Next, while the shrimp are cooling, I prepare the veggies. I slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers, and chop the red onion and parsley. It always feels so refreshing when I chop these ingredients as the colors come together beautifully, and the scent of fresh parsley adds a nice touch! In a large mixing bowl, I combine the diced avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley.
Now, it’s time for the dressing! In a small bowl, I whisk together the juice of the lemons and the olive oil until well combined. The citrus smell is so invigorating, and it brings everything to life! I pour this dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine. Finally, I add the shrimp to the bowl and mix everything together. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, you can sprinkle feta cheese over the top for an extra burst of flavor!
Before serving, I like to let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows all those delightful flavors to mingle together and create a harmonious result that is both tasty and visually appealing.
Pro Tips for Best Results
When making this salad, I always recommend using fresh shrimp, if possible. I tested frozen vs. fresh shrimp, and I found the flavor and texture of fresh to be unbeatable! The freshness really comes through in the finished dish.
Another pro tip of mine is to cut your avocados just before serving. They can turn brown relatively quickly, which might not be visually appealing if you’re planning to serve this salad later. I usually prep everything else ahead of time and add the avocado at the last minute.
Lastly, don’t skimp on the seasoning! A little extra salt and pepper can go a long way in amplifying the flavors of the salad. I taste as I go—who doesn’t love a personalized medley of flavors?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I see is overcooking the shrimp. They only need a few minutes in the pan! If you leave them too long, they can become rubbery and lose that juicy tenderness. I always watch closely and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. (See the next page below to continue…)
Another pitfall is not balancing the flavors properly. If you feel the salad is lacking some zing, adding a little more lemon juice can brighten everything up beautifully. Don’t be afraid to adjust as you go along to match your taste preferences!
Also, avoid cutting your ingredients too large. I love a chunk of avocado as much as the next person, but keeping everything bite-sized makes it easier to enjoy. After all, this salad is meant to be a light, refreshing dish, so let’s keep the texture consistent!
Lastly, if you’re preparing this salad in advance, don’t mix all the ingredients together too early. The avocados can brown, and the vegetables can lose their crunch. Instead, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving!