Arugula Salad with Avocado and Shrimp

This delightful arugula salad with avocado and shrimp is a perfect light meal or an elegant appetizer. Combining fresh, peppery arugula with creamy avocado and the succulent taste of shrimp makes for a flavor-packed dish. The addition of pine nuts gives a nice crunch, while cherry tomatoes provide a sweet balance. Olive oil, butter, lemon juice, and balsamic glaze all come together to enhance the natural tastes of every ingredient. With a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper and salt, this salad is lively and well-balanced. It's a great option for a quick meal as it requires minimal preparation and cooking time. Furthermore, this salad is versatile and can be tailored to accommodate different dietary needs. Whether entertaining guests or simply enjoying a solo meal, this salad is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

100 g arugula
200 g tiger shrimp
1 avocado
50 g pine nuts
7 cherry tomatoes

Spices and Sauces:

Olive oil
Butter
Lemon juice
Balsamic glaze
Freshly ground pepper
Salt to taste

Preparation Time

Total: 25 minutes

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the tiger shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color and are fully cooked. Remove from heat and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fats.
Wash Arugula: If needed, thoroughly wash the arugula to remove any dirt. Gently pat dry using a paper towel. Place the arugula in a large serving bowl as a base for your salad.
Slice the Avocado: Carefully cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Peel the skin off and slice the flesh into thin slices, adding them to the bowl with the arugula.
Halve Cherry Tomatoes: Cut each cherry tomato in half and add them to the arugula salad bowl. The tomatoes will add a burst of color and flavor.
Add the Pine Nuts: Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown. Add these to the salad bowl for an added crunchy texture.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Pour a few drops of olive oil evenly over the salad to lightly coat the leaves. This step ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
Squeeze the Lemon: Sprinkle a bit of fresh lemon juice over the salad for a refreshing citrusy kick that complements the avocados and shrimp.
Add Cooked Shrimp: Place the shrimp on top of the salad, ensuring they are drained of any excess fats. Distribute them evenly so every portion has sufficient shrimp.
Season the Salad: Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the salad and fresh ground pepper to taste. Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients.
Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Right before serving, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top. This will add a sweet and tangy final touch to the whole dish to balance the flavors.

Tips

Substitution: If allergic to shrimp, try substituting with grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Avocado Ripeness: For best results, use ripe but firm avocados to ensure they hold their shape in the salad.
Preserve Freshness: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the arugula leaves fresh and crisp.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 320 kcal per serving
Protein: 15 g
Fats: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g

Variations

Vegan Version: Replace shrimp with grilled tofu or chickpeas for added protein.
Nut-Free: Substitute pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds or omit for a nut-free option.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle goat cheese or feta for extra creaminess and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair this salad with a hearty soup, such as tomato basil, or a light pasta dish like aglio e olio.
Garnishes: Add freshly chopped herbs like dill or chives for an aromatic touch.
Wine Pairing: Complement with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the freshness of the salad.

Best Places

The Salad Project - An upscale eatery serving fresh salads made with local ingredients.
Location: 27 Upper Street, London, England.
Greenhouse Kitchen - Offers a wide range of health-focused dishes in a cozy setting.
Location: 123 Lygon Street, Melbourne, Australia.
The Salad Farm - Known for innovative salad creations, perfect for light lunches.
Location: 456 Queen Street, Toronto, Canada.
Leafy Greens Cafe - Serves organic and vegan-friendly salads and smoothies.
Location: 789 Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, USA.
Salad and More - Diverse menu featuring gourmet salads with a twist.
Location: 234 Orchard Road, Singapore.
Farm to Fork - This eatery focuses on sustainability and farm-fresh produce.
Location: 567 Rue Oberkampf, Paris, France.
Greenhouse Delight - A delightful spot with a vast selection of fresh salads.
Location: 890 Via Roma, Milan, Italy.
Nature's Bowl - Offers a tranquil atmosphere with organic salad options.
Location: 321 New South Head Rd, Sydney, Australia.
Garden Fresh Cafe - Highly praised for their vibrant and flavorful salads.
Location: 654 Sleater-Kinney Rd, Olympia, USA.
Evergreen Deli - Celebrated for their delicious and wholesome salads and wraps.
Location: 987 Main Street, Wellington, New Zealand.