Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

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

Tender sautéed shrimp tossed with a creamy, tangy avocado cilantro lime dressing that brightens every bite. This whole30 (dairy free, gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic cloves 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 280 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 Whole30 cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 finely minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: In a blender, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Toss the cooked shrimp with the avocado cilantro lime dressing until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado 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 with Avocado 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 with Avocado 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 with Avocado 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 with Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing dairy free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy free, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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