Grilled Shrimp, Corn & Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing
Grilled Shrimp, Corn & Avocado Salad combines marinated shrimp grilled to tender perfection with lightly charred corn kernels, fresh diced tomatoes, black beans, onions, jalapeño, avocado, and romaine lettuce. The lime-cilantro dressing adds a bright, tangy, and herbaceous layer, balancing the smoky notes from grilling. The salad texture ranges from juicy shrimp and crisp corn to creamy avocado and crunchy lettuce, delivering a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
FOR THE MARINADE / DRESSING
- ½ cup lime juice fresh
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 jalapeño cored with seeds and ribs removed, fresh
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes or more, for added spice
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- 1 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
FOR THE SALAD
- 1 lb Shrimp deviend and peeled, large
- salt
- black pepper
- 2 ears corn shucked and silk removed, fresh
- canola oil for brushing the corn
- 1 cup tomato cored and diced
- 1 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup red onion chopped
- ¼ cup green onions green and white parts, chopped, or scallions
- 1 jalapeño seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 1 avocado skin and pit removed, roughly chopped
- 1 oz. bag romaine lettuce roughly chopped
Instructions
- Make the dressing/marinade in a medium-sized bowl by mixing together the lime juice, soy sauce, jalapeno, garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cilantro. Slowly whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil.
- Add the shrimp to a large plastic ziplock bag, or a bowl, and pour enough of the marinade into the bag to fully coat the shrimp. Close the baggie (or cover the bowl with plastic wrap) and place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Save the remaining marinade for the dressing (there should be approx. ½ to ¾ cup left).
- Heat your grill to medium heat. Brush the canola oil over the corn and then sprinkle all over with salt. Add the corn to the grill, over direct heat, and cook until the kernels are starting to brown. About 8 minutes, turning the corn over a time or two while cooking. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Once the corn is cool enough to handle, set one corn upright on a large platter or a shallow bowl, and then with the other hand, carefully use a large knife to cut the kernels from the cob. Repeat with the other ear of corn. Set aside.
- Take the shrimp from the marinade and place them on skewers, careful not to overcrowd each skewer with the shrimp (don't squeeze too many shrimp on a skewer, otherwise, they won't cook evenly). Lightly salt and pepper the shrimp before grilling. Alternatively, cook on the grill on a grill pan, or sear in a skillet over medium-g-high heat on the stove, or in a cast-iron skillet in a 450° oven for about 10 minutes. Discard the marinade.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the corn, tomatoes, red and green onions, pepper, and beans. Gently stir in the avocado.
- Put the lettuce in a large bowl and pour the corn mixture over the top. Add ⅓ to ½ cup of the reserved dressing and gently toss.
- Place the dressed salad on a large chilled platter or in a serving bowl. Place shrimp on top of the salad and serve at once!
Notes
- All salad components can be prepared ahead, stored chilled, and combined up to 2 hours before serving.
- Allow the salad to reach room temperature before assembling to best enjoy flavors and texture.
- Use fresh lime juice for the marinade and dressing to maximize brightness.
- Grilling the corn until some kernels brown enhances sweetness and adds smoky notes.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 219
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 219kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 143mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 701mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 317mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 397IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 97mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.