Cold Shrimp and Avocado Salad

This Easy Cold Shrimp and Avocado Salad is made with ingredients like Old Bay Seasoning, cucumber, fresh basil, olive oil, and lime. This is the best salad idea for a quick meal you can even toss on a sandwich. Serve with pan-seared or grilled shrimp.

FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.

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This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.

Spring is here and soon summer will be on the rise. This really is the best time of year to enjoy fresh vegetables. The more colorful the better! This is a great summer salad to serve at upcoming parties and events this season!

What Type of Shrimp to Use

Shrimp can be found at the grocery store in a few different ways. There is raw, pre-cooked, raw and frozen, deveined, tails on, tails off, etc.

I never use pre-cooked shrimp. There is an obvious difference in taste due to the lack of quality. The shrimp is cooked and then frozen and you have to cook it/warm it up again. This usually overcooks the shrimp. Raw shrimp only takes minutes to make, just buy it raw.

Always look for deveined, that’s my preference. The black vein that runs along the back of the shrimp is the digestive intestinal tract. Is this shrimp poop, yes.

You can buy it with the vein and remove it using a sharp paring knife to make a slit along the back and lift out the vein with the tip of the knife.

Check out tips on How to Peel and Devein Shrimp here.

My preference is to use raw shrimp and pan sear or grill it. This recipe outlines how to pan sear to the shrimp. If you wish to grill it, I recommend using a grill basket. The shrimp is grilled for 3-5 minutes on medium high heat until it turns bright pink.

What Type of Dressing to Use

I like to use fresh lime juice, olive oil, and fresh basil. This combination of flavors is amazing and it’s light and perfect for a salad. You can use whatever dressing you prefer.

How to Make a Cold Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Season raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) with Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Add olive oil to a skillet on medium-high heat. When hot, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flip the shrimp and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp turns bright pink on both sides. Remove the shrimp.
3. Add the shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, fresh lime, cucumbers, onions and cilantro to a large bowl. Stir to combine the ingredients.
4. Chill and serve.

Additional Topping Ideas and Substitutions

• Bacon
• Chicken Breast
• Artichokes
• Olives
• Green Peppers
• Red Peppers
• Almonds
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Pecans
• Peanuts

How to Make it Creamy

Add 1/2 cup of your favorite salad dressing, ranch, or mayo to make this a creamy salad. You can serve it on bread or croissants as well.

How Long Should the Salad Sit?

If you plan to marinate/cook raw shrimp using acidity you should allow the shrimp to sit for at least 3 minutes, up to 2 hours.

This salad dish should last up to 3 days stored in the fridge, however, it’s best to eat within 24-48 hours for optimal flavor and taste.

Can You Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, defrost it first. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or place it in a bowl with cold water. You can read more about How to Defrost Frozen Shrimp here.

Pair the Salad With These Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Southern Smothered Chicken
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Purple Sweet Potatoes

More Summer Salad Recipes

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Southwest Salad Recipe
Vegetable Rotini Pasta Salad
Healthy Breakfast Salad
Fried Chicken Salad
Keto Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad
Keto Cauliflower Potato Salad
Keto Broccoli Salad
Balsamic Green Bean Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Jerk Shrimp Recipe