I bet, with certainty, that you could just hardly say no with this stunning shrimp salad dish. How about succulent pieces of shrimp, being showcased together with bright, luscious slices of avocado, and thirst-quenching segments of grapefruit?
And of course, who could forget? Served on a bed of crunchy lettuce, drizzled in a bright dressing of bright wine vinegar and olive oil.
Let’s go back to the beginning: We were at the middle of a gathering at Chestnut, last weekend. I suddenly found myself trailing lost in thought. When was the last time we had a homemade (slash, impromptu) salad?
But then again, stirring everything up in a big old bowl is kind of an old-school idea, though. So we went online and found this pretty rousing shrimp salad recipe from Prevention. And I’ve got to admit, all the work involved just could not be more rewarding.
Nutrition facts
Far from being just commonly served food, the marvelous and nutritious ingredients chosen for this salad recipe will surely amaze you. Truth be told, they actually go miles when it comes to health benefits.
Shrimp benefits
Shrimp has been long known as a smart addition to any health-conscious diet. But why? It’s known for being packed with protein, but contains very little carbohydrates and fat. Although being a commonly served seafood, you might still be impressed by the treasure trove array of nutrients in shrimp.
According to a nutrients table from USDA: Vitamin A, D, E, B6, B12 and other fat-soluble vitamins are said to occupy a remarkable amount in a medium-sized raw shrimp. Alongside to those, iron, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and potassium can also be easily found.
Benefits of shrimp are countless, one of the most salient must be its assistance to improve bone, brain and immune system. Vitamin A in shrimp controls gene activity and blood cell development, while zinc and selenium do the muscle metabolism boost.
Shrimp is also surprisingly low in calories. A 6oz portion of shrimp only contains 202 calories, but has 39 grams of protein – almost reaching women’s recommended daily protein intake! Definitely an ideal option for those in need of weight management.
This wholesome seafood is pretty much a preferable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory source, there and everywhere. I said it before, and I’m saying it now. You just can’t get any better than shrimp for healthy eating!
Avocado benefits
Well, I don’t think that I need to speak the whole nine yards regarding the obvious fact that avocado is just beyond tasty.
Avocado is always brought on the mission, when the mission is to bring in some natural heavenly-extracted richness to all sorts of dishes. Its creamy, fatty texture can no doubt blend well with the other ingredients in this salad. The fact that this fruit includes 20 different vitamins and minerals has also made it one of the most nourishing plant foods on earth.
Though being high in carbs, approximately 80% of an avocado’s carbs are from fiber. Fiber has been confirmed by scientists to contribute to weight loss, as well as having the ability to diminish blood sugar spikes. So, as it turns out, it’s just as low-carb-friendly as a mug of detox tea.
The monounsaturated fatty acids in avocado actually have beneficial effects, too. It is said to help reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. In the meantime, potassium in avocado also helps control blood pressure at a healthy level.
Grapefruit benefits
Grapefruit’s benefits derive from various types of vitamins. As said, calcium, potassium, and lycopene are among key highlights when it comes to grapefruit’s nutritiousness.
Thanks to its revitalizing effects, this citrus fruit is widely preferred either as a delightful dessert or aromatic add-up flavor for sumptuous meals. With significant features such as high-fiber and low-calories, grapefruit helps increase metabolic rate, keep insulin levels low, prevent diabetes and indigestion.
Grapefruit juice is also a poison eliminator. People often take grapefruit in for its ability to cure fever and boost the immune system, due to the richness of vitamin C found within.
Shrimp Salad Recipe Video (2 Minute)
Final thoughts
All these flavor-packed ingredients are all in for a whole-body-healthy commitment. This recipe is so appetizing, satisfyingly light and, in my opinion, could actually turn any cardboard into a good side dish.
Shrimp Salad Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes Servings 2 Course Lunch, Main Dish Salad Cuisine AmericanIngredients
- 2 1/4 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cup butterhead lettuce
- 11 oz grapefruit 1 medium
- 5.5 oz avocado 1 medium
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 10 oz raw shrimp
- 1/4 cup scallion thinly sliced, including top
- 2 tsp chopped cilantro
- Red pepper flakes or paprika, optional
Follow Healthy Kitchen 101 on Pinterest
Instructions
- Combine white wine vinegar, salt, chili powder, olive oil and cilantro together in a small bowl and whisk them all up.
- Wash the lettuce carefully and tear them to medium-sized pieces. Get the avocados and grapefruits peeled and cut into segments. Cut all the cherry tomatoes in halves.
- Skin the shrimps and scent them with salt and chili powder.
- Fry the shrimps in 5 minutes until they turn opaque and yellow. Remove them from the pot and chill.
- Toss the lettuce, cooked shrimps, cherry tomatoes, avocados and grapefruits in the dressing that has been made at the first step.
- Assemble the salad in a large dish and enjoy. Top it with scallion, cilantro or pepper flakes if you wish to.
Notes
- Shrimp salad is often served slightly chilled, but it’s all fine to keep the dish at room temperature too.
- Once drizzled with the dressing, the salad should be served right after that to avoid the lettuce becoming too mushy.
Denise Browning
April 10, 2018 at 2:04 pmYummy! For me it would work well for both week days and weekends!
Natalie Ellis
April 13, 2018 at 7:49 amYes. So easy to make, isn’t it? 🙂
Liz
April 18, 2018 at 10:43 amWhat a scrumptious salad! Especially loving the addition of grapefruit and avocados (plus the shrimp, of course!!).