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.