Description
This Low-Carb Garlic Butter Shrimp & Avocado Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that balances rich, buttery seafood with creamy avocado and zesty lime. Ready in under 20 minutes, it is the perfect solution for a healthy lunch or a light weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sauté with Garlic and Butter: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Flip, add minced garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes more until opaque. Remove from heat immediately.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved tomatoes, sliced onion, and cucumber.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and dried oregano.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- Assemble and Garnish: Top the salad with the warm garlic butter shrimp. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and an extra crack of black pepper before serving.
Notes
Patting the shrimp dry is essential to prevent steaming; you want a golden sear. If you enjoy a kick of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes when sautéing the garlic. Serve in a shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy / Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of dish)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 145mg