Strawberry avocado shrimp salad! The delightful combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and succulent shrimp creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of freshness and vibrant colors. I remember my grandmother making a similar dish using what she had fresh from her garden, and this strawberry avocado shrimp salad is my modern take on that beautiful memory.
Why You Will Love This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Second, the combination of sweet, creamy, and savory is simply irresistible! The juicy strawberries perfectly complement the rich avocado and the protein packed shrimp, offering a truly satisfying meal. It is also naturally gluten free and easily adaptable to dairy free diets. And let’s not forget how beautiful it looks on a plate always brings a smile to your family’s and guests’ faces.
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Ingredients Needed for This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 5 ounces baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, sliced strawberries, diced avocados, spinach, and sliced red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
How to Serve This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
This strawberry avocado shrimp salad is incredibly versatile! It can be served as a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or even a side dish at a barbecue.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled or at room temperature. You can present it in a large bowl or individual serving plates.
- Pairing Ideas: Pairs well with crusty bread, grilled chicken, or fish.
- Topping Recommendations: Consider adding toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and texture.
- Plating Ideas: Arrange the ingredients artfully on a plate, creating a visually appealing dish. Garnish with a few extra strawberry slices and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Consider serving alongside Creamy Avocado Herb Dip with tortilla chips for a vibrant appetizer spread.
How to Store This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
Proper storage ensures that your strawberry avocado shrimp salad stays fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration Instructions: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezing Guidelines: Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the ingredients, especially the avocado and spinach, may become mushy upon thawing.
- Reheating Tips: This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary.
- Shelf Life Information: The salad is best consumed within 1-2 days of preparation to maintain its freshness and flavor. The avocado may brown slightly, but it will still be safe to eat.
Tips to Make This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect strawberry avocado shrimp salad every time.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have strawberries on hand, you can substitute other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Spinach can be replaced with mixed greens or romaine lettuce.
- Success Tips: Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent them from becoming mushy. Avoid over dressing the salad, as it can make the spinach soggy. Add avocado right before serving to prevent it browning.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the shrimp can make it tough and rubbery. Be sure to cook it just until it turns pink and opaque.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before cooking.
Helpful Notes for This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
- Ingredient Details: Use high quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh, ripe strawberries and creamy avocados make all the difference.
- Equipment Recommendations: A good chef’s knife for slicing and dicing the ingredients and a large bowl for tossing the salad are essential. A salad spinner will help dry the spinach thoroughly.
- A great addition to this salad is some crunchy baked pita chips for added texture. You can even make a similar recipe featuring fruits like those found in our Colorful Fruit Salad Parfaits!
Variation of This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
- Seasonal Twists: In the fall, you can use roasted butternut squash and cranberries instead of strawberries. In the winter, try adding pomegranate seeds and mandarin oranges.
- Optional Versions: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or use a spicy mayo-based dressing.
- Creative Modifications: Add some grilled corn or black beans for a Southwestern flair. You can also add some quinoa or farro to make it a more substantial meal.
FAQs About This strawberry avocado shrimp salad Recipe
Q: Can I make this strawberry avocado shrimp salad in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and the spinach from getting soggy.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this strawberry avocado shrimp salad recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat it dry before cooking.
Q: Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar in the dressing?
A: Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Conclusion
This vibrant strawberry avocado shrimp salad will impress your guests with its colorful presentation and delightful flavors. It is a lighter choice compared to desserts like Layered Vanilla Chocolate Strawberry Cake but still provides a satisfying and equally memorable culinary experience.
The combination of flavors and textures in this strawberry avocado shrimp salad is simply irresistible, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. We hope you enjoy creating and sharing this recipe. Please leave us a comment below with your thoughts and questions. Enjoy your strawberry avocado shrimp salad!
What goes well with strawberry avocado shrimp salad?
Strawberry avocado shrimp salad pairs well with light vinaigrettes, grilled bread, or a side of quinoa. Consider serving it with a crisp white wine for a complete and refreshing meal.
Can I make strawberry avocado shrimp salad ahead of time?
It is best to assemble the strawberry avocado shrimp salad just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and the salad from becoming soggy. You can prepare the individual components ahead of time and combine them when ready to eat.
What is the best dressing for strawberry avocado shrimp salad?
A light citrus vinaigrette is often the best choice for strawberry avocado shrimp salad. The acidity helps to balance the sweetness of the strawberries and richness of the avocado. A simple combination of lime juice, olive oil, honey, and a touch of salt and pepper works well.
Is strawberry avocado shrimp salad healthy?
Yes, strawberry avocado shrimp salad can be a healthy meal option. It’s packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and protein. However, consider sugar or sodium levels in dressings or other added ingredients.
Strawberry Avocado Shrimp Salad: The BEST Easy Recipe!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, succulent shrimp, and fresh spinach, tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 5 ounces baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- nFor the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, sliced strawberries, diced avocados, spinach, and sliced red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: strawberry, avocado, shrimp, salad, spinach, healthy