Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Avocado, and Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Recipe for pasta salad with shrimp, avocado, and cilantro-lime dressing

This salad combines the freshness of the avocado with the softness of the shrimp and the vibrant flavor of the dressing of cilantro and lime. Ideal for those looking for a light dish full of textures, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, especially warm days where freshness and natural flavor reign.

• Light and nutritious dish
• Delicate and contrasting textures
• Simple and quick preparation

Preparation time

So you can enjoy this recipe without complications, here are the exact preparation and cooking times:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 10 minutes
• Total: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

These times are a flexible guide; the important thing is to respect the cooking points to maintain the al dente texture of the pasta and the perfect point of the shrimp.

Ingredients

For the salad

• 500 grams of Penne Pasta Roma
• 4 cups of shredded lettuce
• 450 grams of cooked, peeled, and cleaned shrimp
• 2 avocados from Mexico, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 cup of cheddar cheese grated (optional)
• 2 tomatoes diced into small cubes

For the cilantro-lime dressing

• 1 cup of Hellmann's mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• A handful of fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

If you can't find the Hellmann's mayonnaise, you can substitute it with La Costeña mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt natural for a lighter version, adjusting the amount of lemon to maintain the acidic balance.

Utensils we will use

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander for draining the pasta
• Large salad bowl or deep container
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large spoon or spatula for mixing
• Measuring cup for lemon juice

If you don't have a blender for the dressing, you can mix the finely chopped cilantro with mayonnaise and lemon juice using a fork and whisk until the mixture emulsifies.

Preparation

1. Cook the pasta

1. Boil the water: Fill the pot with enough water and add a pinch of salt for flavor.
2. Cook the pasta: Once the water boils vigorously, add the Pasta Roma penne and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente, meaning firm to the bite.
3. Drain and cool: Drain the pasta with a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent it from sticking or becoming mushy.

2. Prepare the fresh ingredients

1. Wash and cut vegetables: Wash the lettuce well, cut it into thin strips, and chop the tomatoes into small cubes.
2. Peel and chop avocado: Carefully peel the avocado and cut it into uniform cubes to maintain the creamy texture.
3. Prepare shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them and gently pat them dry with paper to remove excess water that can make the salad watery.

3. Mix the salad components

1. Combine ingredients: In the large salad bowl, mix the cold pasta, shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and grated cheese if you decide to use it.
2. Add mayonnaise: Gently incorporate the Hellmann's mayonnaise so as not to break the avocado, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
3. Season: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.

4. Prepare the cilantro-lime dressing

1. Mix dressing ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and finely chopped cilantro leaves.
2. Integrate the dressing: Pour the mixture over the salad and mix carefully so that all ingredients are evenly coated without mashing the avocado.

5. To finish and serve

Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you deem it necessary. Serve the salad on a bed of fresh lettuce and garnish with some additional cilantro leaves for an aromatic touch. Ideally, serve it cold, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers, for a fresh and balanced lunch or dinner.

I want to share these tips with you

• Al dente cooking: Firmly cooked pasta maintains its texture and prevents the salad from becoming watery.
• Fresh or dried shrimp: Choose quality shrimp and dry them well to avoid adding extra moisture.
• Perfectly ripe avocado: Choose avocados that are neither too soft nor too hard, to achieve creaminess without them falling apart.
• Mayonnaise substitution: Use Greek yogurt if you want a lighter salad, but adjust the lemon to balance the acidity.
• Fresh dressing: Prepare the dressing at the last minute to preserve the aroma of the cilantro and the brightness of the lemon.
• Mix carefully: Use gentle movements to integrate without damaging the texture of sensitive ingredients.
• Let the salad rest: Let the mixture chill in the fridge for 10 minutes so that the flavors are enhanced and perfectly integrated.

Nutritional information per serving

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Proteins: 22 g
• Fats: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 8 g

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the brands and exact quantities of ingredients used in the recipe.

5 keys to make it perfect

• Use quality pasta: Opt for pasta made with bronze die for better texture.
• Cook the pasta just al dente: This prevents it from overcooking and becoming soft in the final mixture.
• Be mindful of the avocado's freshness: When storing it, cover it with lemon juice so it doesn't oxidize or darken.
• Measure the dressing well: Cilantro and lemon should balance but not overpower the main ingredients.
• Keep the shrimp at room temperature: This ensures the salad maintains a fresh and pleasant texture.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This salad is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day, as a main course at a family lunch or at informal gatherings with friends. Its freshness and flavor make it ideal for picnics, outdoor meals, or even nutritious weeknight dinners where you're looking for something light and tasty. Plus, thanks to its quick preparation, it works well for those who have little time but don't want to sacrifice flavor or quality. If you want to try variations, you can explore combinations in this pasta salad recipe with shrimp and avocado or in other similar fresh options.

Comparative table of similar recipes

For more ideas and variations, visit suggestions such as those for the pasta salad with shrimp and lemon or creative options with pasta and fruits.

This video shows step-by-step how to achieve a fresh salad, ideal for beginners and those who want to perfect the technique without complications.

Learn to prepare a cilantro and lime dressing that enhances the flavor of any salad, useful for this and many other recipes.