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Mediterranean Shrimp Avocado Salad

Section: Fresh and Vibrant Salad Recipes

This Mediterranean shrimp avocado salad is fresh and flavorful with creamy avocado crisp vegetables and juicy shrimp tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing. The balance of protein and healthy fats makes it ideal for lunch or light dinner. Quick to prep and packed with color and texture it brings coastal flavor to your table in minutes. Serve chilled or room temp for peak enjoyment.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:28:32 GMT
A bowl of shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Bookmark
A bowl of shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. | ioanacooks.com

This Mediterranean-style salad brings together shrimp avocado and vegetables in a light lemony dressing for a dish that is both refreshing and nourishing. It is my favorite go to when I want something quick fresh and satisfying on warm days or after a long morning of errands

I first threw this together using leftovers and was amazed how satisfying it was. Since then it has become a staple whenever I want something clean and flavorful fast

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: peeled and deveined a fast cooking lean protein perfect for quick meals
  • Avocados: creamy and nutrient dense choose ones that are just slightly soft for best texture
  • Cherry tomatoes: add sweet juicy acidity look for deeply colored ripe ones
  • Cucumber: refreshing and crisp seedless or English varieties have the best bite
  • Red onion: thin slices give mild sharpness without overpowering
  • Kalamata olives: salty and savory optional but deepen flavor
  • Feta cheese: crumbly and tangy block feta crumbled fresh has the best flavor
  • Fresh parsley or dill: chopped adds herbal freshness use whichever you prefer
  • Olive oil: extra virgin and cold pressed forms the base of a smooth dressing
  • Lemon juice: freshly squeezed balances richness with bright acidity
  • Dijon mustard: adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing
  • Garlic: finely minced gives aromatic punch without bitterness
  • Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning taste and adjust carefully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove moisture then season with a touch of salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium high and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the shrimp in a single layer two to three minutes per side until opaque and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and let them cool while you prepare the rest
Prepare the Vegetables:
Halve the cherry tomatoes for easy bites. Dice cucumber into uniform chunks. Thinly slice the red onion so it softens slightly in the mix. Cube the avocado just before adding to prevent browning. If using olives slice them thinly. Crumble feta cheese from the block and chop your herbs fresh
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl combine olive oil lemon juice Dijon mustard and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper then whisk thoroughly until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste. The dressing should be smooth and balanced
Combine the Salad:
In a large bowl add shrimp avocado tomatoes cucumber onion olives feta and herbs. Pour the dressing evenly over the top and gently toss to coat. Be careful not to mash the avocado. Mix just until combined and glossy
Serve:
Serve immediately for the freshest texture or let it chill in the fridge for ten to fifteen minutes to allow flavors to come together. It is delicious either cold or at room temperature
A colorful salad with shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Bookmark
A colorful salad with shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. | ioanacooks.com

I especially love how the creamy avocado balances the briny olives and juicy tomatoes. It is a beach picnic favorite my sister and I have shared every summer

Storage Tips

To keep it fresh store shrimp vegetables and dressing separately in airtight containers. Wait to dice the avocado and toss the salad until just before serving. This preserves texture and keeps ingredients vibrant for up to one day

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap shrimp for grilled chicken salmon or chickpeas depending on your needs. For a dairy free version use a plant based feta or simply omit the cheese. If tomatoes are out of season roasted red peppers make a sweet and savory alternative

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad with warm pita a dollop of hummus or a scoop of lemon couscous for a heartier meal. It also makes a great wrap when tucked into lettuce leaves or soft flatbread. Enjoy with a chilled white wine for a complete light meal

A bowl of Mediterranean Shrimp Avocado Salad. Bookmark
A bowl of Mediterranean Shrimp Avocado Salad. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

This dish captures the spirit of Mediterranean cooking which emphasizes seasonal produce fresh herbs and heart healthy ingredients. The use of olive oil seafood and lemon reflects traditions found across coastal regions of Greece and Southern Italy where food is both simple and deeply flavorful

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

→ What proteins can replace shrimp?

Grilled chicken salmon or chickpeas all work well depending on your preference or dietary needs.

→ Can I add grains to the salad?

Absolutely adding quinoa or couscous makes the salad more filling and adds texture and nutrients.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep ingredients separate when possible and assemble just before serving to keep textures fresh.

→ How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss avocado chunks in lemon juice before adding them to the salad to keep them fresh and vibrant.

→ Can I make it dairy free?

Yes simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant based alternative to make it dairy free.

Mediterranean Shrimp Avocado Salad

Refreshing shrimp avocado salad with feta and lemon herb dressing for a bold and vibrant Mediterranean bite.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
6 minutes
Overall Time
21 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Salads

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (1 large salad bowl)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb Friendly, No Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Salad Base

Ingredient 01 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Ingredient 02 2 ripe avocados, diced
Ingredient 03 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Ingredient 04 1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably seedless or English)
Ingredient 05 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Ingredient 06 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
Ingredient 07 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled from block
Ingredient 08 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

→ Dressing

Ingredient 09 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Ingredient 10 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Ingredient 11 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Ingredient 12 1 clove garlic, minced
Ingredient 13 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 02

Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the herbs. Dice the avocado just before combining to preserve its color and texture. Slice the olives if using. Crumble the feta cheese from a block.

Step 03

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 04

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta, and herbs. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss until just combined, taking care not to mash the avocado.

Step 05

Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Extra Tips

  1. Marinate shrimp briefly in lemon juice and garlic for deeper flavor before cooking.
  2. Toss avocado with a small amount of lemon juice to help prevent browning.
  3. Store components separately and assemble just before serving for optimal texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 410
  • Total Fat: 29 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 11 grams
  • Protein Amount: 28 grams