Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Miso Dressing Recipe

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing miso shrimp and avocado salad that promises pure delight.

Cool, crisp ingredients dance together in a light yet satisfying meal.

The zesty miso dressing adds a tangy punch that awakens every taste bud.

Succulent shrimp nestled among creamy avocado slices create a perfect protein-packed combination.

Fresh herbs sprinkled throughout bring an extra layer of brightness to this dish.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will transport you to culinary bliss.

You’ll want to savor every mouthful of this elegant, easy-to-prepare salad that screams summer freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for This Shrimp & Avocado Combo

• Miso Paste: Adds umami depth and fermented richness to the dressing.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and balances the flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Brings zesty citrus notes and freshness.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, aromatic undertones.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth, silky texture for the dressing.
• Honey: Offers gentle sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Garlic: Delivers pungent, sharp flavor complexity.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy kick and aromatic dimension.
• Water: Helps adjust dressing consistency.

• Mixed Greens: Provides crisp, fresh foundation for the salad.
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and light hydration.
• Carrots: Brings vibrant color and sweet, earthy texture.
• Red Onion: Introduces sharp, crisp flavor with subtle bite.
• Herbs: Enhances overall freshness and adds aromatic layers.

• Shrimp: Offers succulent, protein-rich seafood element.
• Avocado: Delivers creamy, buttery texture and healthy fats.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Tools to Pull Off That Velvety Miso Dressing

• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl or jar: Perfect for mixing miso dressing.
• Large bowl: Needed for combining salad ingredients.
• Cutting board: For chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp knife: To slice cucumber, carrots, and red onion precisely.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate dressing ingredient quantities.
• Measuring cups: To measure liquid ingredients correctly.

Steps for a Salad That Hits All the Right Notes

• Create Zesty Miso Dressing

Grab a small bowl and blend miso, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, garlic, and ginger. Thin out the mixture with tiny splashes of water until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

• Assemble Vibrant Seafood Salad

Toss together succulent shrimp, creamy avocado chunks, crisp mixed greens, crunchy cucumber slivers, bright carrot ribbons, tangy red onion, and optional fresh herbs into a large mixing bowl.

• Coat and Garnish

Drizzle the tantalizing miso dressing over the salad, gently mixing everything to ensure each ingredient gets a delicious coating. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of nutty crunch.

• Serve Immediately

Present the salad right away to enjoy maximum flavor and texture, letting the fresh ingredients shine with their vibrant colors and complementary tastes.

Creative Ways to Tweak Texture and Taste

• Prepare the miso dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or seared salmon for a versatile protein option that suits different dietary preferences.
• Skip mixed greens and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle of sriracha sauce to give the salad an extra kick of heat and complexity.
• Keep dressing and salad ingredients separate until just before serving to prevent soggy greens and maintain crisp texture.

Serving Ideas That Feel Light Yet Bold

• Fresh Garden Party Platter: Arrange salad on a large wooden board with extra herbs and edible flowers for a stunning visual presentation that wows guests.
• Asian-Inspired Lunch Bowl: Serve salad over warm steamed rice or quinoa to create a heartier meal with added texture and filling protein.
• Seafood Starter Elegance: Plate individual portions in clear glass bowls or martini glasses for an upscale appetizer that looks sophisticated and professional.
• Protein Power Twist: Top salad with crispy toasted almonds or cashews for extra crunch and nutritional boost that complements the miso dressing's rich flavors.

Tips to Keep It Fresh for the Next Day

• Store leftover salad and dressing separately to maintain crisp greens and prevent soggy textures. Separate containers help keep ingredients fresh for 1-2 days.
• Chop vegetables and cook shrimp in advance, storing them in sealed containers within the refrigerator. This technique saves time and allows quick meal assembly during busy weekdays.
• Miso dressing stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Shake well before reusing, as natural separation might occur during refrigeration.
• Keep shrimp and salad ingredients chilled below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Use ice packs or refrigerate immediately after preparing to maintain food safety and optimal taste quality.

Vibrant Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Miso Dressing

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty shrimp and avocado salad with miso dressing brings coastal California freshness to your plate. Crisp greens, succulent shrimp, and creamy avocado combine with umami-rich miso for a light, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro or mint (optional)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 4 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tbsps white miso paste
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1–2 tbsps water (to thin, as needed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Blend miso, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small container, gradually adding water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
2. Salad Assembly: Gently mix shrimp, avocado, mixed greens, cucumber, carrots, red onion, and herbs in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Final Touch: Cascade the prepared miso dressing over the salad, delicately tossing to coat each ingredient with the vibrant, umami-rich sauce. Crown the salad with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately to preserve the crisp textures and fresh flavors.

Notes

• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly to prevent rubbery, tough texture; overcooking makes them chewy and less appetizing.
• Gradually add water to miso dressing to control thickness; start with 1 tablespoon and adjust until it coats ingredients smoothly without being too thin or thick.
• Prepare ingredients right before serving to maintain crisp vegetables and prevent avocado from browning; slice avocado last to preserve its vibrant green color and creamy texture.
• Swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for gluten-sensitive diets; use tamari instead of traditional miso for a gluten-free version; replace honey with maple syrup for vegan option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg