This Paleo Spicy Shrimp Salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Fresh shrimp is tossed with avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and a zesty lime-tomato dressing. It’s paleo-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and can be adjusted for Crohn’s patients by using fresh tomato puree instead of canned. Serve it chilled for a satisfying appetizer or a complete meal.

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (uses pre-cooked shrimp)

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup sweet onion (such as Vidalia), finely chopped

  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 2 tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 cucumber, finely chopped

  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (leave some seeds for more heat)

  • 2 cups tomato puree (use fresh tomatoes for Crohn’s diet, not canned)

  • ½ cup clam juice

  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves only, chopped

  • 2 tbsp hot pepper sauce (such as Cholula) — adjust to taste

  • 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and chopped

  • 1 lb cooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, chilled

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate onion: In a small bowl, combine lime juice and chopped onion. Let sit for 5 minutes.

  2. Prepare vegetables: In a large bowl, mix tomatoes, cucumber, celery, jalapeño, and avocado. Add shrimp and toss lightly.

  3. Make dressing: In another bowl, combine tomato puree, clam juice, cilantro, and the onion-lime mixture. Stir in hot sauce.

  4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss gently until well coated.

  5. Chill and serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20 minutes for a colder, more refreshing dish.

Notes

  • Crohn’s-friendly tip: Avoid canned tomato puree and opt for fresh-blended tomatoes to reduce preservatives and acidity.

  • Make-ahead option: Prep vegetables and shrimp in advance, but add avocado and dressing just before serving.

  • Serving suggestion: Delicious on its own, or serve over crisp lettuce leaves for extra crunch.

FAQs

Is this shrimp salad paleo?
Yes, this recipe uses only paleo-approved ingredients with no grains, dairy, or processed foods.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw, peel, and devein shrimp before using. Just make sure it’s fully chilled.

How can I make it less spicy?
Remove jalapeño seeds and reduce or omit hot sauce for a milder flavor.