A Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with creamy avocado and crisp, colorful vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures — light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying. This salad is not just visually appealing but also loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack.
With a zesty Mediterranean dressing and simple, fresh ingredients, this salad captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine: fresh, healthy, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a summer gathering, this salad is easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to impress.
Why This Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad Stands Out
This salad offers a combination of health benefits and flavor that make it a standout choice:
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Protein-Packed: Shrimp provide lean protein to keep you full and energized.
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Healthy Fats: Avocado delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
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Vibrant Vegetables: Crisp greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provide fiber and vitamins.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, ideal for busy lifestyles.
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Customizable: Easily add olives, feta, or grains to suit taste preferences.
This Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad works beautifully for casual meals, meal prep, or elegant dinner presentations.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Large skillet or frying pan
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Mixing bowl
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Whisk or small jar with lid (for dressing)
Ingredients for Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
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1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 ripe avocados, diced
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2 cups mixed salad greens
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, diced
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mediterranean Dressing
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3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Timing & Servings
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Total Time: 20–25 minutes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
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Servings: 4 portions
How to Make Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp
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Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
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Season with salt and black pepper.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Step 2. Prep the Vegetables and Avocado
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Wash and chop mixed greens.
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Halve cherry tomatoes and dice cucumber.
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Slice red onion thinly.
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Dice avocado just before assembling to prevent browning.
Expert Insight: Using ripe avocados ensures a creamy texture that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Step 3. Make the Mediterranean Dressing
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Adjust seasoning to taste — more lemon for brightness, more garlic for depth.
Pro Tip: A little honey or maple syrup can balance acidity if desired.
Step 4. Assemble the Salad
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In a large mixing bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and avocado.
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Add cooked shrimp on top.
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Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if using.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
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Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
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Don’t overmix the avocado to maintain its creamy texture.
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Chill salad ingredients for a crisp and refreshing taste.
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Add herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for extra freshness.
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For meal prep, store dressing separately until serving to prevent soggy greens.
Variations You’ll Love
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs.
Grain Addition: Serve over quinoa, couscous, or farro for a more filling meal.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Creamy Twist: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the dressing for creaminess.
Serving Ideas
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Perfect for light lunches or dinner on warm days.
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Great as a side dish for grilled fish or seafood.
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Ideal for meal prep and easy weekday meals.
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Elegant enough for brunch gatherings or entertaining guests.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 300–350
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Protein: 25–28g
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Carbohydrates: 10–12g
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Fat: 20–22g
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Fiber: 5–6g
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Sugar: 3–4g
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Sodium: 450–600mg (varies with shrimp and feta)
If you’re building a fresh salad lineup, consider adding Soba Noodle Salad, Orzo Pasta Salad, or Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad.
Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Wash and chop mixed greens.
- Halve cherry tomatoes and dice cucumber.
- Slice red onion thinly.
- Dice avocado just before assembling to prevent browning.
- Expert Insight: Using ripe avocados ensures a creamy texture that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust seasoning to taste — more lemon for brightness, more garlic for depth.
- Pro Tip: A little honey or maple syrup can balance acidity if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and avocado.
- Add cooked shrimp on top.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if using.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean shrimp and avocado salad is a perfect combination of freshness, flavor, and nutrition. The tender shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and zesty Mediterranean dressing create a harmonious and satisfying dish. Quick to prepare, versatile, and visually appealing, this salad is suitable for any occasion — from casual lunches to special gatherings.
With the option to customize with grains, cheese, or additional vegetables, this salad is both practical and indulgent. Enjoy it fresh, light, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors that will make your meals feel vibrant and wholesome.
Recipe FAQs
1- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.
2- Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, keep dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
3- Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce.
4- What other vegetables work well?
Bell peppers, radishes, or zucchini can be added for extra crunch.
5- Can I replace shrimp with chicken or tofu?
Yes, grilled chicken or tofu are excellent protein alternatives.
6- How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
Best consumed within 1–2 days for optimal texture and flavor.