If you are looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and texture, the Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe is a total winner. It brings together succulent pan-seared shrimp infused with bright citrus notes, creamy avocado, and a mix of crisp greens for an irresistible combination. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of zesty, creamy, and crunchy elements—making it the ideal meal for a light lunch, a stunning dinner, or even entertaining guests who appreciate a salad that feels both sophisticated and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver frying pan filled with cooked shrimp that are pale pink with touches of white, mixed with golden brown potato chunks and grilled lemon wedges with a charred yellow and brown surface. The dish is topped with finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly over the ingredients. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a white bowl with a wooden spoon inside and a white towel with red stripes partially visible in the background. The overall look is fresh and colorful with a mix of warm tones and green highlights photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe’s magic lies in simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a harmonious bite. From the fresh greens providing a crisp base, to the shrimp delivering a juicy citrus punch, these essentials make the salad both textured and flavorful.

1 pound medium Pan-Seared Citrus Shrimp: I prefer 31/40 size shrimp for their perfect bite and ability to soak up citrus flavors beautifully.
8 cups greens: A mix like arugula, spinach, lettuce, or spring mix adds fresh color and varying textures to keep things interesting.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use a fruity or lemon-flavored oil to enhance the citrus vibe and add a silky finish.
Juice of ½ lemon or ½ orange: Fresh juice is essential to lift the dish with bright, natural acidity.
1 avocado: Sliced or diced, it adds a creamy contrast that softens and enriches every forkful.
1 shallot, minced: Brings a mild pungency and subtle crunch that balances the sweeter citrus notes.
4 ounces sliced almonds, toasted: Toasting these amps up their nutty aroma, adding a delightful crunch.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.

How to Make Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat, then sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and develop a slight golden sear—about 2-3 minutes per side. Adding a squeeze of lemon or orange juice at the end of cooking infuses them with a vibrant citrus brightness that sets the tone for the whole salad.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

While the shrimp cooks, toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir them frequently for a few minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This step brings out their deep nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that elevates the texture of your salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Greens and Avocado

Rinse and dry your greens thoroughly to keep them crisp. Then slice or dice your avocado just before assembling. The rich creaminess of the avocado creates a beautiful contrast with the tangy shrimp and crisp greens, making the salad feel indulgent without being heavy.

Step 4: Combine and Dress

In a large bowl, gently toss the greens with minced shallot, olive oil, and your choice of lemon or orange juice. Add the shrimp and avocado and toss carefully to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

How to Serve Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe

A white marbled surface holds many avocado halves evenly spread out, each showing layers: a dark green rough outer skin, a lighter green flesh closer to the skin with a smooth texture, and a pale yellow-green creamy inner flesh. Some halves have large brown pits in the center, while others are without pits, showing the hollow cavity. The avocados vary slightly in shape and size but all are neatly cut lengthwise. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the fresh, smooth texture of the avocado flesh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your salad with extra toasted almonds for crunch and a few fresh herb sprigs like cilantro or parsley to brighten the presentation and add fresh herbal notes. Thin citrus slices also make a beautiful garnish that hints at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a standalone light meal but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for a casual lunch. For a heartier option, serve alongside quinoa or couscous to round out the meal with extra grains.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, consider serving the Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe in individual glass bowls or on crisp endive leaves as bite-sized appetizers. You could also layer it in a mason jar for a visually stunning picnic or lunchbox option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. To maintain freshness, store the avocado separately if possible and add just before serving to avoid browning.

Freezing

Because of the delicate texture of avocado and greens, freezing this salad is not recommended. The shrimp could be frozen separately before cooking if you want to prepare in advance.

Reheating

Reheat leftover shrimp gently in a skillet with a little olive oil to avoid drying them out. Avoid reheating the salad as a whole to maintain the crisp texture and freshness of the greens and avocado.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work great—just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to get a nice sear and avoid excess moisture in the salad.

What kind of greens work best?

Mixes like arugula, spinach, lettuce, or spring mix all complement the citrus shrimp wonderfully, offering a balance of peppery, soft, and crisp textures that keep the salad lively.

Can I substitute almonds with another nut?

Absolutely! Toasted pecans or walnuts can add a similar warmth and crunch, but almonds provide a light, buttery texture that suits this salad especially well.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

You can prep components like cooking the shrimp and toasting almonds ahead of time, but assemble the salad and add avocado just before eating for the best texture and flavor.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Substitute shrimp with grilled or sautéed citrus-marinated tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative that keeps the bright and fresh profile.

Final Thoughts

This Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. The combination of juicy citrus shrimp, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds tossed with vibrant greens creates a salad you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy a burst of fresh, bright flavors that celebrate both simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.