Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Avocado Lime Shrimp Salsa! Imagine a vibrant, zesty dish that combines the buttery richness of ripe avocados, the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked shrimp, and a burst of fresh lime that will transport your senses straight to a sunny Mexican coastline. This recipe isn't just a salsa - it's a flavor-packed experience that will elevate your appetizer game and leave your guests begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- Remove shrimp from heat and let them cool for 5 minutes. Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced avocados, chopped shrimp, finely diced red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, ensuring even distribution. Gently fold all ingredients together to combine.
- Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer, side dish, or topping for tacos and grilled fish.
Tips
- Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly - overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Ripeness Matters: Select avocados that are ripe but still firm. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
- Spice Control: Adjust the jalapeño quantity based on your heat preference. Remove seeds for less heat, or add more for a spicier kick.
- Serving Suggestions: This salsa is incredibly versatile - serve it with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled fish, or even as a fresh salad component.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the salsa up to 2 hours in advance, but add the avocados just before serving to prevent browning.
- Citrus Tip: Use fresh lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor - bottled lime juice can taste flat and artificial.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg