Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Quick sautéed shrimp seasoned with garlic and chili flakes, topped with a refreshing avocado and cucumber salsa for a light paleo meal. This caribbean-inspired paleo ready in about 16 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium, diced ripe avocado
- 1/2 medium, finely diced cucumber
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine 1 diced medium ripe avocado, 1/2 finely diced cucumber, 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Gently mix to combine.
- Step 4: Serve the sautéed shrimp topped with the avocado cucumber salsa for a bright and satisfying dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cucumber Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cucumber Salsa?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cucumber Salsa?
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 Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cucumber Salsa 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cucumber Salsa?
Caribbean paleo 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner and I had this for date night and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
A great paleo meal that's quick and flavorful. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Loved the Caribbean twist on a classic. My kids devoured it.