Shrimp Stir Fry Salad

The Shrimp Stir Fry Salad is a fresh and exciting twist on your average salad. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection and tossed with crisp vegetables like sugar snap peas, bell pepper, and carrots for a dynamic mix of textures. Everything gets tied together with a zesty sesame-ginger dressing that brings Asian-inspired flavor to every bite.

This dish is more than just a pretty plate it’s a nutrient-packed meal that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal-prepping lunches. With healthy fats from avocado, lean protein from shrimp, and crunchy veggies, it’s a well-balanced bowl of goodness you’ll want to make again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)

• 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 2 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine

• 1/2 avocado, sliced

• Sesame seeds for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari (or soy sauce)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook 1–2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, stir fry snap peas, red bell pepper, and carrots for about 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic to make the dressing.

5. In serving bowls, layer mixed greens, sautéed vegetables, cooked shrimp, avocado slices, and green onions.

6. Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

The Shrimp Stir Fry Salad is a deliciously vibrant dish that perfectly blends the best of two culinary worlds: the satisfying warmth of a stir-fry with the refreshing crunch of a salad. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a wholesome, colorful, and protein-packed meal that feels indulgent yet light. This salad combines seared shrimp with an assortment of crisp vegetables, all drizzled in a flavorful sesame-ginger dressing that brings a bright and savory Asian-inspired flair. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a standout lunch bowl, this recipe delivers on every level taste, nutrition, and simplicity.

A Healthy Bowl Packed with Nutrients

Shrimp, the star ingredient of this dish, is low in calories yet high in protein, offering an excellent source of selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients contribute to heart health, brain function, and thyroid regulation. When paired with fresh vegetables like sugar snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, and creamy avocado, the meal becomes a powerhouse of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion.

The use of mixed greens or crunchy romaine as a base adds another layer of texture and nutrition, making this dish not just delicious but also balanced. The vegetables remain lightly cooked to retain their natural crispness and color, making the salad both visually appealing and nutritionally dense.

The Magic of the Sesame-Ginger Dressing

What truly sets this salad apart is the simple yet powerful sesame-ginger dressing. Combining low-sodium tamari or soy sauce with rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic, the dressing offers a rich umami depth with a touch of sweetness and tang. Ginger and garlic are not only flavorful, but also boast anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, adding another level of health benefit to the dish.

Sesame oil lends a nutty aroma and flavor that is often associated with Asian stir-fry dishes, tying the whole bowl together and enhancing the warmth of the sautéed vegetables and shrimp. This dressing can easily be made ahead and stored, and it complements not only this salad but other proteins like grilled tofu, chicken, or salmon as well.

Why This Salad Works So Well

This recipe excels because it’s an ideal combination of contrast and harmony. The warm, savory shrimp paired with cool, crunchy greens creates a satisfying sensory experience. The creaminess of avocado balances the bright, acidic dressing, and the sesame seeds on top provide a toasty finish. Each component of the salad is thoughtfully selected to bring both texture and flavor diversity, making every bite exciting.

What’s more, this recipe is flexible. You can swap in other vegetables depending on what’s in season or in your fridge zucchini, mushrooms, red cabbage, or edamame all work beautifully. The dish also accommodates various dietary needs. It’s naturally gluten-free when using tamari, and dairy-free by design. For low-carb eaters, it fits right in, and for those looking to increase protein, you can easily double the shrimp or add a boiled egg or some tofu.

Ideal for Busy Lifestyles

In today’s fast-paced world, healthy eating can often take a backseat to convenience. That’s why this Shrimp Stir Fry Salad is such a valuable recipe. It comes together in about 20 minutes with minimal prep and cooking. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find fresh items. Whether you’re cooking for one, meal prepping for the week, or feeding your family, this recipe is simple to scale up or down.

The shrimp cook in just minutes, and the vegetables are quickly stir-fried to retain their crunch. The dressing can be whisked together in less than two minutes, and everything comes together in one bowl no need for multiple pans or complex cooking methods. Cleanup is a breeze, and the leftovers taste great cold the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch.

Meal Prep and Customization Tips

This dish is incredibly meal prep-friendly. You can cook the shrimp in advance, stir-fry the veggies, and store them separately in containers. The dressing can be bottled and kept in the fridge for up to a week. Just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.

Want to customize it? Here are some quick ideas:

• Add a soft-boiled or hard-boiled egg for extra protein.
• Toss in cold soba noodles or brown rice for a more filling grain bowl.
• Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch.
• Toss in some pickled onions or radishes for tang and color.

These little tweaks make it easy to enjoy the same recipe in different ways throughout the week.

Perfect for All Seasons

Although stir-fry might feel like a cold-weather comfort, this salad is truly a year-round dish. In the spring and summer, it feels light and refreshing thanks to the raw greens and avocado. In the fall and winter, it satisfies the craving for warmth and heartiness through the stir-fried components. The dressing is robust enough to hold up against seasonal greens or roasted vegetables, making this a recipe you can adapt throughout the year.

Who Will Love This Dish?

This salad is perfect for:

• Busy professionals who need a quick, balanced meal
• Fitness enthusiasts looking for high-protein, low-carb dishes
• Parents wanting a light but satisfying dinner for the family
• Meal preppers who love versatile, fresh recipes
• Anyone trying to incorporate more seafood and veggies into their diet

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, the simplicity of this recipe makes it foolproof, while its flavors make it feel gourmet.

Conclusion: A Bowl of Balance, Flavor, and Simplicity

The Shrimp Stir Fry Salad proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. With juicy shrimp, crunchy stir-fried vegetables, creamy avocado, and a lively sesame-ginger dressing, every forkful bursts with fresh flavor and satisfying nutrition. It’s a go-to recipe you can rely on for busy weeknights, meal prep routines, or even casual dinner parties.

Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable to fit your dietary needs, pantry availability, or flavor preferences. This dish celebrates balance in nutrition, in flavor, and in effort and it’s one you’ll come back to time and time again.