Gluten-Free Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Gluten-Free Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Julia

This vibrant Gluten-Free Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a celebration of fresh, clean flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Succulent shrimp are quickly sautéed until perfectly tender, then paired with creamy avocado, crisp greens, and a medley of colorful vegetables. The dish is elevated by a bright citrus dressing that ties all the elements together with its tangy, refreshing notes.

Inspired by coastal cuisines from California to the Mediterranean, this salad represents the best of light, healthy eating without sacrificing satisfaction or flavor. The combination of protein-rich shrimp and healthy fats from avocado creates a meal that's both nourishing and filling, while the citrus dressing adds a zesty brightness that makes every bite exciting.

What makes this salad truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. It's naturally gluten-free, requiring no substitutions or compromises, and comes together in under 30 minutes. The contrast of textures—from the tender shrimp to the buttery avocado and crisp vegetables—creates an engaging eating experience that feels indulgent while being remarkably healthy.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or elegant enough for entertaining, this salad proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and satisfying. It's a dish that celebrates fresh ingredients at their best, letting each component shine while creating a harmonious whole that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

25 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 21.00g
Carbs 18.00g
Protein 32.00g

Ingredients

1.5 lbslarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbspolive oil, divided
2 clovesgarlic, minced
1 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 largeripe avocados, diced
6 cupsmixed salad greens, washed and dried
1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved
1 mediumcucumber, diced
1/4 cupred onion, thinly sliced
3 tbspfresh lime juice
2 tbspfresh lemon juice
1 tsphoney
1 tspDijon mustard
1/4 cupfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
paper towels
small mixing bowl
chef's knife
large serving bowl
citrus juicer
large skillet

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Perfectly aligned with anti-inflammatory principles, featuring omega-3 rich shrimp, antioxidant vegetables, healthy fats from avocado, and anti-inflammatory herbs like cilantro and citrus.

Clean Eating

Exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh shrimp, vegetables, avocado, and a simple citrus dressing made from natural ingredients.

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free, with no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. The recipe uses whole food ingredients that are inherently safe for those avoiding gluten.

Intermittent Fasting

Ideal for intermittent fasting with its nutrient-dense ingredients, balanced macronutrients, and focus on whole foods that provide sustained energy and satiety during eating windows.

Ketogenic Diet

An excellent keto-friendly option with high fat content from avocado and olive oil, moderate protein from shrimp, and minimal carbohydrates from low-carb vegetables. The recipe provides healthy fats while keeping net carbs extremely low.

Mediterranean Diet

This salad perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its emphasis on seafood, olive oil, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from avocado. The use of fresh herbs, citrus, and high-quality protein aligns beautifully with Mediterranean nutritional guidelines.

Paleo Diet

Fully compliant with Paleo principles, featuring wild-caught shrimp, fresh vegetables, avocado, and olive oil while excluding all grains, legumes, and processed ingredients. The recipe represents whole, unprocessed eating at its finest.

Primal Diet

Fully compliant with Primal Diet guidelines, featuring wild-caught seafood, non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and fresh herbs without any prohibited ingredients.

Instructions

1

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with Cajun seasoning, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.

2 min
2

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until well combined. Set the citrus dressing aside.

2 min
3
2 min

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

4
1 min

Add minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.

5
5 min

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque throughout.

6

Remove the cooked shrimp from heat and let them cool slightly for about 3 minutes.

3 min
7

In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

2 min
8

Add the diced avocado to the salad bowl, handling gently to avoid mashing.

1 min
9

Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the salad.

1 min
10

Drizzle the citrus dressing over the entire salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.

1 min
11

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions