Zesty Tropical Shrimp Salad with Mango and Pineapple Recipe

Vibrant colors and zesty flavors dance across this tropical shrimp salad, promising a culinary escape with every refreshing bite.

Juicy chunks of mango and pineapple mingle with succulent shrimp, creating a symphony of tropical tastes.

The light, tangy dressing brings a burst of brightness that cuts through the rich seafood.

Crisp greens provide a perfect base for this colorful medley of ingredients.

Each forkful transports you to a sun-drenched beach, where ocean and tropical fruits merge in delicious harmony.

Fresh herbs add a final aromatic touch that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a taste of paradise on your plate.

Everything You Need for Tropical Shrimp Salad with Mango and Pineapple

• Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined shrimp for quick cooking and clean, sweet ocean flavor, ensuring they're firm and have a mild sea scent.

• Mango, Pineapple: Choose ripe, fragrant tropical fruits with vibrant colors and slight softness for natural sweetness and juicy texture.
• Red Onion: Pick firm, glossy onions with tight layers for sharp, crisp bite and beautiful purple color contrast.
• Serrano Chile or Jalapeno: Select bright green, smooth peppers for authentic heat and zesty kick, adjusting spice level to preference.
• Avocado: Choose slightly soft avocados with rich, creamy potential and no dark blemishes for smooth, buttery richness.

• Cilantro: Opt for bright green, perky leaves with intense herbal aroma for fresh, vibrant Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Cumin: Select high-quality ground cumin for deep, warm earthy undertones that complement tropical ingredients.
• Lime Juice: Use fresh, bright limes with smooth skin for tangy citrus punch and natural acidity.
• Salt, Pepper: Choose fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for balanced, clean seasoning enhancement.

Tools to Prepare Tropical Shrimp Salad with Mango and Pineapple

• Small kettle: Perfect for boiling water quickly and cooking shrimp.
• Medium bowl: Essential for mixing and combining salad ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for chopping fruits and vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop mango, pineapple, onion, chile, and avocado precisely.
• Ice bath container: Stops shrimp from overcooking and keeps them tender.
• Mixing spoon: Helps stir ingredients and ensure even seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate amounts of cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Citrus juicer: Optional tool for extracting fresh lime juice efficiently.

How to Build Tropical Shrimp Salad with Mango and Pineapple

• Shrimp Preparation

Boil salted water and quickly cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to prevent overcooking and preserve their tender texture.

• Tropical Fruit Medley

Dice fresh mango, pineapple, red onion, spicy chile pepper, and creamy avocado into bite-sized pieces in a spacious mixing bowl.

• Flavor Fusion

Gently combine cooled shrimp with chopped herbs, zesty lime juice, warm cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

• Taste and Balance

Sample the salad and adjust seasonings to create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.

• Serving Suggestion

Chill the salad for maximum refreshment and serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for an added textural contrast.

Flavor Tips & Fruit Swaps for Tropical Shrimp Salad with Mango and Pineapple

• Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of serrano chile or jalapeno to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, crab meat, or tofu for a different protein-packed version of this refreshing salad.
• Prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld and intensify.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, chopped macadamia nuts, or crispy plantain chips on top for an extra crunch and tropical flair.
• Transform this salad into a light lunch by serving over mixed greens, or use as a fresh topping for grilled fish tacos.

Serving Tropical Shrimp Salad with Mango and Pineapple in Style

• Pair with Crispy Tortilla Companions: Scoop up this vibrant tropical salad with crunchy tortilla chips, creating a perfect textural contrast between the soft shrimp and crisp chips.
• Create a Refreshing Summer Platter: Arrange the salad on a chilled plate surrounded by extra lime wedges and additional chopped herbs for a stunning presentation that screams fresh and zesty.
• Transform into Light Meal Option: Serve the shrimp salad atop a bed of mixed greens or butter lettuce to turn this appetizer into a complete, light lunch that's packed with tropical flavors and protein.
• Elevate with Cool Beverage Pairing: Complement the salad's bright profile with a chilled white wine, citrusy margarita, or a crisp Mexican beer to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Tips for Tropical Shrimp Salad with Mango and Pineapple

• Refrigerate and Savor Later: Store this tropical shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh ingredients maintain their vibrant flavors best when consumed quickly.
• Quick Prep Strategy: Chop fruits and vegetables just before serving to prevent browning and preserve crisp textures. Avocado tends to oxidize rapidly, so add it right before enjoying the salad.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep shrimp and chopped ingredients separate if preparing ahead of time. Combine components just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Freezing Limitations: Avoid freezing this salad, as the delicate fruits and seafood will lose their texture and taste. Fresh ingredients are key to this recipe's vibrant flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Calories: 215 kcal

Servings: 5

Vibrant Shrimp Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

This tropical shrimp salad delivers a refreshing island-inspired dish packed with sweet and tangy flavors. Succulent grilled shrimp mingle with juicy mango and pineapple, creating a light meal you’ll crave on warm afternoons.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) U20 fresh shrimp, cleaned, shells removed and de-veined
• 1.5 cups (225 g) small-diced fresh mango
• 1.5 cups (225 g) small-diced fresh pineapple
• 1 ripe Hass avocado, diced into small pieces
• ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, diced small
• 1 serrano chile or jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced very small
• ⅓ cup (8 g) fresh cilantro, finely minced
• 1 tsp (2 g) cumin, to taste
• 3 to 4 tbsps (45 to 60 ml) lime juice
• 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

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Instructions

1. Poach Shrimp: Submerge raw shrimp in boiling salted water for 1.5-3 minutes until they transform into opaque pink morsels, then rapidly transfer to an ice water bath to halt cooking and maintain delicate texture.
2. Prepare Tropical Components: Meticulously dice ripe mango, fresh pineapple, red onion, serrano chile, and creamy avocado into uniform bite-sized cubes, combining them in a medium mixing bowl to create a vibrant tropical foundation.
3. Incorporate Protein and Seasonings: Drain shrimp, pat dry, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add to tropical mixture along with finely chopped cilantro, ground cumin, lime juice, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, gently folding to ensure even flavor distribution.
4. Refine and Chill: Taste and calibrate seasoning with additional lime juice, salt, or pepper to achieve a harmonious flavor profile. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow ingredients to marry, intensifying the salad’s complex tropical essence.
5. Serve: Present chilled, accompanied by crispy tortilla chips for a textural contrast, creating a refreshing and vibrant culinary experience that captures the essence of tropical cuisine.

Notes

• Perfect Shrimp Cooking: Boil shrimp precisely 1.5-3 minutes until they turn pink, then immediately shock in ice water to stop cooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Strategic Ingredient Chopping: Cut all tropical fruits and vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent flavor and beautiful presentation in every spoonful.
• Quick Flavor Balancing: Taste and adjust seasonings just before serving, adding extra lime juice, salt, or pepper to create a harmonious tropical taste experience.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate salad 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and develop deeper, more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg