Name: Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados: A Light, Flavor-Packed Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 whole Ripe Avocados (Provide a creamy base and healthy fats.); 1 cup Cooked Shrimp (Opt for wild-caught or sustainably sourced.); 0.25 cup Celery (Finely diced.); 0.25 cup Red Onion (Finely diced.); 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (Or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.); 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (Can swap for yellow mustard if desired.); 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (Can use lime juice for a twist.); 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (Chopped, can substitute with parsley or cilantro.); Salt (To taste.); Ground Black Pepper (To taste.); Diced Jalapeños (For a spicy kick.); Almonds or Other Nuts (For extra crunch.); Diced Mango or Pineapple (To add sweetness.); Boiled Eggs or Hemp Seeds (For increased protein.)

As I stood in the kitchen, my thoughts drifted to sunny days by the ocean, where the air is filled with the aroma of fresh seafood. That’s when I knew I needed to whip up these Quick and Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados. This dish combines creamy avocados with a vibrant shrimp salad that not only caters to your low-carb and Keto-friendly cravings but is also incredibly quick to prepare. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a stellar appetizer or simply want a refreshing lunch option, this recipe hits all the marks. Plus, the best part? You can customize it to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand. Ready to dive into a light yet satisfying meal? Let’s explore how to create this delightful dish together!

Why Are These Avocados So Great?

Flavorful Combination: The creamy texture of ripe avocados paired with zesty shrimp salad creates a stunning flavor explosion that is hard to resist.

Flexibility: Easily customize your stuffing with optional ingredients like crunchy cucumber or sweet mango for a twist.

Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these delightful stuffed avocados, making them perfect for a busy lifestyle or unexpected guests.

Healthy Satisfaction: Each serving is low-carb, Keto-friendly, and packed with protein, giving you nourishment without compromising on taste.

Crowd Pleaser: Whether for meal prep or a dinner party, these Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados will impress everyone at your table!

If you’re interested in more refreshing meal ideas, check out my Chickpea Lentil Salad for a vibrant twist!

Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados Ingredients

For the Avocados
• Ripe Avocados – They provide a creamy base and healthy fats which are perfect for this dish.

For the Shrimp Salad
• Cooked Shrimp – The main protein of the dish; always opt for wild-caught or sustainably sourced shrimp for enhanced flavor.
• Celery (1/4 cup, finely diced) – Offers a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess; replace with diced cucumber if you prefer.
• Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely diced) – Adds a sharp bite; consider switching to green onions for a milder flavor.
• Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) or Greek Yogurt – Binds everything together; choose Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
• Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon) – Deepens the flavor profile; can be swapped with yellow mustard if desired.
• Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon) – Brings balance with acidity; lime juice is a great alternative for a different citrus twist.
• Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon, chopped) – Infuses the dish with aromatic freshness; parsley or cilantro can easily work in its place.
• Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing all flavors; season according to your taste.

Optional Add-ins
• Diced Jalapeños or Cayenne Pepper – For a spicy kick!
• Almonds or Other Nuts – Introduce extra crunch and flavor depth.
• Diced Mango or Pineapple – Add a sweet touch for a fresh twist!
• Boiled Eggs or Hemp Seeds – Increase protein content while maintaining the dish’s nutritional value.

These Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados make mealtime a breeze, packed with flavors that will keep you coming back for more!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Step 1: Prepare the Avocados
Begin by selecting two ripe avocados and slicing them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the pits, then use a spoon to scoop out a small amount of the avocado flesh to create a larger cavity for the delicious shrimp salad filling. This will add to the overall presentation of your Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados.

Step 2: Make the Shrimp Salad Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of cooked shrimp that you’ve roughly chopped, 1/4 cup of finely diced celery, and 1/4 cup of finely diced red onion. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of freshly chopped dill for that aromatic touch, stirring everything together until well incorporated.

Step 3: Season to Perfection
Once your shrimp salad mixture is well combined, taste it and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Adjusting the seasoning is essential to bringing out the fresh flavors in your Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the shrimp pieces too much.

Step 4: Stuff the Avocados
Using a spoon, generously fill each avocado half with the shrimp salad mixture. Make sure to pack the filling nicely to appetizingly overflow a bit. This will not only create a beautiful presentation but also enhance the flavor experience as you bite into the creamy avocado paired with the zesty salad.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
For the best flavor and texture, serve your Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados immediately after preparing. Present them on a vibrant plate, maybe garnished with a sprig of dill or a wedge of lemon for an elegant touch. Each bite will be a delightful surprise filled with creaminess and a refreshing kick!

Expert Tips for Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Choose Ripe Avocados: Using ripe avocados is crucial. They should yield slightly to pressure, making scooping easy and enhancing flavor.
No Overmixing: Avoid over-mixing the shrimp salad—this keeps the shrimp pieces intact, adding great texture to your Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados.
Custom Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt can elevate the whole dish.
Storage Secrets: If preparing in advance, store the shrimp salad in an airtight container separately from the avocados to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
Add Your Twist: Feel free to customize with favorite add-ins like diced jalapeños for heat or mango for sweetness, making the dish uniquely yours!

What to Serve with Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Elevate your meal experience with delightful sides that will perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of your dish.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crunchy texture create a delicious contrast to the creamy avocados. Dunk them in a tangy dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Garlic Butter Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears tossed in garlic butter add a savory touch, enhancing the fresh notes of the shrimp salad. Plus, the bright green color invites the eye to your table.
Quinoa Salad: This nutty, protein-packed side offers a wholesome balance, with juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs that echo the flavors of your stuffed avocados. It makes for a heartier meal option.
Zesty Cucumber Salad: Cool and refreshing, a cucumber salad brightens your plate with crisp bites. Toss with lemon juice, dill, and a hint of honey for a delightful contrast to the shrimp salad.
Chilled White Wine: Opt for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio. The acidity and refreshing notes of the wine will enhance the seafood’s flavors while keeping the meal light.
Lemon Sorbet: This light, tangy dessert is the perfect way to cleanse the palate after lovely Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados. Its sweetness and coolness are the grand finale your meal deserves!

Storage Tips for Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Fridge: Store leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it separate from the avocados to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezer: While it’s best to enjoy shrimp salad fresh, you can freeze the shrimp mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before use, but don’t freeze avocados.

Room Temperature: If you’re serving Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados at a gathering, keep them at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Reheating: For any leftover shrimp salad, simply allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid reheating as it can affect texture and flavor.

Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize your Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados to match your taste preferences!

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a fiery burst. This heat will excite your palate without overwhelming the other flavors.
Crunch Factor: Mix in some chopped celery or diced cucumber for that perfect crunch. You can also toss in nut toppings like almonds or walnuts for an added twist.
Sweet Surprise: Include diced mango or pineapple to introduce a sweet contrast that beautifully balances the saltiness of the shrimp.
Boosted Protein: For an extra protein punch, add chopped boiled eggs or sprinkle with hemp seeds. These options not only elevate the nutrition but also diversify the texture.
Fresh Herbs: Swap the dill for fresh basil or cilantro for a different herbal note that complements the seafood and avocado perfectly.
Tangy Twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with swapping lemon juice for lime juice, giving your shrimp salad a delightful zesty edge that’s just as refreshing.
Different Dressings: Try substituting mayonnaise with avocado dressing or light vinaigrette for a lighter, tangy finish that enhances the overall dish.

To complement your delightful Shrimp Salad, how about trying out my Tomato Spinach Shrimp for a perfect pairing? Enjoy your culinary exploration!

Make Ahead Options

These Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados are perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights! You can prepare the shrimp salad mixture up to 3 days in advance. Simply mix the cooked shrimp, diced celery, red onion, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dill together in an airtight container. To preserve freshness and prevent browning, store the salad separately from the avocados. When you’re ready to serve, just scoop out the avocado and fill it with the shrimp salad mixture. This way, you’ll enjoy a quick and delightful meal that’s just as delicious as when prepared fresh!

Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe avocados?
Absolutely! When choosing avocados, look for those that yield slightly to gentle pressure when you squeeze them. This indicates they are ripe and ready to use. Avoid avocados with dark spots all over, as they could be overripe or spoil. If you find slightly firm avocados, you can let them ripen at room temperature for a few days.

How should I store leftover shrimp salad?
Very good question! Store leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the shrimp salad separate from the avocados to prevent the latter from browning and losing their creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, spoon the salad into fresh avocado halves right before serving for maximum freshness.

Can I freeze the shrimp salad?
Certainly! You can freeze the shrimp salad mixture for up to 2 months. To do this, place it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the shrimp salad in the refrigerator overnight. However, please remember to never freeze the avocados, as they do not maintain their texture after freezing.

What if my shrimp salad is too salty?
If you find your shrimp salad is too salty, don’t worry! You can balance it out by adding a little extra diced celery or more avocado, which will absorb some of the saltiness. If you’re serving it with avocado, it can also help with the flavor balance. Just mix it gently to avoid breaking the shrimp pieces too much.

Are there any dietary concerns with this dish?
Definitely, this Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados is a fantastic option for a variety of diets! It is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. For those with seafood allergies, you could substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or leave it out altogether and bulk it up with more diced vegetables. Just be cautious with seasonings if preparing for pets too, as onions and certain herbs can be harmful to them.