Chili Lime Shrimp Salad

I'll pretty much eat anything that starts with the words "chili lime"... and make it another non-boring, high protein salad?? Count me in!

One of my favorite salads ever is the citrus avocado shrimp salad from Simmzy's. However, it can be a little too sweet for me and I could do without the mandarin oranges, in fact I ask for them on the side... Sooo, here is my tangier, spicier version, with lime as the citrus focus rather than orange!

While this salad does take some prep work, it is so easy to double the recipe and have on hand for a week of lunches! Just make ahead the quinoa, shrimp, and dressing, and the rest just requires some chopping and assembling! You can also add any other toppings like black beans, pepitas, or even tortilla chips! Leave the dressing and avocado on the side and just toss it in when you're ready to eat! Bring the salad to work enjoy it on the weekend with a nice cold margarita on the side!

Chili lime shrimp salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb wild caught shrimp

• 1/2 cup quinoa, cooked

• 2 heads of romaine lettuce

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1/2 avocado

• 2 tbsp cilantro

• 2 tbsp cotija cheese

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• juice of one lime (about 2 tbsp)

• 2 garlic cloves, grated

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/4 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• a sprinkle of cayenne pepper

• sea salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare all parts of the salad: cook quinoa according to package and set aside to cool, cook shrimp as desired (I like to grill it!), and chop the romaine, red bell pepper, and cilantro.

2. Add the romaine to a big bowl and toss with the dressing.

3. Mix in the quinoa, red bell pepper, cilantro, and cotija cheese.

4. Serve and top with shrimp, avocado, lime, and more cilantro and cotija cheese!