"Quick lunch" does not have to mean "boring lunch". Believe me, I've had my fair share of lackluster sandwiches or past-their-prime leftovers, but leaving the table dissatisfied leads to trouble. Snacking kind of trouble. And I don't mean the good kind of snacking. A couple of cheese and crackers here, a handful of chips there. Before you know it, you're digging through the pantry for any tiny morsel of chocolate that you can find. An almost-empty bag of chocolate chips? Score!
The only way that I can head off this inevitable downward spiral is by eating a lunch that actually satisfies me. Something with flavor and a good dose of protein.
This Thai-inspired shrimp, cucumber and avocado salad meets both of those criteria. And it truly only took ten minutes to make. While you're waiting for the water to boil for the shrimp, slice the cucumber and avocado, and quickly whisk together the simple dressing. The shrimp cook for only one minute (any longer and they'll be little rubber specimens), and are ready to add to the vegetables and dressing as soon as you scoop them out of the ice water bath.
Quick, easy and tasty.
Snacking crisis averted.
The recipe:
The dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, fish sauce, agave nectar and chili garlic sauce.
The salad:
Prepare a bowl of ice water.
Set a large saucepan of water over high heat, and bring the water to a boil. Add the shrimp and boil until the shrimp is just cooked through, 60 to 75 seconds. Drain and immediately plunge the shrimp into the ice water to stop them from cooking further. Drain.
In a medium bowl, mix together the shrimp, cucumber, avocado and cilantro.
Pour in the dressing and toss to combine. Serve.
More shrimp recipes:
Cookin' Canuck's Fisherman's Soup Recipe with Tilapia, Shrimp, Tomatoes & Capers
Cookin' Canuck's Salad Cups with Quinoa, Shrimp, Avocado & Lemon Dressing Recipe
Gimme Some Oven's Chipotle Lime Shrimp
Garlic My Soul's Paleo Pesto with Shrimp & Zucchini
Clookbook's Shrimp Pad Thai
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10-Minute Thai Shrimp, Cucumber & Avocado Salad Recipe
Ingredients
The Dressing:
- 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
- ½ teaspoon chili garlic sauce
The Salad:
- ½ pound shrimp shelled & deveined
- ½ English cucumber cut in half lengthwise & thinly sliced
- ¼ avocado diced
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
Instructions
The Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, fish sauce, agave nectar and chili garlic sauce.
The Salad:
- Prepare a bowl of ice water.
- Set a large saucepan of water over high heat, and bring the water to a boil. Add the shrimp and boil until the shrimp is just cooked through, 60 to 75 seconds. Drain and immediately plunge the shrimp into the ice water to stop them from cooking further. Drain
- In a medium bowl, mix together the shrimp, cucumber, avocado and cilantro. Pour in the dressing and toss to combine. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Justin @ Marlows Kitchen
Very inspiring recipe, I'll def have to try it out. I love new shrimp recipes. What's the best substitute for agave nectar? Honey?
Sherri @The Well Floured Kitchen
Looks simple and delicious!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
I've just printed this recipe. It sounds like such a wonderfully flavorful light lunch or dinner. Plus, I love that it has a little heat. Mmmmm. Thanks Dara.
Becky at Vintage Mixer
I'm all about a 10 minute meal these days! Great recipe Dara and I'm so glad to hear than you guys are okay.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
This sounds like the perfect salad!
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts
Dara,
You're so right that when I eat something that satisfies me, that I wanted to eat, I do far better with the afternoon/evening snacking than if I eat something that's handy or needs to be 'et up'.
This salad looks so cool and inviting, and excellent job on the droplet photo! That's really cool to see, and I bet you were pretty psyched to see it come out so well.
Thanks!
Carolyn
I LOVE this recipe, Dara. This is just ideal for me, so fresh. I am pinning it.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
I can't think of anything better for lunch! So simple but so much flavor there. I just love your recipes!
Nutmeg Nanny
Yum! This my kind of lunch 🙂 it looks so satisfying!