Space Center Shrimp and Avocado Salad
A refreshing shrimp and avocado salad with a tangy lime dressing, inspired by the bright energy of Houston’s NASA Space Center. This general-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium, diced ripe avocado, mixed salad greens into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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 (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium, diced ripe avocado
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil (remaining), and 1 tsp honey until emulsified.
- Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 2 diced ripe avocados, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 4: Add the cooked shrimp to the salad and drizzle with the lime dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without mashing the avocado.
- Step 5: Serve immediately as a light and vibrant entrée or side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Space Center Shrimp and Avocado Salad take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Space Center Shrimp and Avocado Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, diced ripe avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Space Center Shrimp and Avocado Salad?
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 Space Center Shrimp and Avocado Salad 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.
What goes well with Space Center Shrimp and Avocado Salad?
General salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
