I know exactly how it feels when you want a meal that is healthy but also tastes like a treat. You are busy, the kids are hungry, and you really do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. Personally, I think the mix of juicy shrimp and creamy avocado is one of the best food pairings ever created. It is light, it is fresh, and it makes you feel good after you eat it.
If you are looking for easy shrimp and avocado lunch ideas or maybe a healthy low carb dinner with seafood, you are in the right place. I have put together a few of my favorite ways to make these ingredients shine. Believe it or not, you can have these on the table in less than twenty minutes.
Why This Combo Works So Well
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why we love this duo. Shrimp is a great source of protein, and it cooks faster than almost any other meat. On the flip side, avocados are full of healthy fats that keep you full. When you put them together, you get a balance of textures that is hard to beat.
Many people find that they struggle to stay full on “light” meals. The secret here is the fiber in the avocado. It helps you stay satisfied so you aren’t reaching for snacks an hour later. Plus, the bright colors look beautiful on a plate.
1. The 15 Minute Shrimp Avocado Salad
This is my go to when the weather gets warm and I want something refreshing. It is sort of like a deconstructed sushi roll but much easier to make at home.
What You Will Need
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One pound of medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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Two ripe avocados
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One cup of cherry tomatoes
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Half of a red onion
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Fresh cilantro
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Lime juice and olive oil
How To Make It
First, you want to cook your shrimp. I suggest sautéing them in a pan with a little bit of olive oil for about two minutes per side. You will know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once they are cooked, set them aside to cool down a bit.
Next, chop your avocados and tomatoes into bite sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion. Throw everything into a large bowl. Add the shrimp in there too.
For the dressing, it is as simple as it gets. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top, drizzle a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle some salt and pepper. Toss it gently so you do not mash the avocado. There you have it. It is a fresh lime shrimp salad recipe that tastes like summer in a bowl.
2. Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Tacos
If you have kids, you know that taco night is always a winner. These are a fun twist on the classic beef taco. They feel a bit more fancy but are actually just as simple to put together.
The Ingredients
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Small corn or flour tortillas
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Large shrimp seasoned with cumin and paprika
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Mashed avocado (guacamole style)
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Shredded cabbage for crunch
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A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream
Step by Step
Start by seasoning your shrimp. I usually use a mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook them in a hot skillet until they are nice and charred.
While the shrimp are cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this in the microwave or directly over a gas flame if you are careful. Spread a thick layer of avocado on the bottom of each tortilla. This acts like “glue” for the rest of the toppings.
Place three or four shrimp on each taco. Top with the cabbage and a little bit of yogurt. If you like heat, you could add some sliced jalapeños. Honestly, these are so good that you might want to double the recipe because they go fast.
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Avocado Mash
Sometimes you want something that feels a bit more “dinner-ish” without being heavy. This dish is great because it feels like restaurant food but you can make it in one pan.
What’s in it
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Shrimp (tail on looks pretty)
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Lots of minced garlic
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Butter and lemon juice
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Two avocados
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
The Method
Melt a good chunk of butter in your pan. Add the garlic and cook it until you can really smell it. Add the shrimp and cook them through. Right at the end, squeeze half a lemon into the pan. This creates a light sauce that is absolutely delicious.
Instead of just slicing the avocado, I like to mash it with a fork and a little salt. Spread the avocado mash on a plate or a piece of toasted sourdough bread. Pile the garlic shrimp on top and pour that extra butter sauce over everything. It is a quick garlic shrimp and avocado toast idea that works for any meal of the day.
Tips for Buying the Best Ingredients
To make these recipes truly “top tier,” you need to start with good stuff. Here is what I suggest when you are at the grocery store.
Choosing Shrimp
If you live near the coast, fresh is amazing. But for most of us, frozen shrimp is actually better. Most “fresh” shrimp at the counter was previously frozen anyway. Look for “IQF” which means Individually Quick Frozen. This prevents the shrimp from turning into a giant block of ice.
Picking Avocados
This is the tricky part. You want an avocado that yields to gentle pressure but isn’t mushy. If it feels like a rock, it needs a few more days on your counter. If you need to speed up the ripening, put it in a brown paper bag with a banana. Trust me, it works.
Healthy Benefits of Shrimp and Avocado
You might be wondering if this is actually good for you. The answer is a big yes.
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Heart Health: Avocados are famous for monounsaturated fats which are great for your heart.
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Protein Power: Shrimp gives you a lot of protein for very few calories.
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Vitamins: You are getting Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Potassium all in one meal.
One tip is to watch how much oil or butter you use. Since avocado already has fat, you do not need much extra to make the meal taste rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal prep shrimp and avocado?
You can definitely prep the shrimp ahead of time. However, avocado turns brown once it hits the air. If you want to take this for lunch, I recommend cutting the avocado right before you eat. If you must cut it early, squeeze a lot of lime juice on it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
What is the best way to defrost shrimp?
The safest way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you are in a rush, you can put the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every ten minutes. They should be ready to cook in about half an hour. Never use warm water as it ruins the texture.
Is shrimp high in cholesterol?
Shrimp does have cholesterol, but it is very low in saturated fat. Most experts now say that for most people, the cholesterol in food doesn’t impact blood cholesterol as much as saturated fats do. So, it is usually perfectly fine as part of a balanced diet.
How do I stop the avocado from being mushy in a salad?
The trick is to use an avocado that is “just” ripe. If it is too soft, it will turn into a paste when you toss the salad. Also, add the avocado at the very last second before serving.
Summary of the Best Flavors
To sum it up, keeping things simple is the way to go. You do not need twenty ingredients to make a high quality meal. All you need is a bit of citrus, some fresh herbs, and good seasoning.
Whether you choose the salad, the tacos, or the garlic butter version, you are getting a meal that is light and tasty. Plus, it is a great way to get the family to eat more greens and lean protein.
Now, what do you think? Are you ready to try one of these tonight? I suggest starting with the salad because it is the easiest. Once you see how delicious it is, you will probably want to make it every week.
I would love to hear how your cooking turns out. Don’t forget to keep your heat medium-high for the shrimp so they get a nice color without getting tough. Happy cooking.