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REFRESHING SHRIMP COCKTAIL SALAD — LIGHT, ZESTY, AND PERFECT FOR SEAFOOD LOVERS

REFRESHING SHRIMP COCKTAIL SALAD — LIGHT, ZESTY, AND PERFECT FOR SEAFOOD LOVERS

REFRESHING SHRIMP COCKTAIL SALAD — LIGHT, ZESTY, AND PERFECT FOR SEAFOOD LOVERS

Even if the weather is a bit cool, this vibrant shrimp cocktail salad brings a burst of ocean flavor and freshness. Marinated shrimp mingle with creamy avocado, tangy lime, and a hint of sweetness from ketchup, balanced by red onion and parsley. Serve it over salad greens or with tortilla chips for a delicious, quick, and light seafood dish.


🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

⏲️ Marinating Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Yields: 3 servings


Ingredients

  • 20 shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Juice of 1 lime (green lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon pickled red onion (or substitute below)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp Broth and Shrimp

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  • Blanch shrimp in boiling water for 1 minute. Remove shrimp and peel. Cut the shrimp meat into bite-sized pieces.
  • Return the shrimp shells to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes to create a flavorful broth. Reserve 5 tablespoons of this broth for the salad.

2. Marinate the Shrimp

  • Mix lime juice with ketchup in a bowl.
  • Add the shrimp pieces, sprinkle with salt, and let marinate for 1 hour. For longer marinating, refrigerate.

3. Prepare the Salad Mix

  • Chop the pickled red onion finely and add to the marinated shrimp. (Alternatively, soak ½ red onion diced in cold water for 5 minutes, drain well, and toss with juice of ½ lime. Optionally add a few drops of Tabasco or chopped chili for heat.)
  • Add diced avocado and chopped parsley.
  • Stir in 5 tablespoons of the reserved shrimp broth. Mix gently to combine.

4. Serve

  • Serve immediately, either on a bed of salad greens, with diced tomatoes and bell peppers, or alongside tortilla chips for a crunchy accompaniment.

💡 Tips

  • Adjust pickled onion quantity or substitute with fresh lime-soaked onion to control acidity and crunch.
  • Add chili or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
  • The reserved shrimp broth adds subtle seafood depth to the salad.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Light lunches or starters
  • Seafood-themed gatherings
  • Quick, refreshing dishes for any season

📝 Final Thoughts

This shrimp cocktail salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that balances citrusy tang, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs with succulent shrimp. Its quick marination and simple assembly make it an excellent choice for entertaining or a wholesome everyday treat.