Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Try these easy shrimp salad stuffed avocados, where creamy shrimp salad fills avocado halves seasoned with lime juice for a refreshing and quick appetizer or light lunch!

Some recipes can make you forget you're dining at home. These shrimp salad stuffed avocados make lunch feel like you're at a fancy pier restaurant. Fresh Nordic shrimp tossed with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro are scooped into creamy avocado halves—even when it seems like they’re casually assembled, they still look stunning.

Each bite combines the sweetness of Nordic shrimp with buttery avocado, while all the fresh notes seep through. The mix of textures create something special that'll make you reach in for another avocado half.

This low carb appetizer comes together in about 15 minutes, it's one of my favorite recipes to prepare for when I have my girl friends over or when I just happen to have fresh avocados and a few shrimp in the freezer. If you want something light yet impressive, this recipe will win you over.

The first time I made this was for an afternoon Cinco de Mayo party. I wanted to prepare something that felt both light and special. When I tell you how much appreciation and compliments the board of avocados received, it’s clear this recipe was fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy!

After that, I made them for New Year's Eve as an easy low carb appetizer. In a period full of heavy dishes and cream, this gluten-free, low carb and healthy appetizer was a breath of fresh air for all of my guests.

Ingredients

• Ripe avocados - halved and pitted, serve as the creamy base for the Shrimp Salad. I recommend Avocados from Mexico for the best quality and texture.
• Small Nordic shrimp - cooked, peeled, and chopped. Other shrimp may be used for this recipe.
• Cherry tomatoes - quartered, contribute a burst of freshness and sweetness.
• Red onion - finely diced, adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor.
• Fresh cilantro - chopped, provides a bright and herbaceous note.
• Garlic - minced, adds aromatic depth and a savory kick to the mixture.
• Juice of limes - adds acidity and brightness.
• Hot sauce (optional) - for a touch of heat, add a few drops of your favorite Mexican-style hot sauce. I used the Fuego hot sauces.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

If you're in the mood for a refreshing and satisfying dish, these shrimp salad stuffed avocados are a great option! With a combination of creamy avocado and flavorful shrimp, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for a light meal or appetizer. Just follow the simple steps below to create this delicious dish!

Prepare the Avocado

Start by finely dicing only one avocado. This diced avocado will be mixed into the shrimp salad for added creaminess and flavor. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Combine the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped small Nordic shrimp, diced avocado, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and lime juice. This combination of ingredients will create a refreshing and flavorful filling for the avocados. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. Add a few dashes of hot sauce, if desired.

Mix the Salad

Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well incorporated. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much; you want to maintain some texture in the filling. The goal is to have a cohesive mixture that combines the flavors of the shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings.

Prepare the Avocado Halves

Next, take the halved avocados and carefully scoop out a small amount of the flesh from each half. This will create more space for the shrimp salad filling and help prevent overflow. Use a spoon to gently remove some of the avocado flesh, being cautious not to break the skin.

Fill the Avocado Halves

Spoon the shrimp salad mixture into each avocado half, packing it lightly to ensure the filling stays in place. Make sure to fill each half generously, allowing the vibrant colors of the salad to show.

Serve and Garnish

Serve the shrimp salad stuffed avocados immediately for the best flavor and texture. If desired, garnish with additional chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your shrimp salad stuffed avocados as a light meal or appetizer!

Storage

To store Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados, it's best to keep the shrimp salad mixture separate from the avocado halves to maintain freshness. If you have leftover filling, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

For the avocado halves, they can brown quickly, so if you have any leftover, it's advisable to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, although they are best consumed immediately. If the avocado does start to brown, you can scrape off the top layer before serving.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply spoon the shrimp salad mixture back into fresh avocado halves if needed.

The Forest is Full of Mocktails

When serving shrimp salad stuffed avocados, drinks that bring a refreshing and light contrast to the creamy texture of the avocado and the flavors of the shrimp are a perfect match. A blue hawaiian mocktail offers a bright, tropical flavor with hints of coconut and pineapple, making it an ideal complement. For a touch of spice, try a pomegranate ginger mocktail, which combines the tangy sweetness of pomegranate with the warm kick of ginger. Alternatively, a thyme cranberry orange mocktail introduces a herby note with a bit of tartness from the cranberry, adding depth to the dish.

If you're in the mood for something a little more vibrant, a blueberry mojito mocktail or a blackberry moscow mule mocktail could bring a refreshing twist, pairing the sweetness of the berries with the cooling elements of mint and ginger. For a more tropical experience, a passionfruit margarita mocktail offers a tangy, fruity profile, while an appletini mocktail delivers a crisp, apple-infused refreshment, balancing the richness of the avocado with a light, fruity edge.

What to Serve with Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

When pairing dishes with shrimp salad stuffed avocados, focus on flavors that complement the shrimp and avocado without overwhelming them. A light, refreshing little gem salad with a tangy dressing offers a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the avocado. For something a bit heartier, a pearl couscous salad with citrus and fresh herbs adds brightness while remaining light. A russian vinaigrette salad with beets and potatoes brings a slightly tangy edge that pairs well with the shrimp and avocado.

To add depth to the meal, consider roasted carrots with hazelnuts for their nutty flavor or roasted cauliflower with tomatoes and capers for a savory contrast. If you'd like a lighter starter, smoked salmon canapes are a great way to complement the seafood. Serve with a slice of rosemary sourdough bread to add a satisfying texture, or enjoy baked oysters as a delicious seafood side.