Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Tomato Salad and Cilantro Lime Dressing
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes paired with a fresh avocado and cherry tomato salad tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing, perfect for a Whole30 lunch. This mexican-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 18 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, large, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes 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 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1 large, diced avocado
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped, divided fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 large diced avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently and set aside to marinate.
- Step 2: 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, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large 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 pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Remove shrimp from heat and drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 5: Serve the sautéed shrimp alongside the avocado tomato salad, spooning some of the cilantro lime dressing from the salad over the shrimp for extra flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Tomato Salad and Cilantro Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Tomato Salad 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 Tomato Salad 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 Tomato Salad 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 Tomato Salad and 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.