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Mouthwatering shrimp packed with citrus, creamy avocado, and crisp leafy greens all come together for a dish that tastes like pure sunshine. When I want an easy meal that doesn’t weigh me down, I toss this together for lunch or dinner. It’s simple enough for meal prep or just as easy to make fresh in minutes. You get those fancy restaurant vibes with almost zero hassle.
The very first time I made this one, I wanted something light but not boring. Now it’s my usual fix for hectic nights, and it’s always a hit with guests around the table.
Vibrant Ingredients
- Greens: Grab baby spinach, arugula, lettuce, or any tender mix you like. Choose leaves that look deep green, not wilted or brown.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: A little bit of these wakes everything up. If you’ve got a pepper grinder, use it for maximum flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Makes the salad richer and ties the flavors together. I love lemon or herb-infused oil here too.
- Lemon or orange juice: Makes everything taste happier and fresher. Squeeze your citrus right before using for best results.
- Sliced almonds: Toast them for a wild crunch and toasty kick. They should be golden brown and smell yummy after toasting.
- Pan-seared citrus shrimp: Juicy, sweet shrimp is the star. I go for the plump 31-40 size, fresh or high-quality frozen both work.
- Shallot: Slice or mince for a gentle oniony vibe. Firm, dry shallots with unwrinkled skins are best.
- Avocado: Cut into chunks or slices for plenty of creamy goodness. Find one that's just soft enough to slice but still holds its shape.
Simple Steps
- Add Avocado Nuts Shallots:
- Lay avocado chunks or slices gently in, scatter with diced shallot, then toss on that crunchy handful of toasted almonds. Season generously with salt and loads of fresh black pepper.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drip extra virgin olive oil over everything and squeeze on citrus juice (lemon or orange—your pick). Leftover shrimp pan juices? Pour ‘em in too. Mix softly to coat but don’t mash the greens.
- Toss the Salad Greens:
- Put all your greens in a big salad bowl with the shrimp. Toss lightly so there’s shrimp and green in every forkful.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Sear your citrusy shrimp in a pan until they’re just pink and done. Using leftovers works great—just warm up gently or throw them on cold for a chill meal.
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I just love the way citrus really highlights the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Avocado is absolutely what makes this special for me. The creamy meets crunchy with almonds and it’s become a can’t-miss in my house.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you’re saving some for later, stash the shrimp separately from your greens. Wait to combine until you’re about to eat. Slice avocado right before using, but if you must cut ahead, brush it with citrus juice and seal up tight for a few hours.
Switch-Ups
Got no almonds? Try toasted pecans or sunflower seeds. Switch out spinach or lettuce for a baby greens mix if you like. If you’re out of shallots, thinly slice red onion. Lime juice totally works too if that's what’s handy.
How to Serve
Have it solo for lunch or team up with warm soup for dinner. Throw in some orange slices or grilled corn if you want even brighter flavors and a pop of color.
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Food Traditions
Dishes like this come straight from coastal American kitchens where seafood’s easy to get and citrus trees are everywhere. California and southern states love mixing shrimp, avocado, and nuts with local produce.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I use other types of greens?
Totally! Grab arugula, spinach, a spring mix, or just plain old lettuce—whatever has the taste or bite you want.
- → What’s the best way to prepare the shrimp?
Just toss shrimp in a pan with a bit of oil and a splash of citrus. Whether you like them hot or tossed in cold, it's up to you.
- → Can the salad be made ahead?
You sure can. Prep everything earlier but don’t mix or dress it until you’re ready to eat so the greens stay perky.
- → Which citrus works best in the dressing?
Lemon is classic, orange is sweet—use either, or both if you’re feeling fancy. They'll brighten it up for sure.
- → Are there alternative toppings?
Why not? Throw in sliced cukes, halved cherry tomatoes, or some crumbled feta for extra flavor and crunch.