This Shrimp-Avocado Salad With Watermelon is a light and refreshing summertime bowl packed with flavor and nutrients!
“If all salads were like this, then I would actually eat salads!” A real-life quote from my partner’s classmate, who is a very, very “meat-and-potatoes” kind of man.
This salad will have you boogieing around the room, just like I was after that compliment! Don’t you just love it when you make a wholesome and nutritious meal that actually tastes good, too?
It’s pretty much my favorite game ever, especially with this shrimp-avocado salad with watermelon because it is ALWAYS A WINNER. The feta cheese is naturally salty and a little tangy, and the watermelon is fresh, crunchy, and sweet. Combined with chargrilled, juicy shrimp, the marriage of combinations could not be more crave-worthy.
This recipe is incredibly versatile; perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing summer side dish, or even a fancy appetizer.
Is This Shrimp-Avocado Salad Healthy?
With protein from the shrimp and vitamins and antioxidants from the watermelon, this salad can definitely be considered healthy. Watermelon is also a fantastic source of hydration, making it the perfect summer refresher.
Thinking of upping the health benefits of the salad? Swap the feta for a lower-fat option, and add a handful of spinach or arugula for an extra dose of greens. To make the recipe vegan-friendly, simply omit the shrimp and trade the feta for your favorite plant-based alternative. Grilled tofu is also a good stand-in for the shrimp!
Selecting The Perfect Shrimp For The Job
Choosing the right shrimp can make all the difference in this salad. Look for shrimp that are firm, plump, translucent, and smell fresh and slightly briny. Avoid any that have a strong fishy odor or appear discolored.
“Discolored” can look like a variety of things based on the type of shrimp, but avoid any that are a dull or faded color, or look bruised or yellowed. Fresh shrimp should have a vibrant, consistent color, whether it’s the natural grayish-pink of pink shrimp or the earthy color and vibrant stripes of tiger shrimp.
If buying frozen, opt for individually quick-frozen (IQF) shrimp for the best quality. And remember, when in doubt, ask your fishmonger for their recommendations! They’re the experts, after all.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store it, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Pre-cooked shrimp will also last up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored separately in an airtight container. Avoid freezing this salad, as it will significantly affect the texture of the watermelon.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp-avocado salad with watermelon is going to be the highlight of your summer! I love to serve it as a side dish in a surf ‘n’ turf style meal with a Garlic Steak And Potatoes or a Steak With Garlic Butter Mushrooms as the main.
But you can just as easily serve this dish as a main, if you’d like! My favorite sides to pair with it include these Grilled Sweet Potatoes or some Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, and a Caesar Salad for extra greens.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces jumbo raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- 2 cups watermelon cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 avocado cubed
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint thinly sliced
For the dressing:
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice plus additional for finishing the dish
- 1/2 tablespoon Tabasco green jalapeño sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium.
- Toss the shrimp with the oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Grill until opaque and pink, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Allow to rest for 5 minutes after grilling, then add to a large bowl.
- Into the bowl, add the cubed watermelon, avocado, feta cheese, and mint and toss together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad, mixing well.
- Add one more squeeze of fresh lime juice, toss well, and season to taste with salt.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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