for a keto diet?
A: Yes! This salad is keto-friendly. It’s low in carbs and rich in healthy fats and protein. The avocado and sesame oil are perfect for a ketogenic diet, helping you stay full and satisfied.
❓ Q5: How can I adjust this recipe for a vegetarian or vegan version?
A: To make it vegetarian or vegan, swap out the shrimp and beef with tofu, tempeh, or seitan (for added protein). You can marinate the tofu or tempeh in the same sesame marinade and pan-fry it for a crispy texture.
❓ Q6: Can I add more veggies to this salad?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any extra veggies you like, such as tomatoes, zucchini, radishes, or spinach. Just be mindful that extra veggies might add more water content, so balance it with the right amount of protein.
❓ Q7: How can I make this salad spicier?
A: If you prefer a spicy kick, you can add red pepper flakes, a sriracha drizzle, or chopped fresh chili peppers to the shrimp or beef. A dash of hot sauce also works well in the dressing.
❓ Q8: How can I make this meal more filling?
A: To make the meal even more filling, you can serve it with a side of quinoa, farro, or brown rice. The added carbs will give you extra energy while keeping the meal balanced.
⚡ In Summary:
This Power Protein Salad with Shrimp, Egg, Avocado & Sesame Beef is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal that supports muscle growth, boosts energy, and stabilizes blood sugar. With plenty of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s the perfect choice for a filling, satisfying lunch or dinner.