Avocado, Shrimp, and Hearts of Palm Salad

Tender poached shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp hearts of palm, and fresh vegetables are tossed in a bright lime-cilantro dressing. This refreshing main-course salad is light, colorful, and satisfying enough for lunch or dinner.
Prep: 25 min · Cook: 5 min · Total: 30 min · Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 14 oz hearts of palm (drained and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 1 cup english cucumber (diced)
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 medium ripe avocados (diced)
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 0.5 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 clove garlic (finely grated)
- 1.25 tsp kosher salt (divided)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 0.33 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cups mixed baby greens
- 6 cups water
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 0.25 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Place the raw shrimp on a separate cutting board or plate, keep it away from the ready-to-eat vegetables, and wash your hands, knife, board, and sink area thoroughly with hot soapy water after handling the shrimp.
- Combine 6 cups water, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 bay leaf, and 1/2 tsp black peppercorns in a 3-quart saucepan, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat, about 4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low so the water is barely simmering, add the 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring once with a slotted spoon, until the shrimp are pink, curled, opaque, and register 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
- Use the slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a rimmed plate, spread them in a single layer, and refrigerate for 10 minutes while you prepare the salad so they cool without overcooking.
- Whisk 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1 finely grated garlic clove, the remaining 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl for 30-45 seconds, until the dressing looks glossy and slightly thickened.
- Add the 14 oz sliced hearts of palm, 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced English cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss the vegetables with salad tongs for about 30 seconds, until they are evenly coated but the hearts of palm remain intact.
- Add the chilled shrimp and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl, then fold gently with a rubber spatula for about 30 seconds, until the shrimp are evenly distributed.
- Add the 2 diced avocados last and fold gently for 15-20 seconds, stopping as soon as the pieces are coated so the avocado stays mostly whole.
- Arrange 4 cups mixed baby greens on a large serving platter or divide them among 4 shallow bowls, then spoon the shrimp, avocado, and hearts of palm mixture over the greens.
- Let the salad stand at cool room temperature for 3 minutes so the dressing lightly seasons the greens, then serve immediately while the shrimp are chilled and the avocado is bright green.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 377
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1030 mg
More Recipes
- Almond Bear Claw French Toast
- Almond Puff Pastry Loaf
- American Creamed Spinach
- Anise-scented Yeast Bread
- Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops with Onions
- Apple Cranberry Galette
- Apple Cream Scones
- Apple Crisp with Macadamia Oat Topping
- Apple Waldorf Salad with Walnuts and Grapes
- Arugula, Caramelized Onion, and Goat Cheese Pizza
- Avocado Cups with Crunchy Lime Slaw
- Bacon Cheddar Puff Pastry Turnovers