Chunky Guacamole & Shrimp Salad
Some people might call this a “deconstructed” guacamole salad … all the ingredients are there but they still stand on their own: avocado, onion, pepper, jalapeno, and tomato. Toss in a little lime juice, fresh cilantro, salt and pepper. The shrimp top it off and it all sits on a layer of cool and creamy cottage cheese.
cottage cheese
Are you a cottage cheese lover, or are you one who looks at it and wonders how anyone could actually want to eat it? I actually fall somewhere in the middle of these two categories. I fall into the “it depends on what you put with it” category. Lots of people eat it plain, with fruits and vegetables, with peanut butter and jelly, on toast or crackers. I’m getting there. I know it’s good for you (high protein dairy source, low-fat, reasonable calories), but I don’t crave it … yet.
This salad, however, I do crave. I saw a version of it on Pinterest when I was eating lunch after lunch after lunch on the bleachers at high school baseball games. Those hot, humid, long afternoons required something light, fresh and portable. And then there are those cold, windy, winter days where I just need a reminder that the sun will come out again. Luckily, the ingredients for this salad are readily available any time of year.
build your own
I love cilantro. My husband hates it. Some people can’t get enough jalapeño. Others prefer not to “feel the burn”. Accommodate everyone’s personal preferences by making this a build-your-own-salad-bar. Line up the ingredients and let ’em get creative:
- more or less of an ingredient
- how large/small the vegetables are cut (bigger cuts for bigger punches of flavor)
- omit an ingredient (not the cottage cheese … it is so good)
- BIG bowl or small plate
This would actually make a fantastic picnic or potluck dish too. Layer the ingredients in mason jars or small, clear, plastic cups for easy serving.
Chunky Guac & Shrimp Salad
I am grateful to Pinterest for inspiring so many of my dishes. While browsing through a cottage cheese search, a Roasted Beet and Cottage Cheese Toast recipe caught my eye.
Guess I know what’s for lunch tomorrow!
