Grilled Shrimp Salad with Avocado-Lime Vinaigrette
This gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and heart-healthy grilled shrimp salad is packed with fresh greens, creamy avocado, and a zesty avocado-lime vinaigrette. It's a protein-rich, low-carb meal perfect for warm weather lunches or light dinners.
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Low Glycemic Load: Non-starchy vegetables, lean shrimp protein, and heart-healthy fats support stable blood sugar levels.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, and pumpkin seeds contribute to improved insulin sensitivity and satiety.
- No Refined Carbs or Sugars: Entirely free from bread, pasta, or sweetened dressings.
- High Protein Content: Shrimp adds lean protein, helping regulate glucose metabolism and reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.
- Fibre-Rich: Mixed greens, avocado, and seeds boost fibre, improving blood sugar control and digestion.
Advertisement
Equipment
- Grill (or grill pan)
- Mixing bowl
- Small blender (or fork (for vinaigrette))
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- shrimp (raw, peeled and deveined) 12 large
- olive oil 1 teaspoon
- garlic (minced) 1 clove
- chili powder ½ tsp
- ground cumin ¼ tsp
- chili flakes (optional) ¼ tsp
- salt 1 pinch
- pepper 1 pinch
- lime (juiced) ½
For the Salad
- mixed greens 3 cups
- cherry tomatoes (halved) ½ cup
- avocado (sliced) ½
- red onion (finely chopped) 2 tbsp
- pumpkin seeds 2 tbsp
Avocado-Lime Vinaigrette
- avocado (ripe) ¼
- olive oil 1 tbsp
- lime juice 2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard ½ tsp
- water (to thin) 2 tbsp
- salt 1 pinch
- pepper 1 pinch
Advertisement
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—remove as soon as they’re pink and opaque to avoid toughness.
- Use a Grill Pan Indoors: Great alternative if outdoor grilling isn't available.
- Make Vinaigrette Creamier: Add more avocado or blend until smooth for a thicker dressing.
- Customize Heat: Adjust chili powder or omit chili flakes for a milder version.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate shrimp and prep salad ingredients in advance for a fast weeknight meal.
Advertisement
Instructions
- In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, chili flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let marinate while you prepare the grill or pan.12 large shrimp, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 clove garlic, ½ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp ground cumin, ¼ tsp chili flakes, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch pepper, ½ lime
- In a blender or small food processor, combine avocado, olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, water, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.¼ avocado, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp water, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch pepper
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and have light char marks. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl or serving plate, arrange the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, and pumpkin seeds.3 cups mixed greens, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, ½ avocado, 2 tbsp red onion, 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- Drizzle the salad with the avocado-lime vinaigrette or serve it on the side. Top with grilled shrimp and serve immediately.
Advertisement
FAQ
- Is this salad suitable for people with diabetes?
Yes, it's low in carbs, high in fibre, and contains lean protein and healthy fats to support blood sugar control. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—prep everything ahead, but grill the shrimp fresh and add the vinaigrette just before serving. - What can I substitute for shrimp?
Try grilled chicken, tofu, or salmon if avoiding shellfish. - Is this gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. - Can I make it spicier or milder?
Easily—adjust or remove chili flakes and chili powder to control the heat level.
Advertisement
Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 342.4kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 2.6g
Fat: 25.6g
Saturated Fat: 3.8g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Protein: 18.3g
Nutrition Facts
Grilled Shrimp Salad with Avocado-Lime Vinaigrette
Serving Size
1.5 cup
Amount per Serving
Calories
342.4
% Daily Value*
Fat
25.6
g
39
%
Saturated Fat
3.8
g
24
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Cholesterol
96.6
mg
32
%
Sodium
164.5
mg
7
%
Potassium
866.9
mg
25
%
Carbohydrates
16
g
5
%
Fiber
7
g
29
%
Sugar
2.6
g
3
%
Protein
18.3
g
37
%
Vitamin C
40.8
mg
49
%
Calcium
83.2
mg
8
%
Iron
2.8
mg
16
%
Magnesium
118.5
mg
30
%
Zinc
2.3
mg
15
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.