This Easy Spicy Watermelon Shrimp Salad is a fun and fresh dish! Juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with seasoned shrimp and a kick of spice. It’s like a summer party in a bowl!
I love how the sweet and spicy blend together. Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a tasty meal in minutes. Perfect for warm days or when I’m feeling fancy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp add great flavor and texture. If you don’t have fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp work too—just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Watermelon: Sweet and juicy watermelon is the star here. If watermelon isn’t in season, you could use cantaloupe or honeydew for a different twist. Just aim for something juicy!
Cucumber: I prefer hothouse or Persian cucumbers because they’re crisp and have fewer seeds. If you want a different crunch, try bell peppers instead.
Jalapeños: They add spice, but you can swap them for milder peppers if you prefer. Banana peppers or even bell peppers will work well for milder flavor.
Avocado: Creamy avocado balances the crisp textures. If avocados are hard to find, you can leave them out or substitute with diced mango for sweetness.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can seem tricky, but it’s quick and simple! Here’s how to get them just right:
- First, make sure shrimp are thoroughly dried and seasoned. Toss with spices before cooking for great flavor.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat; it’s hot enough when a drop of water sizzles.
- Add olive oil and then shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn pink when done! Be careful not to overcook, or they’ll get tough.
- Remove them from heat immediately to stop the cooking process.
That’s it! Just keep an eye on them, and you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
Easy Spicy Watermelon Shrimp Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups watermelon, cut into cubes
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced or chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
- 1 tsp chili flakes or crushed red pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. It’s quick and perfect for a refreshing meal on a hot day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with chili flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re well-coated with all those flavorful spices!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Assemble the Salad:
Grab a large salad bowl, and combine the watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, diced avocado, jalapeño slices, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle toss to mix the ingredients without mashing the avocado.
4. Add the Shrimp:
Add the cooked shrimp into the salad bowl. They should be slightly cooled to ensure they don’t turn the salad warm!
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle fresh lime juice over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything again to ensure the salad is well-dressed and every bite has flavor.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if you like it spicier. If you want some extra crunch, sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews!
7. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy a refreshing, spicy burst of flavors in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Spicy Watermelon Shrimp Salad
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Salad?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
To make this salad ahead of time, you can cook the shrimp and prepare the dressing in advance. Keep the shrimp and salad ingredients separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess. Assemble everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
What Can I Substitute for Jalapeños if They Are Too Spicy?
If jalapeños are too spicy for your taste, consider using milder peppers like banana peppers, or omit them entirely. Alternatively, you could use bell peppers for a crunchy texture without the heat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Note that the avocado may brown slightly, but adding a little extra lime juice can help preserve its color. Enjoy the leftovers chilled!
