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- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, minced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste For this Spicy Shrimp Avocado Salsa, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The shrimp brings a sweet, sea flavor. The avocado adds creaminess, while the cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and taste. Red onion gives a crisp bite, and jalapeño adds a nice heat. Fresh cilantro brightens the salsa with its herb taste. The lime juice and olive oil tie everything together. These flavors balance well, making each bite fresh and exciting. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Make sure to use ripe avocado and juicy tomatoes for the best taste. Enjoy preparing this delightful dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to marinate the shrimp. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp well to cover them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps bring out the shrimp's flavor. Next, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and let them cool a bit. Now it’s time to mix your salsa. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño. Stir gently to combine the veggies. Be careful not to mash the avocado. Once the shrimp cools, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add the shrimp to the bowl with the other ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula. This helps keep the avocado intact. To finish, drizzle the mixture with fresh lime juice. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. Toss everything gently again. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. For the best flavor, serve the salsa right away. You can also chill it for up to one hour. Enjoy it with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish. How to know when shrimp are perfectly cooked? Shrimp cook fast. When they turn pink and curl into a C shape, they are done. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. If they feel firm to the touch and are opaque, that’s a good sign. Tips for marinating shrimp effectively: To get great flavor, marinate shrimp for about 10 minutes. Use olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple mix brings out the shrimp's taste. You can also add lime juice for a zesty kick. Just remember, don’t marinate too long, or they can become tough. Best accompaniments for Spicy Shrimp Avocado Salsa: Serve this salsa with crispy tortilla chips for a fun snack. You can also top grilled fish or shrimp tacos with it. It adds a fresh and zesty flavor to many dishes. Presentation ideas for a beautiful serving: Use a decorative bowl to hold the salsa. Add a sprinkle of cilantro on top for color. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest. This makes the dish look and taste even better! Recommendations for additional spices or ingredients: Want to spice it up? Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika. You can also mix in some diced mango for a sweet twist. These add layers of flavor that elevate the dish. How chilling can improve flavor: Chilling the salsa for an hour helps the flavors blend. This makes each bite tastier. The cold also gives a refreshing contrast to the warm tortilla chips. So, if you have time, chill it before serving! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the shrimp, making every bite delicious. Choose Ripe Avocados: Ensure that your avocado is perfectly ripe for the best texture and flavor. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest ingredients available, especially the lime juice and cilantro. Freshness greatly enhances the overall taste of the salsa. Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salsa immediately after preparing. If you need to store it, keep it covered in the refrigerator for no more than an hour to avoid browning of the avocado. {{image_4}} You can switch out shrimp or avocado if you want. Try using cooked chicken or tofu for a tasty twist. For those who prefer a veggie option, replace the shrimp with black beans or chickpeas. Instead of avocado, use diced mango or peaches for a sweet touch. These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting! You can serve this salsa in many ways. Enjoy it as a dip with crispy tortilla chips for a fun snack. Use it as a topping on grilled fish or chicken to add flavor. You can also mix it into salads for extra crunch. Try spreading it on tacos for a spicy kick. Want to control the heat? Start with half of the jalapeño and taste it first. You can always add more if you like it spicier. If you want a different taste, try using diced serrano peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne. For a milder option, leave out the jalapeño altogether. This way, you can make it perfect for everyone! To store leftovers, put the salsa in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep air out. Place it in the refrigerator right away. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. For best results, eat the leftovers within two days. To maintain freshness, avoid mixing the salsa with chips or other foods. This prevents sogginess. When you want to enjoy it again, serve only the amount you need. Can Spicy Shrimp Avocado Salsa be frozen? Yes, but it's best to freeze only the shrimp. The avocado and other fresh ingredients don’t freeze well. To freeze cooked shrimp, let them cool first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Store the bag in the freezer for up to three months. How long does the salsa last in the fridge? Freshly made salsa lasts about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Signs that salsa has gone bad include a sour smell or strange colors. If you see any mold, throw it away. Always check before eating any leftovers. Yes, you can prepare this salsa ahead of time. I recommend making the shrimp and mixing the veggies a few hours before serving. Doing this allows the flavors to blend well. To keep the avocado fresh, wait to mix it in until just before you serve. You can store the salsa in the fridge, covered tightly. Just be careful not to let it sit too long to avoid browning. If you want a different protein, try scallops or crab. Both options taste great in this salsa. For a vegetarian choice, use cooked black beans or chickpeas. They add protein and a nice texture. You can even use grilled zucchini or mushrooms for a fun twist. Each option brings its own unique flavor. To heat things up, use more jalapeño or add a splash of hot sauce. You can also try adding diced serrano peppers for an extra kick. If you love heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. These additions can really amp up the spice level and add depth to the salsa. This blog covered making a tasty Spicy Shrimp Avocado Salsa. You learned about key ingredients, how to prepare shrimp, and tips for serving. I highlighted variations and storage info to keep your salsa fresh. Enjoy this dish with friends or family at your next meal. Experiment with your own twists to suit your taste. Remember, cooking is all about fun and flavor! Enjoy every bite!

Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Salsa

A refreshing and flavorful salsa made with shrimp, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 whole ripe avocado, diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 whole jalapeño, deseeded and minced
  • 1 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped coarsely
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance its flavor.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are properly cooked. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the shrimp cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, carefully combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño. Stir gently to combine, being careful to maintain the integrity of the avocado pieces.
  • Once the shrimp have cooled to a manageable temperature, chop them into bite-sized pieces and incorporate them into the bowl with the other ingredients.
  • Gently fold all the ingredients together using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, taking care not to mash the avocado cubes.
  • Drizzle the mixture with freshly squeezed lime juice and sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring that the lime juice is evenly distributed and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • For the best flavor, serve the salsa immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish. If preferred, chill for up to one hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve in a decorative bowl with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy with crispy tortilla chips.
Keyword appetizer, avocado, salsa, shrimp