Easy Cold Shrimp Salad Recipe

This refreshing cold shrimp salad makes the perfect light lunch or quick appetizer. It's packed with fresh vegetables, juicy shrimp, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a vibrant and delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. Plus, it comes together in just minutes!

Why I Love This Shrimp Salad Recipe

This recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it brings back memories of summer picnics with my cousin Laura. She introduced me to this salad, and it quickly became a staple in my summer recipe rotation.

The combination of tender shrimp, creamy avocado, and the bright lime dressing is simply irresistible. Plus, I absolutely love the fact that I can throw it together at a moment's notice. These days with the kids, it's tough to make a meal that takes a lot of time to whip up, and this salad has been a huge lifesaver. It's a double win too because they love eating this shrimp salad as much as I love making it.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this cold shrimp salad:

• 1 cup cooked shrimp
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
• 1 small red onion, diced
• ½ cup coriander (cilantro), chopped
• 1 avocado, cubed
• 1 cup canned corn kernels, rinsed and drained
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Shrimp Salad

Just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make this shrimp salad.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters, dice the red onion, chop the coriander, and cube the avocado. Rinse and drain the canned corn. Add all the prepped ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the Shrimp

Toss in the cooked shrimp, ensuring it’s evenly distributed among the veggies for a perfect bite every time.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salad, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Gently toss the salad to combine all the flavors, being careful not to mash the avocado. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or over a bed of greens for a satisfying meal.

My Expert Tips

1. Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives the salad its bright, tangy flavor. Avoid bottled juice for the best taste.
2. Chill for Extra Flavor: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Add Spice: For a kick, toss in a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes.
4. Serve Fresh: This salad tastes best fresh, so make it right before serving to keep the avocado vibrant and creamy.

FAQ's About This Cold Shrimp Salad Recipe

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance, but don’t toss the avocado or dressing until you’re ready to serve to prevent the avocado from browning. Just keep in mind that defrosted shrimp will only stay good for 3-4 days after. So you'll want to put the salad together within that timeframe.

What’s the best way to cook shrimp for this salad?

Boiling or grilling shrimp works best. Simply season lightly with salt and pepper before cooking.

Can I substitute the coriander (cilantro)?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or green onion works as a great alternative.

Final Thoughts

This easy shrimp salad recipe is as flavorful as it is simple to make. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with healthy ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch or serving it at your next barbecue, it’s sure to be a hit.

As always, if you give it a shot, let me know how it goes for you in the comments below!

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• Chicken salad chick broccoli salad
• Panera strawberry poppyseed salad
• Mexican chicken salad
• Olive garden salad