Lovers' Salad

Lovers' Salad with Avocado and Shrimp - A Fresh Delicacy for Special Moments

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 2

Introduction

In a world filled with flavors and textures, the Lovers' Salad with avocado and shrimp is a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or an elegant lunch. This recipe combines the creamy richness of avocado with the tenderness of shrimp and the crunch of celery, offering an explosion of tastes and nutrients. Avocado, known as the 'fruit of love,' is famous not only for its smooth texture but also for its beneficial properties, being rich in healthy fats and vitamins.

Necessary Ingredients

To prepare this delicious salad, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 ripe avocado (make sure it’s soft to the touch, but not too much).
- 300 g cooked and peeled shrimp (you can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure they are of good quality).
- 2 celery roots (opt for fresh celery with green leaves for added flavor).
- 4 shelled walnuts (for an extra crunch and nutrients).
- 1 packet of Knorr Mediterranean dressing (or a homemade dressing for a personalized taste).

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Avocado:
- Cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to avoid uneven cuts.
- Carefully peel the skin with a knife or by hand, making sure not to damage the flesh.
- Remove the pit with a spoon or knife, being careful not to injure yourself.
- With a spoon, scoop out pieces of the avocado flesh, leaving about 1 cm thickness in the avocado halves. These will become perfect bowls for the salad.
- The remaining avocado skin will be chopped up, to be used in the salad mix.

2. Preparing the Shrimp:
- In a pot of boiling water, toss in the shrimp and let them boil for 30 seconds.
- After that, transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is essential for achieving juicy and well-textured shrimp.
- Drain the shrimp and let them cool completely.

3. Preparing the Celery:
- Peel the celery and cut it into small cubes of about 1 cm. This will add a crunchy note to the salad.

4. Mixing the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped avocado flesh, cooled shrimp, celery cubes, and roughly chopped walnuts.
- Add the Knorr Mediterranean dressing and gently mix, being careful not to crush the ingredients.
- Here you can add a personal touch: a teaspoon of lemon juice for extra acidity or a few fresh dill leaves for a vibrant taste.

5. Filling the Avocado:
- Fill the avocado halves with the mixture, ensuring they are well filled but not oversaturated.
- This step is important for presenting the salad in a visually appealing way.

6. Chilling:
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the salad refreshing.

Serving and Suggestions

The Lovers' Salad can be served as an appetizer or as a main course, alongside a slice of toasted bread or savory crackers. An excellent combination would be with a glass of light white wine or a fresh citrus-based cocktail.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol. Shrimp provides quality protein, while celery and walnuts add a good dose of fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, make sure to completely thaw them before using.

2. What else can I add to the salad?
- You can add chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even a bit of feta cheese for a salty note.

3. How can I turn this recipe into a main dish?
- Add cooked quinoa, rice, or pasta to make the salad more filling.

Possible Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with cooked chickpeas or fried tofu. You can also experiment with different dressings, such as a yogurt sauce with dill or a vinaigrette made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Conclusion

The Lovers' Salad with avocado and shrimp is not just a recipe but a culinary experience that will impress anyone who savors it. It is easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and perfect for any special occasion. So gather the ingredients and let yourself be inspired by the flavor and freshness of this dish. With every bite, you will feel not only the taste but also the love you put into the preparation. Bon appétit!