Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Salsa and Cilantro Lime Dressing
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, served with a refreshing avocado salsa and zesty cilantro lime dressing for a light Whole30-friendly seafood dish. This mexican-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 16 minutes blends pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, tablespoons olive oil, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 medium, diced ripe avocado
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 4: Whisk together 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then pour over the avocado mixture and gently toss.
- Step 5: Serve the sautéed shrimp topped with the avocado salsa and cilantro lime dressing immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Salsa and Cilantro Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Salsa and 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 Salsa and 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 Salsa and 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 Salsa and Cilantro Lime Dressing whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.