If you’re looking to dazzle your taste buds with a vibrant and refreshing dish, look no further than this delightful Avocado Shrimp Salsa! Packed with colorful ingredients that scream freshness, this salsa is perfect for dips, toppings, or straight-up enjoyment by the spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Freshness Overload: Every bite of this Avocado Shrimp Salsa is packed with fresh, zesty goodness that brightens up your palate.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect as a dip, a topper for tacos, or just enjoy it with some crispy tortilla chips.
- Quick to Prepare: With just about 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s a speedy but fancy appetizer or snack.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Loaded with lean protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Avocado Shrimp Salsa lies in its simplicity. The fresh ingredients are like a colorful symphony, each playing a note that enhances the taste, texture, and color of the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp brings a sweet, briny taste and a tender bite to the salsa.
- 2 avocados, cubed: These add creaminess and rich texture that balance the sharp lime and spice.
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped: Crisp and refreshing, they add crunch without overpowering the mix.
- ½ cup tomatoes, chopped: Tomatoes lend a juicy sweetness that plays well with the other zesty flavors.
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded, if desired, and chopped: A kick of heat to make your taste buds dance. Adjust for spiciness!
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped: Offers a subtle onion flavor without being too harsh.
- 1 clove garlic, grated: A hint of aromatic depth that enhances the other flavors.
- ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped: Bright and citrusy, it adds an essential herbaceous note.
- 1 tbsp lime zest, plus 1/4 cup lime juice: Lends a zesty zing that elevates the entire dish.
- ⅓ cup salsa verde: Brings a tangy, slightly spicy undertone that’s simply irresistible.
- Flaky sea salt: To taste, it enhances each flavor to its full potential.
Variations
This Avocado Shrimp Salsa is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to switch things up to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Mango Madness: Add diced mango for a sweet tropical twist that complements the spice of the jalapeños.
- Extra Creamy: Swap half of the salsa verde for Greek yogurt to bring an additional creamy texture.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace shrimp with black beans for a plant-based protein option that is equally filling.
How to Make Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Step 1: Pre-cook the Shrimp
Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Carefully add the shrimp, and let them cook until they turn a vibrant pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes depending on their size. Drain and run the shrimp under cold water to halt the cooking process immediately. This ensures the shrimp remains tender and juicy.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Once the shrimp is cool, give it a rough chop and add it to a mixing bowl. Add in the cubed avocados, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, jalapeños, shallot, garlic, cilantro, lime zest and juice, and the salsa verde. Season with flaky sea salt to taste. Toss everything together gently to combine, being careful not to mash the avocados. Serve it up with chips, or enjoy as a standalone dish!
Pro Tips for Making Avocado Shrimp Salsa
- Keep it Cool: Be sure to cool the shrimp under cold water immediately after cooking to avoid overcooking and maintain their succulent texture.
- Ripeness Matters: Choose ripe avocados for the best creamy texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Finely Chopped Ingredients: Ensure ingredients like shallots and jalapeños are finely chopped to distribute their flavor evenly without overpowering any single bite.
- Fresh Lime Zest: Zest your limes before juicing to capture the zest’s essential oils and maximize flavor.
How to Serve Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Garnishes
Enhance your Avocado Shrimp Salsa with some garnishes like a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a few slices of jalapeño. A dash of coarse sea salt on top can also beautifully heighten the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light side dishes like a mixed green salad or crispy tortilla chips. For a more robust meal, consider serving it alongside grilled meats or a simple fish fillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the salsa in a halved avocado shell or a margarita glass for a festive touch. Lining the plate with colorful tortilla chips or a slice of lime can also add to the visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store any leftovers, place the salsa in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to take advantage of the fresh flavors while they remain vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended as avocados can become watery and mushy after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this salsa fresh for that perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t needed for this dish. If you’ve chilled leftovers, just allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors come to life again.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked shrimp can be used to save time. Simply rinse and pat them dry, then proceed to chop and mix with the other ingredients.
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What if I don’t like cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with fresh mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.
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Is there a non-spicy version of this salsa?
To tone down the heat, simply omit the jalapeños or use a mild green chili instead. You can also seed the jalapeños for less spiciness.
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How can I make the salsa extra tangy?
To boost tanginess, increase the lime juice slightly or add a splash of vinegar. You can also mix in extra lime zest for an added punch of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Shrimp Salsa is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together in a wonderfully harmonious dish. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or a centerpiece, it’s bound to be a hit. I can’t wait for you to try it and let me know how much you love it!
Print
Avocado Shrimp Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling and Tossing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This vibrant and refreshing Avocado Shrimp Salsa combines tender shrimp with creamy avocados, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lime and salsa verde dressing. Perfect as a dip or a light appetizer, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 lb 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
- 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/3 cup salsa verde
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp and simmer until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes depending on their size. Drain the shrimp, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Salsa: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, cubed avocados, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, jalapeños, shallot, grated garlic, Cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and salsa verde. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
- Season and Serve: Season with flaky sea salt to taste. Serve immediately with plenty of chips or as a topping for tacos or salads. Enjoy this fresh, zesty dish!
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are chopped finely enough to blend well with the other ingredients.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice preference.
- This salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours. Gently stir before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, verify that the salsa verde contains no dairy ingredients.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crispy pita chips, or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the salsa
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
