SHRIMP STUFFED AVOCADOS EASY

Tired of the same old boring lunch routine? Imagine sinking your teeth into creamy, perfectly ripe avocado halves overflowing with a tangy, succulent shrimp salad – a symphony of textures and flavors that will awaken your taste buds. These Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, offering a healthy and satisfying meal in minutes. Let’s dive in and create this culinary masterpiece together, I promise you’ll love it!

The Star Players: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp Salad:

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Avocado Base:

• 2 large, ripe avocados
• Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
• Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. If you’re starting with raw shrimp, cook it first! You can boil, steam, or sauté it until pink and opaque.
2. Once cooked, let the shrimp cool slightly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Don’t chop it too finely; you want some texture!

Step 2: Build the Shrimp Salad

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, cilantro, lime juice, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using).
2. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is evenly coated.
3. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. More lime juice for tang? A pinch of salt to brighten things up? Now’s the time!

Step 3: Prep the Avocados

1. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Be careful! The best way is to gently tap the pit with the blade of a knife (into the pit!), then twist to remove it.
2. If you want a larger “bowl” for your salad, you can scoop out a little bit of the avocado flesh from each half. Save the scooped-out avocado – you can mash it into guacamole later!

Step 4: Stuff and Serve!

1. Spoon the shrimp salad generously into the avocado halves. Don’t be shy!
2. Serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side, if desired. I love a squeeze of lime for extra zing.

Tips and Tricks for Avocado Perfection

Choosing the Right Avocado

The key to amazing Shrimp Stuffed Avocados is using perfectly ripe avocados. Look for avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If they’re rock hard, they’re not ready yet. If they’re super soft and yield easily to pressure, they’re probably overripe.

Preventing Avocado Browning

Avocados are notorious for browning quickly once they’re cut. To slow down the browning process, brush the cut surfaces with lime juice or lemon juice. Also, prepare your shrimp salad *before* you cut the avocados, so you can stuff them right away.

Adding Extra Flavor

Feel free to customize your shrimp salad! Some other delicious additions include:

• Diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) for a pop of color and sweetness
• Jalapeño peppers (finely minced) for extra heat
• Cucumber (diced) for a refreshing crunch
• Corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed) for sweetness
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor

Variations to Spice Things Up!

Spicy Kick

If you like things spicy, add more hot sauce to the shrimp salad, or use jalapeños instead of (or in addition to) the red onion. A pinch of cayenne pepper will also do the trick! You might also enjoy Spicy Shrimp Tacos.

Mexican-Inspired

For a Mexican twist, add a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the shrimp salad, and garnish with crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. This is similar to the flavors you find in Spicy Mexican Street Corn And Shrimp. Don’t forget the fresh cilantro!

Mediterranean Flair

For a Mediterranean vibe, add chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil to the shrimp salad. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime juice.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer Extraordinaire

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados make a fantastic appetizer for parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Light and Healthy Lunch

These avocados are also a perfect light and healthy lunch option. Serve them with a side salad or some whole-grain crackers.

Dinner Delight

For a more substantial meal, serve the Shrimp Stuffed Avocados with a side of rice or quinoa. They also pair well with grilled vegetables.

Other Shrimp Sensations You Might Adore

If you’re a shrimp lover like me, you might want to check out some of my other favorite shrimp recipes:

• Mexican Shrimp Cocktail: A refreshing and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for summer.
• Shrimp Tacos: Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: A creamy, spicy twist on the classic shrimp taco.
• Bronzed Shrimp Tacos: Packed with flavor and easy to make!

Make-Ahead Magic

Prep Ahead Tips

You can easily prepare the shrimp salad ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, I recommend cutting the avocados right before serving to prevent browning.

Storage Solutions

Leftover shrimp salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado halves will likely brown, so it’s best to only stuff as many avocados as you plan to eat immediately.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Recipe

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are the ultimate combination of deliciousness, health, and convenience. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. So, the next time you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, give this recipe a try. I’m confident you’ll add it to your regular rotation. Enjoy!