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A light, fresh dish that works as an appetizer, lunch, or low-carb dinner. It combines juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp lettuce for contrast and balance.
Ingredients (serves 3–4)
For the shrimp:
- 400 g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili flakes
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the filling:
- 2 ripe avocados (diced)
- 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small tomato (diced, seeds removed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For assembly:
- 10–12 large lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg, washed and dried)
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté briefly (about 30 seconds).
Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Chop into bite-sized pieces if large.
Step 3: Make the avocado mixture
In a bowl, combine:
- Diced avocado
- Red onion
- Tomato
- Cilantro or parsley
Add lemon or lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
Step 4: Combine
Add the cooked shrimp to the avocado mixture and toss lightly.
Step 5: Assemble the boats
Lay out lettuce leaves and spoon the shrimp-avocado mixture into each leaf.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately while fresh and crisp. Optionally drizzle with extra lemon juice or a light yogurt dressing.
Tips
- Use chilled lettuce for extra crunch
- Don’t overcook shrimp; they should be tender, not rubbery
- Add chopped chili or hot sauce if you want more heat
- You can substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu
Uses
- Healthy appetizer for gatherings
- Low-carb meal option
- Quick summer lunch
- Party finger food
Health benefits
High-quality protein
Shrimp provides lean protein that supports muscle repair and satiety.
Healthy fats
Avocados contain monounsaturated fats that are good for heart health.
Low in carbohydrates
Using lettuce instead of bread makes this dish suitable for low-carb diets.
Rich in nutrients
- Shrimp: selenium, iodine, vitamin B12
- Avocado: potassium, fiber, vitamins E and K
- Lettuce: hydration and light fiber
Supports heart health
The combination of lean protein and healthy fats helps maintain balanced cholesterol levels.