Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A refreshing, protein-packed salad featuring succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables in a zesty lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (whole30) ready in about 25 minutes pairs avocado oil, large shrimp, cherry tomatoes 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 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 12 oz large shrimp
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 1, diced avocado
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat shrimp dry and season lightly. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; transfer to a plate to cool.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced avocado, parsley, and mint.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Step 5: Pour dressing over vegetable mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Add cooled shrimp to the salad and toss again, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Step 7: Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 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 Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
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 avocado oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
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 Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.