Citrus Shrimp Avocado Salad

Featured in Vibrant Salad Creations.

Bursting with juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and toasted almonds, this vibrant salad comes together in just 20 minutes. Toss greens with pan-seared citrus shrimp and sliced avocado, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and fresh citrus juice, then finish with minced shallot and crunchy nuts. Serve warm or chilled for a refreshing dish, perfect as a light lunch or dinner. For extra flavor, use leftover shrimp pan sauce as a quick dressing. This versatile salad pairs well with a variety of greens like arugula, spinach, or spring mix. Season well and enjoy immediately.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:03:53 GMT
A bowl of shrimp salad with avocado. Pin it
A bowl of shrimp salad with avocado. | gracefulflavors.com

Juicy citrus shrimp meets creamy avocado on a bed of fresh greens for a salad that is bursting with bright flavor and all the freshness of summer This is my go-to when I want something light yet satisfying for lunch or dinner and it always hits the spot You can throw it together for meal prep or assemble it right before serving for a quick meal that tastes restaurant worthy

The first time I made this salad I was craving something refreshing but still wanted real substance Now it is often my answer to busy weeknights and it never fails to impress friends

Ingredients

  • Pan-seared citrus shrimp: Quality shrimp provide sweetness and juicy texture Look for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp I use the 3140 size
  • Greens: Any tender greens like arugula spinach lettuce or spring mix provide a fresh crisp base Go for deep green leaves without browning
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps bring flavors together Lighter or infused oils like lemon are my favorite for this recipe
  • Lemon or orange juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness Fresh citrus gives the best flavor
  • Avocado: Sliced or diced for creamy texture and healthy fats Pick one that is just tender but not mushy for easy slicing
  • Shallot: Finely minced for mild sharpness and a delicate savory note Choose firm dry shallots with taut skins
  • Sliced almonds: Toasted for crunch and extra flavor Choose almonds that are golden and fragrant after toasting
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning and to bring out all the flavors Freshly ground pepper has the best bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:
Cook your citrus shrimp pan seared until just opaque and cooked through For meal prep you can use leftovers gently warmed or serve the shrimp cold for a refreshing feel
Toss the Salad Greens:
Combine your greens of choice in a large bowl with the cooked shrimp Toss gently so each bite has shrimp and green together
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle over extra virgin olive oil and squeeze the juice of half a lemon or orange over everything If you have citrus sauce from cooking the shrimp drizzle that as well Toss gently to coat but do not overmix to avoid bruising the greens
Add Avocado Shallots Nuts:
Nestle in your avocado slices or cubes sprinkle minced shallot over the top and finish with a generous scattering of toasted almonds Season everything with kosher salt and plenty of cracked black pepper
A bowl of shrimp salad with avocado. Pin it
A bowl of shrimp salad with avocado. | gracefulflavors.com

I absolutely adore how the citrus brings out the natural sweetness in the shrimp For me avocado is the ingredient that always makes this salad special Its buttery softness mingling with nutty almonds has become a signature family favorite

Storage Tips

Keep the shrimp separate from the greens if storing for later Combine only when ready to serve Avocado is best cut fresh but you can brush slices with lemon or orange juice and store airtight for a few hours

Ingredient Substitutions

No almonds Use toasted sunflower seeds or pecans instead You can swap spinach or lettuce for mixed baby greens and red onion works if shallots are not available Feel free to use lime juice if that is what you have

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main course for lunch or pair with soup for dinner I love to add extra sliced fruit like orange segments or grilled corn for even more color and taste

A bowl of shrimp salad with avocado. Pin it
A bowl of shrimp salad with avocado. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Context

Shrimp salads like this have roots in coastal American cuisine where seafood and citrus are both abundant The combination of shrimp avocado and nuts is popular in Californian and southern US cooking where fresh produce is valued

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of greens?

Yes, choose from arugula, spinach, lettuce, or a spring mix for a base that suits your taste and texture preference.

→ What’s the best way to prepare the shrimp?

Pan-sear the shrimp in a bit of olive oil with a squeeze of citrus. Serve them warm or chilled based on your preference.

→ Can the salad be made ahead?

Yes, prepare all components in advance, but combine and dress the salad just before serving to keep greens fresh.

→ Which citrus works best in the dressing?

Lemon and orange both add bright flavor; use what you have or combine for a more complex taste.

→ Are there alternative toppings?

Try adding your favorite salad fixings such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or feta for extra flavor and variety.

Citrus Shrimp Avocado Salad

Shrimp, avocado, greens, citrus juice, and toasted almonds bring bright, satisfying flavor to your next meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Fresh Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 salad bowls)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Salad Base

01 1 pound medium shrimp (31/40 count), pan-seared with citrus
02 8 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce, or spring mix)

→ Dressing and Additions

03 Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
04 Juice of 1/2 lemon or 1/2 orange
05 1 avocado, sliced or diced
06 1 shallot, minced
07 4 ounces sliced almonds, toasted
08 Kosher salt, to taste
09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the shrimp with citrus as desired, or gently reheat leftovers. Chilled shrimp may also be used.

Step 02

Combine the cooked shrimp and mixed greens in a large bowl.

Step 03

Drizzle the salad lightly with extra virgin olive oil and a generous squeeze of lemon or orange juice. Optionally, include any reserved citrus sauce from the shrimp for enhanced flavor. Toss salad briefly to coat.

Step 04

Top the salad with sliced avocado, minced shallot, and toasted almonds. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before serving.

Notes

  1. For optimal flavor, use part of the citrus pan sauce from the shrimp as a dressing. If insufficient, supplement with extra virgin olive oil and citrus juice.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small skillet (for toasting almonds)
  • Tongs or salad servers

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 374
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 31 g