The Ultimate Zesty Shrimp, Avocado & Jicama Salad: A Fresh & Healthy Mexican-Inspired Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with this Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad – a vibrant culinary creation that masterfully blends the refreshing essence of a Mexican ceviche with the playful, bold flavors found at your local Los Angeles fruit stand, or “Frutero.” This isn’t just a salad; it’s an experience, featuring succulent jumbo shrimp, juicy chunks of ripe orange, crisp cucumber, crunchy jicama, a hint of fresh jalapeño for a kick, finely diced red onion, and fresh cilantro, all brought together by a bright, tangy citrus dressing that truly seals the deal. It’s no wonder this salad has become a fast favorite for its irresistible combination of textures and tastes.

The Inspiration: From Mexican Ceviche to LA’s Fruteros

Our Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad draws its soul from two distinct yet perfectly complementary culinary traditions. On one hand, it embodies the spirit of Mexican ceviche – a refreshing seafood dish where fresh fish or shrimp is “cooked” in the acidic juices of citrus fruits, creating a light, flavorful, and incredibly invigorating meal. The emphasis is always on fresh, high-quality ingredients and vibrant acidity.

On the other hand, this salad pays homage to the beloved “Fruteros” (fruit stands) that are a common and cherished sight across Los Angeles. These mobile vendors, run by dedicated “Fruteras” and “Fruteros,” expertly fill large clear cups with an array of beautifully cut fresh fruits and vegetables. Think juicy pineapple, sweet mango, crisp watermelon, hydrating jicama, and cool cucumber. What makes these cups truly special are the delightful toppings: a generous squeeze of fresh lime, a sprinkle of chile powder (like Tajín), and a dash of salt or a drizzle of savory-sweet Chamoy. My absolute favorite is Tajín – a unique seasoning blend of sea salt, mild chile peppers, and dehydrated lime, which adds an unparalleled zesty kick to any fruit or vegetable. This salad celebrates that spontaneous, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful experience of our local fruteros, infusing a ceviche vibe with those signature bright, crisp, and vibrant flavors. The result is a truly unforgettable shrimp salad that will become your go-to for summer and beyond.

Sweet, Savory, and Super Healthy: Why You’ll Love This Salad

This Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition designed to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. It harmoniously balances sweet and savory elements, making it a truly unique dish. The primary heroes are undoubtedly the tender, succulent shrimp and the creamy, rich avocado. These two ingredients are typically associated with savory dishes, like the fillings for tacos or tostadas, providing a robust base for our salad.

To elevate these savory components, we introduce the vibrant sweetness of ripe orange chunks and a citrus-infused dressing. This combination delivers a huge flavor boost, awakening the milder notes of the shrimp, jicama, and cucumber. The avocado plays a crucial role not only in flavor but also in texture, lending a delightful creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the other vegetables. Meanwhile, the subtle heat from the fresh jalapeño pepper adds another layer of complexity, creating an exciting flavor profile that dances on your palate.

From a nutritional standpoint, this salad hits all the marks for a healthy meal. It’s naturally lower in carbohydrates, exceptionally rich in fresh vegetables, provides lean protein from the shrimp, and offers a generous dose of healthy fats from the avocado and avocado oil used in the dressing. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced, nutrient-dense, and utterly delicious meal.

Jicama: What is This Crunchy Root and How to Use It?

If you’re wondering, “What exactly is Jicama?” you’re not alone! Jicama, pronounced HEE-KA-MAH, is a fascinating root vegetable with deep culinary roots in Mexico, where it’s a staple. In its native lands, it’s commonly enjoyed as a refreshing snack, often sprinkled with chile, salt, and lime – much like the fruit cups from the fruteros. You’ll frequently spot it alongside other fresh produce at street stalls, testament to its popularity and versatility.

Visually, jicama might resemble a raw potato, but its texture is remarkably different – crisp and juicy, almost like an apple or water chestnut, but with a unique, slightly sweet, and utterly neutral flavor. This neutrality is precisely what makes it perfect for salads, as it readily absorbs the flavors of dressings and accompanying ingredients without overpowering them. It adds an incredible crunch that elevates any dish it’s in.

Beyond its delightful crunch, jicama is also a nutritional marvel. It’s incredibly low in calories, making it a fantastic ingredient for light and healthy meals. Just one cup of cubed jicama contains approximately 50 calories and boasts an impressive 6 grams of dietary fiber. This high fiber content aids digestion, promotes satiety, and contributes to overall gut health. It’s also packed with water, helping to keep you hydrated, and contains essential vitamins and minerals, including a good source of Vitamin C. You can typically find jicama in most major grocery stores, especially Mexican or Latin markets. For more in-depth nutritional information about this wonder root, check out WebMD for excellent resources.

Jicama goes by several other intriguing names, reflecting its global reach and varied culinary applications: Mexican potato, Chinese potato, Mexican yam bean, Mexican turnip, or even Mexican water chestnut. While popular in citrus salads and fresh salsas, and as a raw snack, I personally prefer to enjoy this crunchy vegetable cold. In my family’s traditions, cooked jicama recipes are uncommon, but I’d be absolutely thrilled to hear if you have one! Please share your insights in the comments below!

How to Prepare & Store Jicama

Preparing jicama is surprisingly straightforward, and it stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator, making it a convenient ingredient to keep on hand. Here’s how:

1. **Wash and Dry:** Start by thoroughly washing and drying the jicama vegetable.
2. **Peel:** Using a large, sturdy vegetable peeler (which makes the job much easier), remove the brown, fibrous outer skin. The skin is not edible, so ensure it’s fully removed to reveal the crisp, white flesh underneath.
3. **Cut to Size:** For this Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad, you’ll need about 1 cup of cubed jicama, which is roughly equivalent to a quarter of a medium-sized jicama. You can easily cut it into slices, sticks, or cubes depending on your recipe’s needs.

To store any remaining jicama, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week. It remains wonderfully crisp and ready for your next culinary adventure. (Tip: Cubed or julienned jicama is also an excellent addition to BBQ-style chopped salads, adding a refreshing crunch!)

Zesty Shrimp, Avocado and Jicama Salad Prep: Bringing it All Together

While this Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad does require a bit of chopping – similar to my popular Shrimp Ceviche Style Tostadas – I can confidently say the minimal effort is profoundly worth the incredibly fresh and vibrant reward. The beauty of this salad lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients, each contributing to a symphony of flavors and textures.

So, what exactly are we dicing and slicing? Our main components include perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp (ensure they are deveined, peeled, and tails removed, then chopped into large, bite-sized pieces), sweet and ripe orange (peeled, pith removed, seeded, and cubed), crisp cucumber (peeled, seeds removed, and cubed for moisture and crunch), fresh cilantro (either whole leaves or roughly chopped for aromatic brightness), thinly sliced radishes (for a peppery bite and beautiful color), and finely chopped red onion (to add a savory sharpness that complements the other ingredients). For that signature zesty kick, we’ll also be adding finely chopped fresh jalapeño, with seeds removed to control the heat level.

The heart of this salad’s flavor comes from its bright and zesty dressing. This easy-to-whisk concoction features fresh lime juice and fresh orange juice for a double dose of citrus, balanced with healthy avocado oil, a touch of agave syrup (or honey for a natural sweetness), a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth, and seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper. This dressing coats every ingredient beautifully, infusing the entire salad with an irresistible tang and depth of flavor. To finish, we’ll adorn the salad with generous amounts of creamy avocado, thinly sliced radishes for added crunch and visual appeal, and a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning – because, as we know, it just tastes good! While the recipe is designed with a hearty amount of vegetables, you can easily adjust the quantity of shrimp if you prefer a more protein-forward meal to suit your dietary preferences.

Once all your ingredients are meticulously chopped and ready, simply combine them in a large mixing bowl. In a separate jar or container, quickly whisk together your vibrant citrus dressing – it takes just a minute! Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. To allow the flavors to meld beautifully and for the salad to chill to perfection, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes before serving. Give it another gentle toss just before spooning it out. Serve this delightful Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad in individual small bowls, elegant glasses, or charming cups. Don’t forget to top each serving with additional slices or cubes of fresh avocado, a few more thinly sliced radishes, and that essential sprinkle of Tajín for an extra burst of flavor. A side of crispy tortilla chips or tostadas is highly recommended for scooping up every delicious bite. 😋

How to Serve This Fresh and Flavorful Shrimp Salad

The presentation and accompaniments can truly elevate your Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad experience. The classic and highly recommended way to serve this delicious dish is alongside a generous pile of crispy tortilla chips or crunchy tostadas. These provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up the vibrant salad, adding an extra layer of texture and satisfaction. For those who love an added kick, a selection of your favorite bottled hot sauce – such as Cholula or Tapatío – is a must-have. Their bright, vinegary heat perfectly complements the fresh flavors of the salad.

For a truly stunning presentation, consider serving the salad nestled within avocado halves. Simply halve and pit a ripe avocado, then scoop a generous portion of the salad into the hollow. This not only looks incredibly appealing but also adds to the rich, creamy texture of each bite. This method is particularly wonderful for appetizers or a more elegant lunch. This versatile salad is ideal for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, looking for a light yet satisfying lunch, or seeking a healthy appetizer that impresses.

While the salad holds up well for about a day in the fridge, maintaining its fresh and crisp qualities, be warned: leftovers are a rare occurrence! This salad is so incredibly good, it tends to disappear quickly, a testament to its irresistible flavor profile.

Customizing Your Zesty Shrimp Salad: Substitutions & Variations

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. This Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad is quite forgiving, allowing for several delightful substitutions and variations. Here are some common questions and ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

If You Love Citrus, Explore More Recipes!

Citrus fruits are undoubtedly one of my absolute favorite ingredients, and their bright, invigorating flavors shine through in many of my recipes. If you share my passion for citrus, you’ll want to explore these other delightful creations from my kitchen:

• Simple Blood Orange Salad: A vibrant and elegant salad showcasing the beautiful hues and sweet-tart flavor of blood oranges.
• Jicama Orange Salad: A refreshing combination of crisp jicama and juicy oranges, perfect for a light side dish.
• Winter Citrus Salad with Orange Honey Dressing: A celebration of seasonal citrus, featuring a medley of oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines.
• Orange Fennel Salad with Orange Honey Dressing: A sophisticated and flavorful salad where the sweet anise notes of fennel pair perfectly with bright orange and a sweet dressing.

If you’ve had the pleasure of trying this Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, and Jicama Salad recipe, please consider sharing your experience by commenting below and leaving some stars! Your feedback not only helps us but also guides other readers in their culinary adventures. We 🫶🏼 sincerely appreciate you!

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

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