Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe

Fresh Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe: Summer in a Bowl

Mango avocado shrimp salad bursts with tropical vibrancy and unexpected flavor combinations that dance across your palate.

Refreshing ingredients mingle in a delightful symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

Each carefully selected component brings its own unique character to this remarkable dish.

Crisp textures contrast beautifully with smooth, creamy elements that elevate the overall dining experience.

Light yet satisfying, this salad represents a perfect balance of nutrition and culinary creativity.

Fresh seafood provides lean protein while tropical fruits contribute essential vitamins and minerals.

Summer meals demand something extraordinary that energizes and delights the senses.

How to Make Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Step by Step

Step 1: Season Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, mix:
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Cayenne pepper

Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1-2 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from heat and cut into bite-sized pieces. Let cool completely in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cooled shrimp
  • Diced mango
  • Diced avocado
  • Chopped red onion
  • Minced jalapeno
  • Fresh cilantro

Drizzle with lime juice and gently toss to mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Pair with crispy tortilla chips for an extra crunch. Perfect for a light lunch or refreshing appetizer.

Pro Tips for Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Perfection

  • Maximize Shrimp Flavor: Marinate shrimp for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance spice absorption and tenderness.
  • Perfect Ripeness Trick: Select mangoes and avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for optimal sweetness and creaminess.
  • Prevent Browning: Squeeze fresh lime juice over cut avocados immediately to maintain bright green color and prevent oxidation.
  • Spice Balance: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities based on personal heat preference without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Chill for Deeper Taste: Let salad rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Storing and Reheating Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad

  • Refrigeration: Transfer salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Separate ingredients like avocado and mango to prevent browning.
  • Reheating: Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture. Let the shrimp come to room temperature before serving to preserve its delicate flavor and tender texture.
  • Best Practices: Consume leftovers within 48 hours for optimal taste and safety. Discard if the salad develops an off smell or shows signs of spoilage. When ready to enjoy, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors.

What to Serve with Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad

  • Sip Tropical Cocktail Companions: Pair this zesty salad with a crisp margarita or mojito to complement the citrusy lime and spicy shrimp flavors.
  • Match Refreshing Wine Selection: Choose a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to balance the richness of avocado and brighten the seafood's delicate taste.
  • Crunch with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside crispy plantain chips or homemade tortilla strips to add extra texture and enhance the salad's vibrant Mexican-inspired profile.
  • Boost Flavor with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh mint or additional cilantro to intensify the salad's aromatic notes and create a more layered dining experience.

Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Citrus Fusion: Replace jalapeno with orange segments and add a dash of sriracha for a zesty kick that elevates the tropical flavors.
  • Grilled Coconut Adventure: Marinate shrimp in coconut milk and ginger before grilling, then sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the salad for added crunch and island-inspired taste.
  • Mediterranean Style: Swap cilantro with fresh mint, add crumbled feta cheese, and use lemon juice instead of lime for a Mediterranean-inspired version that brings new complexity to the dish.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like basil and parsley, and include diced cucumber for a refreshing green element that lightens the salad's profile.

What Sets Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Apart

  • Spice Up Your Plate: The recipe's chili powder, paprika, and cayenne create a bold, zesty flavor profile that transforms ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering sensation.
  • Texture Explosion: Creamy avocado, juicy mango, and perfectly sautéed shrimp deliver a delightful mix of smooth, tender, and crisp textures in every single bite.
  • Quick Tropical Escape: This no-fuss salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare, offering a fast and fresh meal that transports you to a sunny, beachside paradise without complicated cooking techniques.

Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Ingredient Breakdown

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that forms the main protein of the salad. Wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp recommended for best flavor.
  • Chili Powder, Paprika, Cayenne: Spices that add warmth and depth to the shrimp's seasoning. Fresh, high-quality spices enhance overall taste.
Produce:
  • Mango, Avocado: Creamy, sweet fruits that provide rich texture and tropical freshness. Choose ripe but firm fruits without bruising.
  • Red Onion: Sharp ingredient that adds crunch and bright flavor to the salad. Thinly sliced for better distribution.
  • Jalapeno: Spicy pepper that brings heat and zesty notes. Remove seeds for milder flavor.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that contributes bright, herbal taste. Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
  • Lime: Citrus fruit that adds tangy brightness and helps prevent fruit browning. Fresh lime recommended.
Pantry:
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent shrimp from sticking during cooking. Non-stick variety works best.
  • Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances flavors. Kosher or sea salt preferred.
  • Tortilla Chips: Optional serving suggestion for added crunch and texture.
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Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe

Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Tropical flavors dance in this Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad, blending zesty citrus with succulent seafood. Crisp greens and juicy mango chunks create a refreshing meal that transports diners to seaside paradise while satisfying summer cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) raw shrimp, peeled & deveined

Spices for Shrimp:

  • 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Fresh Produce:

  • 2 small mangos (or 1 large mango), diced
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 0.25 red onion, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno, deseeded & finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 36 limes, juiced (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blot excess moisture from raw shrimp using clean paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
  2. Create a robust spice blend by combining ground chili powder, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and fiery cayenne pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
  3. Gently tumble shrimp within the spice mixture, ensuring each morsel receives an even, comprehensive coating.
  4. Activate a large skillet over medium-high temperature and lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray.
  5. Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer to promote precise and uniform cooking.
  6. Sauté shrimp for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, watching for a golden-pink transformation indicating complete doneness.
  7. Transfer cooked shrimp from skillet and slice into manageable bite-sized segments.
  8. Swiftly chill shrimp in refrigerator to halt cooking process and maintain ideal temperature.
  9. In a generous mixing bowl, harmoniously combine chilled shrimp, vibrant diced mango, creamy avocado chunks, finely sliced red onion, minced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro leaves.
  10. Enhance flavor profile by drizzling freshly squeezed lime juice over ingredients.
  11. Delicately toss salad to integrate flavors and distribute seasonings evenly.
  12. Serve immediately, accompanied by crisp tortilla chips, either thoroughly chilled or at ambient room temperature.

Notes

  • Perfectly spice the shrimp by mixing chili powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
  • Quick-cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even, tender results without overcooking or becoming rubbery.
  • Chill shrimp completely before mixing to maintain the salad’s fresh and crisp texture.
  • Balance heat from jalapeño with sweet mango and creamy avocado for a harmonious taste experience.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish and prevent avocado browning.
  • Serve immediately with crispy tortilla chips for added crunch and complementary texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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