I know. You’re sitting there on the other side of the computer screen wondering how on Earth a salad is going to make your day better. Ice cream? Duh. Salad? Come on.
But you don’t have to wonder anymore. I’m going to tell you.
Shrimp makes it feel special
I eat chicken, beef, pork, beans, salmon, and other fish on salads pretty regularly. Oh, and deli meat. But for some reason, I rarely think to add shrimp. Why?
Shrimp feels strangely fancy for me, which probably has something to do with the fact that I think about 80% of the meals I ate shrimp with growing up had wine in the sauce. Wine sauce feels fancy, too, at least when you’re a kid. So, shrimp = fancy. But! Don’t leave. It’s so easy to prep, especially if you buy cooked frozen shrimp. You don’t have to clean and devein it (ick, honestly). Just thaw it, toss it in some sauce or seasoning, heat it up real quick, and BAM. You can feel fancy in under five minutes.
It’s pretty…
… Even if you don’t go to the “food blogger” efforts to make it pretty. Raspberries, avocado, and shrimp are just pretty foods. They have vibrant colors and cool textures. You can’t be in a bad mood looking at a sunset, and you can’t be in a bad mood looking at pretty food. I mean, unless someone is telling you not to eat it, right?
It can boost your mood…
… For the long run. Food is so cool. Spinach, avocado, and berries all work to fight inflammation in your body. Inflammation in your brain, in particular, is associated with depression. Oh, and the combo of fiber, healthy fat, and protein is satiating, so it’ll also make you happier in the short run because you won’t get hangry.
Need a quick + easy meal? Make this satisfying Super Simple Shrimp Salad via @EllenSlater in just 5 minutes! Share on XIt’s simple
You’re busy. I’m busy. Everyone is busy. This is a quick meal that comes together in about five minutes. We all have time for that.
- 3 oz. frozen shrimp, thawed, tails removed
- 1 t. honey or maple syrup
- 1 t. apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 t. garlic powder
- 2 c. chopped spinach
- 1/3 avocado
- 1/2 c. sugar snap peas
- 1/2 c. raspberries
- Salt
- Pepper
- Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat.
- Toss shrimp with honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Place shrimp and sauce in the skillet and heat through, about two minutes.
- While the shrimp are warming up, slice the avocado and chop up the sugar snap peas.
- Add spinach, avocado, peas, and raspberries to a bowl.
- Top with warm shrimp and the honey-vinegar glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
- I also like to add chopped pistachios and/or serve with crackers for a little extra crunch!
Click to view nutrition facts for Super Simple Spring Shrimp Salad
Not hungry now? Pin it for later!
What foods feel fancy to you?
What are your favorite salad toppings?
What’s your favorite 5-minute meal?
Seafood and berries are one of those little secrets that no one knows about but is totally delicious. Try it will blueberries next! And yes, a salad can totally brighten one’s day!
Ahhh blueberries do sound great with this! I make crab cakes with a blueberry salsa and that’s amazing, too!
Okay girl, I LOVE shrimp. But the raspberries? I have this weird aversion to fruit in salads… though I’ve never tried it so I know that argument is fruitless. Agh, I just don’t know! Oh and I have to mention, your photography here is superb.
Hahaha the “fruitless” was kinda punny 😉 And if you’re that opposed to it, another veggie or something would be good! I’ve done all sorts of things, but I think carrots and corn are both pretty great with this combo! Thank you so much for the photo compliment. I’m loving all thing photography right now and had a lot of fun shooting this simple salad!
I love putting shrimp on my salads. I really like the combo of flavors in this salad, you nailed it girl!
Thank you, Sarah!
The photos are so pretty in this post!
Thanks so much, Megan!
Simple is always my favourite and this looks SO good! I never would have thought of combining shrimp and raspberries!
Thanks, Kristy! I love seafood with fruit!
I agree with you that shrimp is a special treat. I used to not like it, but I do now, and I’ve never tried it on a salad. I love how you paired the raspberries and shrimp and added all these other pretty veggies with such simple effort to make a truly winning salad. Your food photos make me want to eat food.
I used to hate shrimp, too, and I know I complained whenever it made an appearance at the dinner table. Thank you SO MUCH for your kind words, Emily. That absolutely brought a smile to my face ❤️