Spicy Prawn and Finger Lime Salad with Avocado

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

A refreshing Australian salad combining spicy grilled prawns, creamy avocado, and zesty finger lime pearls for a burst of citrus flavor. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs large prawns, peeled and deveined, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 2 Australian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a bowl, toss 12 peeled and deveined large prawns with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred around the edges. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 diced ripe avocado, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves.
  4. Step 4: Add the grilled prawns to the salad and gently toss with 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons finger lime pearls over the top for a citrus burst and serve immediately for a bright, spicy, and creamy salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Prawn and Finger Lime Salad with Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Spicy Prawn and Finger Lime Salad with Avocado?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Prawn and Finger Lime Salad with Avocado?

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 Spicy Prawn and Finger Lime Salad with Avocado for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spicy Prawn and Finger Lime Salad with Avocado?

Australian seafood 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.

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