Name: Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad No Mayo for Summer Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound pre-cooked shrimp (marinate for extra zest if desired); 1 large cucumber (English cucumber recommended); 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes; 1/4 large red onion (soak in water for a milder taste); 2 medium ripe avocados (ensure they are soft to touch); 4 cups arugula (or substitute with other greens); 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (maximizes zesty flavor); 1/4 cup olive oil (avocado oil is an alternative); 2 cloves garlic (freshly minced for better flavor); to taste salt; to taste pepper

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As summer days stretch longer and cravings for something light yet satisfying grow stronger, I found myself dreaming of refreshingly vibrant dishes. That’s when this Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo) came to life—an unassuming star that effortlessly marries convenience with elegance. With the invigorating crunch of cucumber and the creamy goodness of ripe avocado, this salad embodies everything you desire in a quick weeknight dinner.

In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl bursting with flavors that sing of sunshine, thanks to a zesty lemon dressing and the optional addition of marinated shrimp. It’s perfect for those of us who want to evade the fast-food trap without sacrificing delicious home-cooked meals. Whether you’re dining solo or impressing friends at a gathering, this gluten-free, paleo, and vegan delight will satisfy and nourish, leaving you refreshed while paving the way for more time outside. Let’s dive into this easy, no-mayo recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why is this Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo) a must-try?

Easily prepared: This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Fresh and vibrant: Packed with garden-fresh ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, and arugula, each bite feels like a taste of summer.
Health-friendly: Savor the flavors without the guilt; it’s gluten-free, paleo, and vegan, perfect for various dietary needs.
Versatile choice: Whether serving as a light main course or a colorful side dish, it adapts beautifully to any meal.
Crowd pleaser: Impress your guests with this beautiful dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious—truly a winner for all!

Feeling inspired? Try this savory salad today and discover a refreshing twist on dinner!

Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad Ingredients

• Discover the essentials for a delightful dish!

For the Salad

Shrimp – Pre-cooked shrimp adds a boost of protein; marinate for extra zest if desired.
Cucumber – Adds a refreshing crunch; using English cucumber reduces seeds and enhances texture.
Tomatoes – Juicy cherry or grape tomatoes bring a pop of color and flavor to the mix.
Red Onion – Provides a sweet, mild onion flavor; soak in water beforehand for a gentler taste.
Avocado – Creamy texture and healthy fats; ensure you pick ripe avocados for the best flavor.
Arugula – Delivers a peppery note; substitute with baby spinach or other greens if preferred.

For the Dressing

Lemon Juice – Essential for brightening flavors; fresh-squeezed lemon juice maximizes the zesty taste.
Olive Oil – Gives richness to the dressing; avocado oil makes a great alternative!
Garlic – Adds aromatic depth; use freshly minced garlic for a more pronounced flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Vital seasonings to elevate all the vibrant flavors in your Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo).

How to Make Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo)

Prepare the Shrimp:
Remove the tails from the pre-cooked shrimp and cut them into thirds. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl, ready to absorb all those luscious flavors.
Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This zesty blend will elevate the salad and bring all ingredients together!
Marinate the Shrimp:
Pour about 3 tablespoons of your zesty dressing over the shrimp and toss gently to combine. Let it marinate in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the ingredients, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Greens and Veggies:
In a large bowl or platter, add a generous layer of arugula. On top, artfully arrange slices of avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumber. The colors will make your heart sing!
Combine and Toss:
Retrieve your marinated shrimp, discarding any excess marinade. Add them to the salad and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Gently toss everything together to combine, letting those flavors dance together.
Serve and Enjoy:
Dive in right away while it’s fresh! This salad is perfect on its own or pairs wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats.

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of flavor and color.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo)

Fridge: Enjoy freshly made salad within 1-2 days for optimal taste; store leftovers covered in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezer: This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing may affect the texture of the shrimp and avocado. If necessary, consider freezing only the dressing for future use.

Reheating: Since this dish is served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Simply pull chilled portions directly from the fridge and enjoy as-is!

Make-Ahead: Prep individual components ahead of time but keep the dressing separate until serving to avoid sogginess in the salad ingredients.

Expert Tips for Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad

Flavor Boost: Marinate Shrimp: Allow the shrimp to soak in the lemon dressing for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavor before mixing with the salad.
Keep it Crisp: Avoid Wilting Greens: Add arugula just before serving to maintain its crispness and vibrant color, ensuring the salad looks as fresh as it tastes.
Taste Test: Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the salad before serving. You may want to sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper to elevate the flavors of your Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo).
Fresh Ingredients: Use Ripe Avocado: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe—they should yield gently to pressure—to achieve that creamy texture that complements the salad beautifully.
Simple Substitutions: Customize Proteins: If shrimp isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute with cooked chicken or chickpeas for a different take on this quick summer dish!

Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dish—each variation brings a fresh twist to the table!

Dairy-Free: Replace any cheese toppings with nutritional yeast or omit them altogether to keep it both creamy and free of dairy.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to give your salad a vibrant kick, igniting your taste buds with every bite.
Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with canned chickpeas or grilled chicken for a delightful twist that still keeps the dish hearty and fulfilling.
Herb Explosion: Enhance flavor by mixing in fresh herbs like cilantro or dill; they add a fragrant touch that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Crunch Boost: Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds—like pine nuts or sunflower seeds—for an extra crunch and delightful texture contrast.
Fruit Twist: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory and creamy elements of this fresh salad.
Grain-Infusion: Add cooked quinoa or brown rice to make this salad even more filling, transforming it into a wholesome main dish for lunchtime gatherings.
Vegan-Friendly: For a completely plant-based option, use marinated tofu cubes instead of shrimp, creating a stellar vegan alternative that packs a punch of flavor.

Don’t hesitate to mix and match these variations, allowing your creativity to shine through in each delicious bowl you serve!

Make Ahead Options

These Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo) components are ideal for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy a delightful dish at a moment’s notice! You can marinate the shrimp in the dressing up to 24 hours in advance; this enhances the flavor while keeping them perfectly tender. Cube the avocado, chop the cucumber, and slice the tomatoes up to 3 days ahead, but it’s best to store them in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent browning. Just before serving, combine the salad ingredients and gently toss with the remaining dressing for vibrant, restaurant-quality results that are just as delicious as when freshly made!

What to Serve with Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo)?

Imagine a picnic table adorned with vibrant summer dishes, where laughter mingles with the aroma of fresh flavors, setting the stage for a memorable meal.

Grilled Lemon Chicken: Juicy, herb-marinated chicken complements the lightness of the salad, enhancing its zesty character while contributing heartiness to your meal.
Crispy Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and buttery within, this Italian classic contrasts beautifully with the refreshing salad, creating a winning combination for your dining experience.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc elevates your dish, enhancing its citrusy notes for a sophisticated touch.
Watermelon Feta Salad: The sweetness of ripe watermelon alongside tangy feta provides an eye-catching counterpart that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s savory elements.

A beautiful fruit platter filled with colorful berries, mango, and citrus adds a touch of sweetness to balance flavors and make your meal feel utterly refreshing.

Zucchini Noodles: Light and versatile, spiralized zucchini can serve as a pasta alternative, adding a fun twist to your table while keeping things fresh and healthy!
Berry Sorbet: For dessert, a scoop of light and fruity sorbet offers a delightful cooling finish, echoing the vibrant flavors of your meal while keeping it refreshing and airy.

Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo) Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe avocados?
Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when you squeeze them in your palm. Avoid ones with dark spots all over or hard, unyielding shells. A ripe avocado will have a smooth, dark green skin and a slightly soft texture.

What’s the best way to store leftovers of this salad?
For optimal freshness, store any leftover Quick Cold Shrimp & Avocado Salad (No Mayo) in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days. If the greens start to get soggy, you can remove them before storing, keeping just the shrimp and veggies for a quick snack.

Can I freeze components of this salad?
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended since the texture of shrimp and avocado changes significantly. However, you can freeze any dressing separately! Pour it into an airtight container and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw in the refrigerator.

What if my shrimp taste too fishy?
If your shrimp have an off-putting taste, it may be due to not being cooked properly or being past their prime. Always choose shrimp that smell clean and slightly briny. If you encounter fishy shrimp, soaking them in cold water mixed with a bit of lemon juice for about 15 minutes can help remove the strong odor.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! This salad is gluten-free and low in carbs, making it a great option for those on paleo or whole30 diets. However, if serving to others, be mindful of potential allergies related to shellfish, and consider offering a vegetarian alternative using chickpeas instead of shrimp. Always ensure that any ingredients you use are compatible with your guests’ dietary restrictions.