Citrus-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Mixed Greens
Bright citrus-marinated shrimp served over fresh mixed greens with creamy avocado, creating a refreshing Whole30 salad. This latin american-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 21 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 large, sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 small, thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 large sliced avocado, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 small thinly sliced red onion. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing gently.
- Step 4: Top the salad with the cooked shrimp and drizzle any remaining marinade from the bowl over the top. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Mixed Greens take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Mixed Greens?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Mixed Greens?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Mixed Greens for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Citrus-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Mixed Greens whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.