Sautéed Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

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

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic served over fresh mixed greens and creamy avocado, drizzled with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. This whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, medium, diced avocado, mixed salad greens 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to make the dressing.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens and 1 diced medium avocado. Add the cooked shrimp on top and drizzle with the cilantro-lime dressing. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing 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.

Related recipes