Are you ready to transform your boring salad routine into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? This "Eat Your Veggies and Shrimp Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing" isn't just another healthy meal—it's a vibrant, zesty experience that promises to tantalize your senses and make healthy eating feel like a gourmet treat. Imagine succulent, perfectly-cooked shrimp nestled on a bed of fresh greens, drizzled with a creamy, herbaceous dressing that'll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just opaque, being careful not to overcook. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a blender, combine the avocado, remaining olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the creamy dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer.
- Top the greens with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and diced avocado.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle the avocado cilantro dressing generously over the salad just before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and just become opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side.
- For the creamiest dressing, use a ripe avocado that yields slightly when gently pressed.
- Chill your salad ingredients beforehand for a refreshing, crisp texture.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep your greens from getting soggy.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding a sprinkle of feta cheese as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 180mg
