Mediterranean Shrimp Gazpacho Salad
Elevate your dining experience with this Mediterranean Shrimp Gazpacho Salad, a delightful blend of fresh greens, vibrant tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber. Tossed in a zesty dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this salad is bursting with flavor and nutrition. Topped with plump, cooked shrimp and garnished with fresh cilantro, it's not just a salad—it's a refreshing and elegant dish perfect for any gathering or a simple yet satisfying meal at home. Adjust the dressing to your preference for a heartier salad that will impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed Salad Greens
8 cups (washed and dried)
Tomato
1 large (chopped)
Avocado
1 ripe (peeled, seeded and diced)
Cucumber
0.5 cup (washed, unpeeled and thinly sliced)
Chunky Salsa
0.5 cup (ready to use)
Balsamic Vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Cooked Large Shrimp
8 ounces (peeled and deveined)
Fresh Cilantro
0.5 cup (coarsely chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, chopped tomato, diced avocado, and sliced cucumber. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chunky salsa, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and olive oil until well blended.
3
Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredients for a wetter salad by increasing the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and salsa.
4
Pour the dressing over the mixed salad greens and toss thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
5
Carefully transfer the salad to individual plates. Top each serving generously with the sautéed shrimp.
6
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro over the salads as a garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Shrimp Gazpacho Salad?
It is a refreshing and elegant Mediterranean-style dish featuring fresh greens, vibrant tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber topped with sautéed shrimp and a zesty salsa-based dressing.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together chunky salsa, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and olive oil, then seasoning with salt and black pepper.
How should the shrimp be prepared for this salad?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cooked large shrimp that are peeled and deveined, which are then sautéed and used to top the salad.
What type of greens should I use?
You should use 8 cups of mixed salad greens that have been thoroughly washed and dried.
Is the cucumber peeled for this recipe?
No, the recipe specifies using half a cup of washed, unpeeled, and thinly sliced cucumber for added texture.
How can I make the salad dressing wetter?
You can adjust the consistency by increasing the amounts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and salsa to your preference.
What is the garnish for this Mediterranean salad?
The salad is finished with a garnish of half a cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro sprinkled over the top.
How many avocados are needed?
The recipe requires one ripe avocado, which should be peeled, seeded, and diced.
What kind of tomato is best for this dish?
The recipe suggests using one large tomato, chopped.
In what order should I combine the ingredients?
First, combine the greens and vegetables in a large bowl, then whisk the dressing separately before tossing the greens and finally topping with shrimp.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses one minced garlic clove.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer gathering?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer dish and is perfect for gatherings or as a light, refreshing meal.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a light main meal or an elegant appetizer.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
How much salsa is required for the dressing?
You will need half a cup of chunky salsa.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious option filled with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and lean protein from shrimp.
What is the amount of olive oil used?
The dressing uses one tablespoon of olive oil.
Should the salad be tossed with the shrimp?
No, the greens and vegetables are tossed with the dressing first, and then the shrimp is placed on top of each individual serving.
How many cups of mixed greens do I need?
You will need 8 cups of mixed salad greens.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should season the dressing with salt and black pepper to your personal taste.
Is the cilantro chopped finely?
The recipe recommends that the fresh cilantro be coarsely chopped.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include salad, shrimp, gazpacho, mediterranean, healthy, fresh, light meal, and seafood salad.
Does the recipe use raw or cooked shrimp?
It uses cooked large shrimp that are then sautéed for the final dish.
How do I prepare the avocado?
The avocado should be peeled, seeded, and diced before being added to the salad bowl.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, provided they are thawed, peeled, and deveined before cooking or sautéing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should verify that your chunky salsa and balsamic vinegar do not contain gluten additives.
What size should the shrimp be?
The recipe recommends using large shrimp.
Can I substitute the cilantro?
If you don't like cilantro, you could substitute it with fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
How do I ensure the salad stays crisp?
Ensure your greens are washed and dried completely before mixing, and toss with the dressing just before serving.
What is the total count of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 12 distinct ingredients including the seasoning.