Sautéed Shrimp with Zesty Avocado Salsa

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

Quick pan-seared shrimp seasoned with chili powder and cumin, topped with a bright and creamy avocado salsa for a refreshing Whole30 seafood dish. This mexican-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 16 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, chili powder 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: 6 min Serves 4 Mexican 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 chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Gently mix to create the salsa.
  4. Step 4: Serve the sautéed shrimp topped with the zesty avocado salsa immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zesty Avocado Salsa 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 Zesty Avocado Salsa?

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 Zesty Avocado 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 Zesty Avocado Salsa 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 Zesty Avocado Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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