Grilled Shrimp, Mango & Avocado Salad

Ingredients

For the shrimp

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the salad

5–6 cups chopped romaine or mixed green lettuce
1 ripe mango, diced
1 avocado, diced
1 cup corn kernels
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges, for serving

Nut information

Pistachios: ¼ cup, roughly 25–30 g
Pistachios are tree nuts and can be omitted for a nut-free version.
For a nut-free substitute, use pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds.
If using packaged ingredients, check labels for possible peanut/tree-nut cross-contact.

Lime Dressing

3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
¼ tsp cumin
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Instructions

Marinate shrimp: Combine shrimp, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Grill shrimp: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Prepare salad: Add lettuce, mango, avocado, corn, red onion, cilantro, feta, and pistachios to a large bowl.
Dress: Drizzle with the lime dressing and gently toss.
Add shrimp: Arrange the hot grilled shrimp over the salad.
Finish: Garnish with extra pistachios, cilantro, and fresh lime wedges.
Serve immediately while the shrimp are warm.

Quick details

Prep: 15 minutes
Marinating: 10–15 minutes
Cooking: 5–6 minutes
Total: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Q&A

Q: Can I make this without nuts?
Yes. Leave out the pistachios or replace them with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat them dry before marinating.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately. Add avocado, dressing, and warm shrimp just before serving.

Q: Is feta necessary?
No. You can omit it or substitute goat cheese.

Q: What gives the shrimp the best flavor?
Fresh lime, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and a little chili powder give the shrimp a smoky, citrusy flavor.

Q: How do I keep avocado from browning?
Toss the diced avocado gently with a little fresh lime juice just before serving.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.