Pan-Seared Shrimp with Avocado and Lemon-Herb Dressing

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

A bright, restaurant-quality seafood dish featuring plump shrimp paired with creamy avocado and a zesty citrus dressing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends shrimp, medium avocado, large lemon into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp cooks, dice avocado and squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice over it. Add 1 tbsp chopped dill and 1 minced garlic clove, then mash gently with a fork until creamy.
  4. Step 4: Whisk remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped dill in a small bowl. Toss mixed greens with 1 tbsp dressing, then arrange on plates.
  5. Step 5: Top greens with seared shrimp and dollop avocado mixture on top. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with 1 tsp dill for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp with Avocado and Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Shrimp with Avocado and Lemon-Herb Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Shrimp with Avocado and Lemon-Herb Dressing?

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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Avocado and Lemon-Herb Dressing 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Shrimp with Avocado and Lemon-Herb Dressing?

Mediterranean seafood 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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