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To make the shrimp shine, you'll need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a tasty marinade that brings out the shrimp's flavor. The lime juice adds a bright note, while the spices give it depth. For the salad, have these fresh veggies ready: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped These veggies bring color and crunch. The tomatoes sweeten the dish, while the avocado adds creaminess. The cucumber offers a refreshing bite, and cilantro ties it all together with its herbal flavor. You’ll need: - 4 cups mixed salad greens Mixing greens adds variety and nutrition. Feel free to use your favorites. Add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor. This base will make your salad feel light and fresh. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to marinate the shrimp. Grab a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Squeeze in the juice of 2 limes and zest 1 lime. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Use a spoon to mix well, so the shrimp get coated evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. While the shrimp marinates, let’s prepare the salad base. Take a large bowl and add 4 cups of mixed salad greens. Then, slice 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl. Next, dice 1 avocado and 1 cucumber, then toss them in as well. Finally, chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over the top. Mix all these ingredients gently. This mix will add crunch and freshness to your salad. Once the shrimp has marinated, it’s time to cook. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the shrimp to the pan, but don't add the marinade. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. After cooking, add the shrimp directly to the salad base. Toss everything gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a nice touch. Enjoy your fresh and zesty cilantro lime shrimp salad! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Marinate them for at least 15 minutes. This gives the shrimp time to soak up all the zesty flavors. Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are ready. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough. The key to a great cilantro lime shrimp salad is balancing flavors. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. For a brighter flavor, squeeze in more lime juice. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Taste the salad as you go. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, so use plenty of it. You can prepare parts of the salad in advance. Chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and crisp. Mix the salad greens with the veggies right before serving. Cook the shrimp just before you eat. This way, everything tastes fresh and vibrant. If you have leftovers, store them separately. This keeps the salad from getting soggy. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, let the shrimp marinate for 30 minutes to an hour instead of just 15 minutes. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro make a significant difference in flavor compared to bottled juice or dried herbs. Perfect Shrimp Cooking: Avoid overcooking shrimp. They're done when they are pink and opaque, typically 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat. Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other salad ingredients like bell peppers, radishes, or corn for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can boost this salad by adding more proteins. Grilled chicken or salmon works well. You can also try adding cooked beans for a different texture. Each choice brings a new flavor, making every bite unique. If you want a heartier meal, consider adding hard-boiled eggs. This salad can be your canvas for your protein choices. If you follow a keto diet, this salad can adapt easily. Replace the cherry tomatoes with bell peppers for fewer carbs. You might also want to skip the avocado or use less of it. Instead, add more leafy greens to keep it filling. The lime juice adds flavor without extra carbs. You will still enjoy a delicious meal that fits your diet. If you prefer a vegan option, replace the shrimp with marinated tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great swap. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein and crunch. Try using lime juice and zest in the marinade for added zest. This way, you keep the fresh taste while enjoying a plant-based meal. You can store leftover cilantro lime shrimp salad in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 2 days. Keep the salad separate from the shrimp if possible. This helps keep the greens crisp. Freezing is not the best choice for this salad. The shrimp can lose texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the shrimp before cooking. Just make sure you thaw it in the fridge overnight before marinating. If you need to reheat the shrimp, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Heat until warm, but do not overcook. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. After reheating, mix the shrimp back into the salad quickly. Enjoy your meal fresh! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this salad. Just make sure to thaw it well. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if they aren’t already. Then, follow the same marinating steps as with fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp can taste just as good when cooked right. You can add many ingredients to make this salad more filling. Here are some ideas: - Quinoa or rice for added carbs. - Black beans for protein and fiber. - Corn for sweetness and crunch. - Cheese, like feta or cotija, for a creamy bite. - Nuts or seeds for healthy fats and extra texture. Feel free to mix and match these to suit your taste! This salad keeps well in the fridge for about 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you add avocado, it may brown faster. To slow this down, add the avocado just before serving. If you have leftover shrimp, you can store it separately for best taste. This blog post covered how to make a delicious shrimp salad. You learned about the best shrimp and marinade, fresh veggies, and salad greens. I shared steps for marinating shrimp, prepping the salad, and cooking it all together. I shared great tips for cooking shrimp and adding flavor. You also found yummy variations, storage info, and answers to common questions. Try this easy recipe, and enjoy your fresh salad today! It will taste great.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad

A refreshing salad featuring marinated shrimp, mixed greens, and vibrant vegetables, dressed with lime and cilantro.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 limes Juice of
  • 1 lime Zest of
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by marinating the shrimp. In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the marinade and mix to coat. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
  • While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, diced cucumber, and chopped cilantro.
  • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp (discard the marinade) and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Once the shrimp is cooked, add it directly to the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
  • Adjust seasoning if necessary, and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Keyword cilantro, healthy, lime, salad, shrimp