Lime-Cured Shrimp Salad with Cucumber and Tomato

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh shrimp cured in lime juice with crisp vegetables and a citrusy dressing. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs shrimp, lime juice, olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 12 oz shrimp, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to cure shrimp.
  2. Step 2: After 30 minutes, add 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the shrimp; toss to combine.
  3. Step 3: Divide 4 cups mixed greens among plates, top with shrimp mixture, and serve immediately to maintain freshness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lime-Cured Shrimp Salad with Cucumber and Tomato take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Lime-Cured Shrimp Salad with Cucumber and Tomato?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Cured Shrimp Salad with Cucumber and Tomato?

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 Lime-Cured Shrimp Salad with Cucumber and Tomato 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.

What goes well with Lime-Cured Shrimp Salad with Cucumber and Tomato?

Mexican salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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