Description
A bright and refreshing Citrus Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad featuring juicy grilled shrimp marinated in lime and garlic, served atop a bed of fresh greens with creamy avocado, sweet corn, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette. Perfect for a light, healthy meal packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 12 jumbo shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 small lime (zested and 1/2 juiced)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Salad
- 4 cups greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ lemon (juiced, or use ½ orange)
- 1 avocado (sliced or cubed)
- 1 cup corn (defrosted, preferably frozen roasted corn)
- 1 small shallot (finely shaved and rinsed in cold water)
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds (toasted)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (more to taste if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to 450ºF to ensure it’s hot enough for a quick sear on the shrimp, giving them great grill marks and flavor.
- Prepare and Marinate the Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp if frozen, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Peel and devein if not already done, keeping tails on if preferred. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, grated garlic, kosher salt, and lime zest. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 5 minutes while the grill heats up to infuse the flavors.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning). Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from grill and toss with the juice from half a lime to add fresh citrus brightness.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, place the mixed greens. Add the grilled shrimp on top, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil mixed with a generous squeeze of lemon (or orange) juice and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Toss lightly to coat the greens and shrimp evenly in dressing.
- Finish and Serve: Add sliced or cubed avocado, rinsed and shaved shallots, defrosted corn, and toasted slivered almonds to the bowl. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Feel free to substitute lime with lemon or orange for a different citrus flavor.
- Use frozen roasted corn for enhanced sweetness and a smoky note.
- Rinse shallots in cold water to reduce sharpness and mellow their flavor.
- Serve immediately after tossing to keep avocado fresh and avoid browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: grilled shrimp salad, avocado salad, citrus shrimp salad, healthy shrimp recipe, summer shrimp salad, grilled seafood salad
