Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the peeled and deveined shrimp.
Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once. They should turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool slightly. When they have cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces if desired.

Step 2: Make the Zesty Lime Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Juice of two limes

• 1 tablespoon lime zest

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Whisk everything together thoroughly until the dressing is well-emulsified and fragrant. This bright and flavorful dressing will tie all the ingredients together.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the shrimp is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the ripe avocado carefully to avoid crushing it. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice the red onion. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro.

Having all the vegetables fresh and ready will make assembling the salad quick and easy, and helps ensure everything stays crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, gently combine:

• Diced avocado

• Halved cherry tomatoes

• Sliced red onion

• Chopped cilantro

• Cooked shrimp

Drizzle the zesty lime dressing over the top of the ingredients. Using two large spoons, gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating of dressing while being careful not to mash the avocado.

If desired, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top for a salty, creamy accent.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or chill it in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together even more.
If you’d like an extra crunch, serve the salad alongside tortilla chips or even spoon some directly onto the chips for a fun twist on shrimp nachos!