Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp: Easy 25 Min Recipe

Name: Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp: Easy 25 Min Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves, chopped; 1 medium shallot, finely sliced; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 avocado, diced; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

by Fatima Garcia

•

25 de August de 2025

Jump to Recipe

Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp has become my go-to for a quick, vibrant meal that truly sings with freshness. I remember the first time I tasted a salad like this; it was at a summer barbecue, and the combination of zesty cilantro, sweet shrimp, and the delicate bite of shallots was pure magic. It’s so easy to whip up this salad with shrimp, cilantro, and shallots, and the aroma alone – that bright, herbaceous cilantro mingling with the savory shrimp – is enough to make your mouth water. You’ll love how quickly this simple Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots

Incredible Fresh Flavor: A bright, zesty taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
Super Quick Prep: Ready in about 25 minutes, making it a weeknight wonder.
Healthy & Light: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and fresh veggies.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters often enjoy this flavorful salad.
Versatile Meal: This Shrimp Cilantro Salad Shallot Recipe is great for lunch or a light dinner.
Easy to Customize: You can easily add or swap veggies to suit your taste.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors make this Salad with Shrimp, Cilantro, and Shallots a showstopper.

Ingredients for Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp

Here’s everything you need to create this vibrant Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots. I always grab the freshest ingredients I can find to really make this Shrimp Cilantro Salad Shallot Recipe shine. The combination of ingredients is key to its refreshing taste!

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – I like to use large shrimp for a satisfying bite.
2 cups fresh cilantro leaves, chopped – This is the star, providing that bright, herbaceous flavor.
1 medium shallot, finely sliced – Shallots offer a milder, more delicate oniony flavor than regular onions, perfect for this salad.
1 medium cucumber, diced – For a cool, crisp crunch.
1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
1 avocado, diced – Creamy texture to balance the crunchier elements.
1 lime, juiced – The essential citrus element for our dressing.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is my preference for dressing.
1 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional) – For a little kick if you like it spicy.

How to Make Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots

Putting together this delicious Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a flavorful and fresh dish. Let’s dive into making this Shrimp Cilantro Salad Shallot Recipe!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Before you start cooking, gather everything you need. Make sure your 1 pound large shrimp are peeled and deveined. Having everything prepped makes the process so much smoother for this Salad with Shrimp, Cilantro, and Shallots.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the prepared shrimp. Season them with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. You’ll smell that delicious aroma as they cook! Remove the shrimp from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Salad Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups chopped cilantro leaves, 1 medium cucumber, diced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, and the 1 medium shallot, finely sliced. This mixture forms the vibrant foundation of our salad.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lime, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the ½ teaspoon chili flakes (if you’re using them). Add a pinch more salt to the dressing to really bring out the flavors. This simple dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine the Salad. Now, add the slightly cooled, cooked shrimp and the 1 avocado, diced to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together using two spoons or your hands. Be careful not to mash the avocado; you want those lovely creamy chunks throughout the salad. This step is key for a great Shrimp Salad Cilantro Shallot Dressing experience.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings. Give your Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots a taste. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice to perfectly suit your palate.
Step 7: Serve Immediately. Transfer the finished Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp to a serving dish or enjoy it straight from the mixing bowl for a more casual meal. It’s best served fresh to enjoy the textures and flavors at their peak.

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Cilantro Shallot Salad

I’ve found a few tricks that really elevate this simple Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots from good to absolutely amazing. These little tips ensure every bite is packed with flavor and the perfect texture.

Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp; it makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should just turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Taste and adjust the dressing before tossing everything together. The balance of lime, oil, and seasoning is crucial for a great Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot Vinaigrette.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the shrimp in the lime juice and spices for about 15 minutes before cooking.

What’s the secret to perfect Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot Vinaigrette?

The secret is the balance! Whisk the lime juice and olive oil vigorously until they start to emulsify slightly. A tiny pinch of salt and optional chili flakes in the dressing really brightens everything up. This simple Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot Vinaigrette is key.

Can I make Salad with Shrimp, Cilantro, and Shallots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components ahead of time. Cook the shrimp, chop the veggies, and make the dressing separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine and dress the Salad with Shrimp, Cilantro, and Shallots just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How do I avoid common mistakes with this Shrimp Salad Recipe Cilantro Shallots?

The biggest pitfall is overcooking the shrimp – watch them closely! Also, avoid overmixing the salad once the avocado is added, as it can turn mushy. Stick to the recommended ingredient ratios to get the best flavor profile for your Shrimp Salad Recipe Cilantro Shallots.

Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp: Easy 25 Min Recipe - Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp

This vibrant Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots is incredibly versatile! I love serving it as a light lunch on its own, perhaps with some crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing. For a more substantial meal, it pairs beautifully as a refreshing side dish to grilled chicken or fish. Another favorite way to enjoy this Shrimp and Cilantro Salad with Shallots is spooned into crisp lettuce cups for a delightful, low-carb option. It’s a flexible dish that always impresses!

Nutrition Facts for Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots:

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Cilantro Salad Shallots Shrimp.

How to Store and Reheat Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot

Proper storage is key to enjoying this Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot, especially if you’ve made a bit extra. Once your Easy Shrimp Cilantro Shallot Salad has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the avocado can become mushy and the shrimp texture might change undesirably. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients. For reheating, simply bring the salad to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or gently warm the shrimp separately if you prefer them warm, then toss with the fresh components.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Shrimp Cilantro Shallot Salad

Can I substitute the shrimp in this Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Shallots?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of shrimp, or if you want to switch things up, grilled chicken, flaky white fish, or even chickpeas work wonderfully in this Salad with Shrimp, Cilantro, and Shallots. Just make sure they’re cooked and cooled before adding them to the salad.

What are the best sides to serve with this Shrimp Cilantro Salad Shallot Recipe?

This Shrimp Cilantro Salad Shallot Recipe is quite versatile. I love serving it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing. It also pairs beautifully with a side of black beans or a simple corn salsa for a more complete meal. For a lighter option, try it with tortilla chips!

How can I make the Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot dressing spicier?

If you enjoy a bit more heat, there are a few ways to spice up your Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot Vinaigrette. You can increase the amount of chili flakes, add a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the dressing, or even stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Just remember to taste as you go!

Is it okay to add red onion to this Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Red Onion and Shallots?

Yes, you can definitely add red onion! While shallots provide a milder flavor, red onion offers a sharper bite. If you decide to include it, I recommend slicing it very thinly and perhaps soaking it in cold water for about 10 minutes beforehand to mellow its intensity. It adds another layer of flavor to this Cilantro Shrimp Salad with Red Onion and Shallots.

Variations of Flavorful Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot You Can Try

This Flavorful Cilantro Shrimp Salad Shallot is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting with it! Here are a few ways I like to mix things up to keep it exciting:

Spicy Kick: Add a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the salad base, or increase the chili flakes in the dressing for a real heatwave. This variation makes for a truly Savory Shrimp Cilantro Shallot Salad.
Citrus Burst: Instead of or in addition to lime, try adding a splash of orange or grapefruit juice to the dressing. This adds a different kind of bright, refreshing note to your Shrimp Salad with Cilantro, Shallots, and Lemon.
Add Grains: For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked quinoa or farro. It makes this Easy Shrimp Cilantro Shallot Salad a complete and satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Vegetarian Delight: Skip the shrimp and add a can of rinsed black beans or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version. It’s still packed with flavor and texture, making it a wonderful Salad with Shrimp, Cilantro, and Shallots alternative.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia