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So, it appears I have a recipe theme of “shrimp meals” going on this month as my last post was this super simple and delicious Grilled Pesto Garden Salad with Warm Balsamic Shrimp. Today I’m continuing on with the theme and sharing my Citrus Shrimp & Avocado Toast Recipe. I have had this one in my recipe binder for years now and it has a regular presence in our home. I don’t know how it has not made it's way to the blog until today! Needless to say, I’m really excited to share this one with you guys.

As you probably already know by now, I’m a big fan of simple meals with simple but tasty quality ingredients. I always ask myself, “How can I bring out the flavors of simple ingredients and pair them together for a memorable meal with family and friends?” I, personally, think this recipe is one that answers this question perfectly. It takes the classic avocado toast but adds a few more ingredients, including a little bit of protein, to help make it a more complete meal and a good option for you and your busy athletes!

The tomatoes can cook on the stove or you can broil them in the oven while you cook the shrimp and toast your bread (I typically broil them so it frees me up to work on the other components of the dish). Once that is complete, you just have to start building your toast! This dish has alllll the wonderful flavors going on with the layer of creamy savory avocado, juicy sweet and salty tomatoes, a pop of sweet yellow corn and those warm citrusy chili shrimp. I seriously do love this dish and it’s so easy for those hot southern summer nights when you want something cool but satisfying for dinner. Whatever your schedule may be, I hope you can enjoy this dish with me this summer!

Happy Fueling!

Taylor

CITRUS SHRIMP & AVOCADO TOAST

Makes 4 toasts

INGREDIENTS:

For the Shrimp:

2 tablespoons olive oil
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 1 lime
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (you will have shrimp leftover for meals later that week. I typically do 4 to 5 shrimp per piece of toast). I get the smaller shrimp so more fit on each slice of toast :)

For the Toast:

4 slices of whole-wheat bread
1/2 cup mashed avocado (about 2 small avocados or 1 large avocado)
1/2 tablespoon lime juice
1 dry pint of cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons frozen & thawed corn (equivalent to 1/4 cup)
OPTIONAL - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, served on the side and sprinkled over toast

DIRECTIONS:

To make the shrimp marinade, combine the ingredients for the shrimp in a small bowl and whisk well to combine.
Add the shrimp to a plastic sealable bag and then pour in the marinade.
Place plastic bag in the refrigerator and allow the shrimp to marinate for around an hour.
Set the oven to broil and line a small baking sheet with foil.
Add lime juice to the mashed avocado to flavor it and prevent it from browning while you prepare the rest of the dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes with the 1 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Add the tomatoes to the baking sheet and allow to broil in the oven about 6 to 8 minutes.
While the tomatoes cook, heat a medium-sized skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are white throughout.
Remove the cooked tomatoes from the broiler and set aside.
Begin to toast your bread and remove the shrimp from the heat when done cooking.
Place your slices of toast on separate plates or a serving platter and assemble by adding to each slice:
1. Mashed avocado
2. Broiled tomatoes
3. Sweet yellow corn (about 1 tablespoon per toast)
4. 4 to 5 chili lime shrimp
Sprinkle slices with feta, if desired, and enjoy!

NOTE: We often serve our Toast with a simple spinach & mango salad sprinkled with toasted pumpkin seeds and drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Inspired by one of my other recipes found here!

I like serving this flavor-packed Toast with a simple spinach salad tossed with sweet cook mangos, crunchy toasted nutty pumpkin seeds and drizzles of a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

NUTRITION NOTES:

The shrimp and whole grain bread provide PROTEIN

The roasted tomatoes are full of VITAMIN C and LYCOPENE. The vitamin C can help the body absorb any iron found in this dish (like in the whole grain bread or any in the shrimp)

The creamy avocado provides POTASSIUM, LUTEIN, and MONOUNSATURATED FATS. Beneficial for bone health, muscle contractions, good vision, brain health and helping fight inflammation!