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Blackened Shrimp Avocado Salad - Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready Fast

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
  • Blackening spices: Smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, kosher salt
  • Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil for cooking and dressing
  • Greens: 5–6 cups mixed greens (romaine, baby spinach, or spring mix)
  • Avocados: 1–2 ripe avocados
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Cucumber: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Red onion: 1/4 small onion, thinly sliced
  • Corn (optional but great): 1 cup canned (drained) or fresh charred corn
  • Cilantro: Small handful, chopped
  • Limes: 2–3, for zest and juice
  • Honey or maple syrup: For the dressing
  • Dijon mustard: For the dressing
  • Sea salt and black pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Make the blackening spice blend. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne (to taste), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well.
  2. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil and the spice blend until evenly coated. Set aside while you prep the salad.
  3. Prep the salad base. Add mixed greens to a large bowl. Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn (if using), and chopped cilantro. Don’t add the avocado yet to avoid bruising.
  4. Whisk the dressing. In a jar or small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Shake or whisk until silky. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness as needed.
  5. Cook the shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil. When hot, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred on the edges. Do not overcook. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Add avocado. Slice or cube the avocados just before serving. Gently tuck them into the salad.
  7. Toss and serve. Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the greens and veggies. Toss gently to coat. Top with the warm shrimp, then finish with the remaining dressing. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.