Anna’s Amazing Shrimp Salad: 25g Protein

Hey there! Anna Kowalska here, and today I’ve got something truly special for you: my Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad. You know me, I love sharing recipes that are made with heart and flavor, whether they’re old Polish classics or something totally new like this. This salad is a modern inspiration, perfect for when you want something light, fresh, and totally delicious. And the best part? It packs a whopping 25g of protein per serving, so you’ll feel satisfied and energized. Trust me, your family is going to adore this vibrant Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad (25g Protein)

This Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad is a total winner for so many reasons! It’s one of those dishes that just *works*, making everyone at the table happy. Here’s why it’s a staple in my kitchen:

• Quick & Easy Preparation: Seriously, this comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and healthy. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
• Bursting with Fresh Flavors: Oh, the taste! You get that bright, zesty punch from the citrus, the creamy, dreamy texture from the avocado, and the sweet, tender shrimp. It’s a flavor party in every single bite.
• Packed with Protein Power: With a whopping 25g of protein per serving, this salad is incredibly satisfying. It’ll keep you full and energized without feeling heavy, making it a fantastic option for a light lunch or a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients for Your Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad (25g Protein)

Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for this gorgeous salad! Having everything prepped makes the whole process so much smoother, and you know how I feel about making cooking enjoyable. You’ll need a few things for the base, a little something for the shrimp, and the makings for a super bright dressing.

For the Salad Base

We start with a generous bed of greens. I like to use about 4 cups of mixed greens – whatever looks freshest at the market, really! Then, we add one ripe avocado, sliced up nice and pretty, and one big orange or grapefruit, segmented. Those juicy citrus pieces are just divine with the creamy avocado.

For Cooking the Shrimp

For our star protein, we’ll need 8 ounces of shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined, ready to go. Just a tablespoon of olive oil to get them sizzling in the pan, and a little salt and pepper for seasoning is all you need here.

For the Zesty Citrus Dressing

Now for the magic! For the dressing, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of fresh orange or grapefruit juice – using the same fruit you segmented for the salad is perfect. Whisk that with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness (about a teaspoon), and half a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a little zing. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to make all those flavors pop!

How to Prepare Your Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad (25g Protein)

Alright, let’s get this beautiful salad from the counter to your table! It’s really quite simple, and I promise, the steps are super straightforward. You’ll be enjoying this vibrant dish in no time. It’s all about getting those flavors to sing together!

Cooking the Perfect Shrimp

First things first, let’s get those shrimp ready. Grab a skillet and heat about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. While that’s warming up, season your peeled and deveined shrimp with a little salt and pepper. Once the pan is nice and hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to turn a lovely pink and opaque color. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can get a bit chewy!

Crafting the Citrus Dressing

While the shrimp are doing their thing, let’s whip up that zesty dressing. In a small bowl, combine your fresh orange or grapefruit juice with another tablespoon of olive oil. Add in your honey or maple syrup – I usually go with about a teaspoon, but you can totally adjust that based on how sweet you like things. Then, toss in the Dijon mustard for that little kick. Give it all a good whisk until it’s well combined and emulsified. A little salt and pepper to taste, and you’ve got a perfect dressing!

Assembling Your Delicious Salad

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Start with a big bowl and add your lovely mixed greens as the base. Gently arrange the beautiful citrus segments over the greens, then nestle in those creamy avocado slices. Once your shrimp are cooked and have cooled just slightly, scatter them on top. Finally, drizzle that gorgeous citrus dressing all over everything. You can give it a gentle toss right in the bowl, or just let everyone dress their own at the table. It looks so pretty this way!

Tips for Success with Your Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad (25g Protein)

To make sure your Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad is absolutely perfect, a few little tips can make all the difference. It’s all about those fresh ingredients and a little bit of technique!

Choosing the Freshest Ingredients

When you’re picking out your avocado, give it a gentle squeeze. It should yield slightly to pressure, but not be mushy – that’s the sign of perfect creaminess. For the mixed greens, grab whatever looks vibrant and crisp. A good salad starts with good greens, you know?

Perfecting the Shrimp Texture

Remember what I said about not overcooking the shrimp? It’s so important! They cook super fast, so watch them closely. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. If you overcook them, they get tough, and we want that lovely tender bite in every forkful. It’s better to pull them off the heat a tiny bit early than too late!

Variations for Your Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad

This salad is wonderful as is, but you can totally play around with it! If you have some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a little sprinkle on top adds another layer of flavor. You could also toss in some thinly sliced red onion for a bit of a bite, or even some cucumber for extra crunch. Feel free to experiment and make it your own – that’s what cooking with heart is all about!

Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad

This Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad is a star on its own, but it also makes a fantastic light meal. If you want to round it out, a side of crusty whole-wheat bread for dipping into any leftover dressing is always a winner. For a drink, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or even just a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime would be absolutely perfect. It’s all about keeping those fresh flavors shining through!

Storing and Reheating Your Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad

Leftover Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have some, it’s important to store it right. Keep any undressed salad components in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to store the dressing separately, too, so the greens don’t get soggy. Unfortunately, avocado tends to brown quickly, so it’s best to add that just before serving if you’re prepping ahead. Reheating isn’t really recommended for this salad; it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions about Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad (25g Protein)

Got questions about my Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad? I’ve got answers! I love when you all feel confident in the kitchen, so let’s clear up anything that might be on your mind about this lovely, high-protein dish.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some components ahead! Cooked shrimp and the dressing can be made a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Just assemble everything fresh when you’re ready to eat to keep it vibrant.

What are good substitutes for avocado?

If avocado isn’t your favorite, or you can’t find a ripe one, try adding some creamy goat cheese crumbles or even some diced jicama for a bit of crunch. Both offer a lovely texture contrast!

Is this salad suitable for a quick lunch?

Absolutely! This Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad is perfect for a quick lunch. With the shrimp cooking in just a few minutes and the rest being assembly, you can have a delicious, protein-packed meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver on busy days!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about what makes this Shrimp & Avocado Citrus Salad so great for you! While every kitchen is a little different, these are pretty close estimates for one serving. We’re looking at around 350-400 calories, with about 20-25g of fat, most of which is the good unsaturated kind. You get that fantastic 25g of protein, which is amazing for keeping you full, and about 15-20g of carbohydrates, including a nice dose of fiber from all those fresh ingredients. Enjoy this delicious and nourishing meal!

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