Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are a fresh, flavorful, and quick meal that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. With a blend of shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and cilantro, all served in a creamy avocado, these stuffed avocados offer a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The addition of lime juice and hot sauce adds a zesty kick to this naturally gluten-free and dairy-free dish, making it ideal for busy nights, meal prep, or as a vibrant appetizer.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb small cooked shrimp (40-50 count)

• 1 medium Roma tomato (diced small)

• ⅓ medium English cucumber (diced small)

• ⅓ cup red onion (diced small)

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (minced)

• 2-3 tablespoons lime juice

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

• Hot sauce (optional, to taste)

• 2 extra-large avocados (or 3 medium-sized avocados)

Directions

1. Prep the Shrimp: If using raw shrimp, boil them for 1 minute and then chill in an ice bath. For cooked shrimp, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Stir to combine.

3. Hollow the Avocados: Slice the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out about 50% of the flesh from each half. Add the scooped-out flesh to the shrimp mixture and stir it in.

4. Stuff the Avocados: Spoon the shrimp mixture into the hollowed-out avocado halves.

5. Serve: Serve immediately as a meal or appetizer.

Nutrients

• Calories: 626 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 29g

• Protein: 57g

• Fat: 34g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g

• Cholesterol: 479mg

• Sodium: 2757mg

• Fiber: 15g

• Sugar: 5g

Why Shrimp and Avocado Are a Perfect Match

Shrimp and avocado complement each other perfectly in terms of flavor and texture. Shrimp, with its delicate sweetness and firm texture, pairs wonderfully with the creamy, rich avocado. Together, they create a satisfying dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The shrimp mixture, with its medley of fresh vegetables and herbs, is bright and refreshing, making it an ideal filling for the creamy avocado halves.

Avocados are not only rich in healthy fats but also provide a smooth, buttery texture that balances the slight crunch of the shrimp and vegetables. The natural fats in avocados are heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which promote good cholesterol levels and support overall heart health. This, combined with the lean protein from shrimp, makes the dish both nutritious and delicious.

Simple Ingredients with Big Flavor

The ingredients for Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are simple but pack a punch of flavor. The base of the dish is the shrimp, which should be cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces. The addition of diced Roma tomatoes brings a fresh, juicy burst, while cucumber adds a cool crunch. Red onion offers a savory bite, and fresh cilantro adds a fragrant, herbaceous flavor that ties all the ingredients together.

Lime juice brings a bright, zesty acidity to the mixture, which helps cut through the richness of the avocado and shrimp. Salt and black pepper season the dish to perfection, while the optional hot sauce adds just the right amount of heat for those who enjoy a little spice. The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced, flavorful stuffing that is vibrant and satisfying.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

One of the biggest advantages of Shrimp Stuffed Avocados is how quickly they can be prepared. The shrimp are either pre-cooked or quickly boiled, making them easy to incorporate into the dish. In fact, if you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, the entire dish can be ready in just 15 minutes.

To prepare the shrimp, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re starting with raw shrimp, they can be boiled in a pot of water for just 1 minute and then chilled in an ice bath. Once the shrimp are prepared, the remaining ingredients come together quickly. Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, chop the cilantro, and then mix everything in a bowl with lime juice, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Finally, slice the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out some of the flesh to create a cavity for the shrimp mixture.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. No complicated steps or long cooking times—just fresh ingredients that come together to create a flavorful dish in no time.

Health Benefits of Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

This dish is a nutritional powerhouse, providing a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The shrimp, being a lean source of protein, provides 57 grams of protein per serving, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein also helps keep you full longer, making this dish a great option for those looking to stay satisfied without overindulging.

Avocados, with their healthy fats, are great for supporting heart health and promoting satiety. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol and support overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, avocados are high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.

The vegetables in the shrimp mixture add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and cucumber, and a good dose of antioxidants from the cilantro. With 15 grams of fiber per serving, this dish helps support digestive health while keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are incredibly versatile, and there are several ways to serve and enjoy them. You can enjoy them as a light meal or appetizer, or pair them with a side dish for a more filling meal. For a more substantial meal, serve the stuffed avocados alongside a light salad or a bowl of quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.

For a fun twist, consider serving the shrimp mixture in mini avocado cups for a party or gathering. The dish also works well as a topping for salads, tacos, or rice bowls. You can easily customize the filling by adding other ingredients like corn, black beans, or bell peppers to suit your taste.

If you’re looking for a more indulgent version, you can top the stuffed avocados with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream, though the dish is just as delicious in its naturally gluten-free and dairy-free form.

Nutritional Information

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are a nutrient-dense dish, with each serving providing 626 calories. Despite its rich texture, the dish is low in carbohydrates (only 29 grams) and high in fiber (15 grams), which helps promote healthy digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels. The 57 grams of protein per serving make this a great meal for those looking to increase their protein intake.

The dish also provides a good balance of healthy fats (34 grams), much of which comes from the avocado, making it heart-healthy and satisfying. The sodium content is relatively high (2757 milligrams), which comes from the added salt and hot sauce, so be mindful of the sodium intake, especially if you’re watching your salt levels. However, the dish is naturally high in potassium and contains a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health.

Conclusion

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of shrimp with the creamy richness of avocado. This naturally gluten-free and dairy-free meal is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a perfect option for anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a vibrant and delicious meal that’s ready in 15 minutes.

Whether served as a light meal, appetizer, or part of a larger spread, Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are sure to be a hit. With the added zing of lime juice and the optional spice from hot sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of freshness and flavor that’s sure to please.