The Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and tropical dish featuring chili-seasoned shrimp, sweet mango, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies, all tossed with lime juice. This salad is perfect for summer parties or a light make-ahead meal and can be served with chips or as a topping for tostadas or tacos.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the chili-seasoned shrimp:

• 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

For the salad:

• 2 small mangos, diced (or 1 large mango)
• 1 large avocado, diced
• ¼ of a red onion, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 3-6 limes, juiced (enough to generously coat the salad)

Directions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season with chili powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, spray with cooking spray, and sauté the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until cooked through. Cut the shrimp into bite-size pieces and refrigerate until cooled.
3. Prep the ingredients: Dice the mango, avocado, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro while the shrimp cools.
4. Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with the prepared ingredients. Squeeze lime juice over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust lime juice as needed.
5. Serve: Serve immediately or chill for 10-20 minutes before serving. Best served cold with tortilla chips, on tostadas, or in tacos.

Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250-300
• Protein: ~22-25g (from shrimp)
• Fat: ~12-15g (mostly from avocado)
• Carbohydrates: ~15-20g (from mango, onion, and lime juice)
  • Fiber: ~5-7g
  • Sugar: ~12-15g (natural sugars from mango)
• Sodium: ~300-400mg (varies depending on seasoning and shrimp)
• Vitamin C: High (from mango, lime juice, and jalapeño)
• Vitamin A: Moderate (from mango)
• Potassium: High (from avocado and mango)

Key Features and Benefits

1. A Healthy, Nutrient-Packed Option
This salad is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. The shrimp provide a lean source of protein, while the mango and avocado contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Mango is a rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune health and skin vitality. Avocado, on the other hand, offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium, which can help maintain a healthy blood pressure.

2. Quick and Easy to Prepare
The recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal cooking and preparation time. The shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, while the remaining ingredients only need to be diced and tossed together. This makes the Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. It’s a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

3. Adaptable for Various Dietary Preferences
This salad is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. It can also be modified to accommodate additional preferences. For example:

• Add a handful of mixed greens for extra fiber and volume.
• Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian alternative.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

4. Perfect for Entertaining or Meal Prep
The Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad works beautifully as a party dish or an appetizer. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping, or use it as a topping for tostadas, tacos, or lettuce wraps. Additionally, the salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or preparing in advance for an event.

Flavor Profile and Ingredient Highlights

The flavor profile of this salad is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy notes. Each ingredient contributes something unique to the dish:

• Shrimp: Seasoned with chili powder, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper, the shrimp add a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the mango.
• Mango: The mango adds a juicy, tropical sweetness that balances the spiciness of the shrimp and the tanginess of the lime juice.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich, the avocado provides a mellow and buttery texture that complements the vibrant flavors of the other ingredients.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice ties the entire dish together with its zesty acidity, enhancing the flavors of the shrimp, mango, and avocado.
• Cilantro and Jalapeño: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note, while jalapeño brings a hint of heat for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

Serving Suggestions

The Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad is incredibly versatile in how it can be served:

• As a Dip: Pair the salad with tortilla chips or plantain chips for a fresh and satisfying appetizer.
• On Tostadas: Spread the salad over crispy tostada shells and garnish with additional cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun, handheld meal.
• In Tacos: Use soft corn or flour tortillas and add some shredded cabbage for crunch.
• Over Greens: Turn the salad into a heartier meal by serving it over a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or arugula.
• On Its Own: The salad can be enjoyed as a light main course or a refreshing side dish.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results when making this dish, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe mangoes and avocados for optimal flavor and texture. Fresh lime juice is also key to achieving the vibrant taste of the salad.
2. Cool the Shrimp: Allow the shrimp to cool slightly after cooking before mixing it into the salad. This helps maintain the freshness and prevents the avocado from becoming overly soft.
3. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Lime juice, salt, and spices can be adjusted based on your personal preference. Add more lime juice for extra tanginess or cayenne pepper for more heat.
4. Serve Cold: The salad is best enjoyed chilled, as this enhances the refreshing qualities of the dish.

Why This Salad Stands Out

The Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad is a standout dish for several reasons. First, it’s an excellent example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a show-stopper on any table. Additionally, its balance of healthfulness and indulgence makes it an appealing choice for a wide range of eaters, from health-conscious individuals to those simply looking for a delicious meal.

Another unique aspect of this salad is its tropical twist. By incorporating mango and avocado, the recipe steps away from traditional shrimp salads and offers a fresh perspective. This creative combination of ingredients ensures that the dish feels exciting and memorable.

Conclusion

The Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad is more than just a salad—it’s an experience. It combines the best of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with a medley of textures that range from juicy to creamy to crunchy. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer barbecue, a quick family dinner, or a meal-prep session, this recipe is sure to deliver satisfaction.

Its vibrant flavors, eye-catching presentation, and impressive nutritional profile make it a must-try dish for anyone seeking a healthy, flavorful, and versatile recipe. Once you try it, the Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire, delivering the taste of the tropics with every bite.