Zesty Lime Cilantro Shrimp and Black Bean Salad Recipe

Summer sizzles with this zesty lime cilantro shrimp and black bean salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Packed with bold southwestern ingredients, the dish combines succulent shrimp and hearty beans in a delightful dance of textures.

Each forkful promises a tangy explosion of cilantro and lime that wakes up your taste buds.

The salad brings together protein-rich ingredients that make for a satisfying meal without feeling heavy.

Cool and refreshing, it’s perfect for those hot afternoons when you want something light yet filling.

Colorful bell peppers and crisp greens add a delightful crunch to every bite.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Tools to Toss Together This Zesty Salad

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing and combining all the delicious ingredients.
• Medium Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp to perfection with a golden sear.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping cucumber, jalapeno, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and flipping shrimp while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps to accurately add cumin, salt, and honey.

Instructions to Prepare This Fresh, Protein-Packed Dish

• Salad Base

Gather fresh black beans, creamy avocado, zesty jalapeño, crisp cucumber, and fragrant cilantro in a spacious mixing bowl. This vibrant foundation sets the stage for a delightful culinary adventure.

• Shrimp Preparation

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place succulent shrimp into the pan, sprinkling them with earthy cumin, sea salt, and ground pepper. Allow the shrimp to sizzle and transform into golden delights.

• Flavor Infusion

Carefully flip the shrimp, then lower the heat. Drizzle a tangy mixture of lime juice and golden honey over the seafood. Stir gently, letting the shrimp absorb the bright, sweet-tart flavors until perfectly cooked.

• Culinary Fusion

Pour the aromatic shrimp and its luscious sauce into the waiting bowl of vegetables. Tenderly mix everything together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance on the palate.

• Serving and Storage

Enjoy the salad immediately for maximum freshness. If storing, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Keep in mind that the avocado might darken and vegetables will soften over time, but the flavors will continue to meld deliciously.

Flavor Tweaks for a Spicier or Milder Bite

• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein twist that keeps the zesty flavor profile intact.
• Reduce or remove jalapeño and serrano chile to dial down heat, or add extra for adventurous taste buds seeking a spicier kick.
• Prepare black bean mixture and shrimp separately, then combine just before serving to maintain fresh texture and prevent ingredient breakdown.
• Serve over crisp mixed greens, wrap in warm tortillas, or top with crumbled queso fresco for added visual appeal and complementary textures.
• Keep salad chilled and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness, as avocado tends to oxidize and vegetables lose crispness over time.

Serving This Shrimp Salad Cold or Room Temp

• Serve Over Crisp Greens: Spread a bed of fresh mixed salad greens or baby spinach and top with the shrimp and black bean mixture for added crunch and nutrition.
• Wrap in Soft Tortillas: Scoop the salad into warm flour or corn tortillas, creating delicious and portable lime cilantro shrimp tacos that are perfect for a quick lunch.
• Pair with Chilled Quinoa: Complement the dish with a side of cold quinoa salad dressed with similar citrus and herb flavors to enhance the overall meal experience.
• Garnish with Extra Freshness: Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or sliced green onions on top for a burst of color and vibrant flavor profile.

Tips for Preserving Flavor While Storing

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the salad in an airtight container, keeping it cold and fresh for up to 2 days. Expect slight texture changes as avocado might brown and vegetables soften.
• Separate Ingredients Strategy: Keep shrimp and bean mixture separate if planning to enjoy the salad over multiple meals. This prevents soggy ingredients and maintains optimal crunch and flavor.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Gently warm refrigerated salad at room temperature for best taste. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp and mushy vegetables.
• Lunch Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime just before eating to brighten flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Lime Cilantro Shrimp & Bean Salad

• Black Beans: Hearty protein-packed legume that adds creamy texture and earthy flavor to the salad.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a delicate, sweet marine taste and quick-cooking protein.
• Avocado: Creamy, buttery fruit that provides rich smoothness and healthy fats to the dish.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that introduces refreshing coolness and light crunch to the salad.

• Cilantro: Bright, citrusy herb that lifts the entire dish with its vibrant green freshness.
• Jalapeno, Serrano Chile: Spicy peppers that deliver a zesty kick and dynamic heat layer.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps sear shrimp and adds subtle fruity undertones.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that brings depth and traditional Mexican-inspired complexity.
• Lime Juice: Tangy citrus that brightens flavors and adds sharp, clean acidity.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances heat and adds subtle golden warmth to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and harmonize all other flavors in the dish.

Vibrant Lime Cilantro Shrimp And Black Bean Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty lime cilantro shrimp and black bean salad delivers a bold Mexican-inspired flavor profile with fresh ingredients. Crisp vegetables and succulent shrimp combine seamlessly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, cleaned and deveined (12–15 count)
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed (no salt added)
• 1 medium ripe avocado, diced into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ to ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 2 to 4 tbsps honey, or to taste
• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, finely minced or to taste
• ½ medium cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 small serrano chile pepper, finely minced (optional, seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 to 2 tsps cumin, or to taste
• 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

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Instructions

1. Salad Preparation: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine black beans, diced avocado, minced jalapeño, optional serrano chile, chopped cucumber, and fresh cilantro, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
2. Shrimp Searing: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, then add shrimp seasoned with ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until golden.
3. Flavor Infusion: Reduce heat to medium-low, drizzle fresh lime juice and honey over the shrimp, gently stirring to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2 minutes until shrimp turn opaque and slightly curl.
4. Seasoning Adjustment: Taste the mixture and refine flavors by adding more lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, or cumin to suit personal preference.
5. Final Assembly: Incorporate the cooked shrimp and sauce into the prepared black bean mixture, ensuring thorough integration of all components, and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 48 hours (noting potential avocado discoloration and vegetable softening).

Notes

• Optimize Shrimp Cooking: Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring they turn golden and opaque within 4 minutes total.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeño and serrano chile quantities based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor.
• Preserve Freshness: Consume salad immediately for crisp vegetables and vibrant flavors, or refrigerate for maximum 24 hours to maintain quality.
• Elevate Flavor Depth: Layer seasonings by adding cumin directly to shrimp and adjusting final taste with additional lime juice, honey, and spices for complex profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg