Fresh Shrimp, Avocado, and Spinach Salad Recipe for Zesty Meals

Nothing beats a light and zesty shrimp, avocado, and spinach salad that dances with fresh flavors and vibrant colors.

Crisp spinach leaves provide a nutrient-packed foundation for succulent seafood and creamy green goodness.

Summer meals demand quick, refreshing options that energize without weighing you down.

Delicate shrimp add protein and richness to this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Chopped avocado melts into each bite, creating smooth contrast against the tender protein.

A simple lemon vinaigrette brings brightness that connects all ingredients harmoniously.

Make this salad and feel instantly nourished and satisfied!

Pro Tips for Making This Fresh Salad Shine

• Maximize Shrimp Flavor: Season generously with spices before cooking to enhance taste and create a delicious crust.
• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch carefully during cooking and remove immediately when turning pink to maintain tender texture.
• Boost Salad Freshness: Use crisp, fresh spinach leaves and prepare ingredients just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and vibrant colors.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for alternative protein sources that suit different dietary preferences.
• Elevate Dressing Balance: Adjust lemon juice and honey ratios to create a perfectly tangy and sweet dressing that complements the salad ingredients.

Storage Tips for Shrimp, Avocado, and Spinach Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate shrimp, avocado, and greens to prevent wilting.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain crisp texture and prevent ingredients from getting mushy.
• Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
• Consume chilled salad within 24 hours for optimal flavor and freshness, as avocado and shrimp quality deteriorates quickly.

What to Serve with Shrimp, Avocado, and Spinach Salad

• Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the light, zesty flavors of the shrimp and lemon-garlic dressing, cutting through the richness of avocado and feta.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta alongside the salad to soak up the delicious dressing and add a delightful textural contrast to the fresh ingredients.
• Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to refreshing sparkling water, creating a hydrating and palate-cleansing drink that balances the salad's vibrant taste profile.
• A dry, light rosé wine offers a perfect summer-inspired beverage that echoes the salad's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and bright, fresh character.

Flavor Upgrades for Shrimp, Avocado, and Spinach Salad

• Low-Carb Seafood Salad: Replace spinach with cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a carb-conscious version. Use lettuce wraps instead of traditional salad base.
• Vegan Protein Alternative: Swap shrimp with grilled tofu or tempeh. Use plant-based feta cheese and add roasted chickpeas for protein boost.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Increase healthy fats by adding extra avocado, using more olive oil in dressing, and replacing honey with sugar-free sweetener.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Include kalamata olives, cucumber, and swap almonds with pine nuts for a different Mediterranean flavor profile.

Questions and Answers on This Salad

• How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?

The shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque, and appears slightly curled. Cooking 2-3 minutes per side ensures they’re not overcooked and remain tender.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! The salad is packed with protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, vitamins from spinach, and antioxidants from tomatoes. It’s a nutritious and balanced meal.

• What if I don't like feta cheese?

You can substitute feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or skip the cheese altogether. The salad will still be delicious with the remaining ingredients and zesty dressing.

Shrimp, Avocado, and Spinach Salad That Feels Like a Meal

• Whips up in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy professionals craving a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Loaded with succulent shrimp and heart-healthy ingredients, delivering a balanced and satisfying dinner that keeps you energized.
• Combines zesty lemon-garlic dressing with spiced shrimp, creamy avocado, and tangy feta, creating a taste adventure in every bite.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

All You Need for Shrimp, Avocado, and Spinach Salad

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood protein that adds flavor and nutrition, wild-caught or tiger shrimp work best for tender texture.

• Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Avocado: Fresh vegetables providing crunch, color, and balanced nutrition, choose ripe and crisp produce.

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy base for dressing and cooking, extra virgin recommended for best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that adds zesty freshness and helps balance the dish.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that helps emulsify and add complex flavor to the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out the dressing's taste profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor, fresh cloves preferred.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing taste and bringing out ingredient flavors.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Dried spices for seasoning shrimp, adds depth and mild heat.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy cheese that adds creamy saltiness to the salad.
• Toasted Almonds: Crunchy nutty element that provides textural contrast.

How to Assemble Shrimp, Avocado, and Spinach Salad

Step 1: Sizzle The Seafood

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and look opaque. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Craft The Tangy Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Build Your Colorful Salad

• Fresh baby spinach
• Sliced cherry tomatoes
• Diced red onion
• Creamy avocado chunks

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Toasted almond slivers

Step 4: Final Toss And Serve

Drizzle prepared dressing over salad. Toss ingredients delicately to distribute flavors. Serve immediately and savor each vibrant bite.

Shrimp, Avocado, And Spinach Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty Mediterranean-inspired Shrimp, Avocado, and Spinach Salad brings coastal freshness to your plate. Cool ingredients mingle with bold flavors, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for summer dining.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled & deveined

Salad Components:

• 5 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup toasted almonds or walnuts

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the seafood by seasoning shrimp with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly cooking the seasoned shrimp.
3. Sear the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a vibrant pink color and opaque texture that indicates complete cooking.
4. While the shrimp cool, craft a zesty dressing by whisking together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
5. Layer fresh spinach leaves as the salad foundation, creating a verdant base for the remaining ingredients.
6. Strategically arrange sliced cherry tomatoes, thinly cut red onion, and creamy avocado chunks across the spinach.
7. Position the perfectly cooked shrimp atop the vegetable medley, creating an appetizing visual appeal.
8. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds over the salad for added texture and flavor complexity.
9. Gently drizzle the prepared lemon-garlic dressing, carefully tossing to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated.
10. Serve immediately to preserve the crisp textures and vibrant flavors of this refreshing seafood salad.

Notes

• Quickly pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden exterior when cooking.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in the salad.
• Swap feta with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that maintains a tangy, salty profile.
• Marinate shrimp for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of flavor and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg