When the summer heat hits, or I’m just totally wiped after a long day, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where these amazing Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps come swooping in! Seriously, they are my absolute go-to when I need something super fresh, ridiculously flavorful, and ready in a flash. No cooking required, which is a major win in my book! I stumbled upon this combo years ago when I was trying to come up with a lighter lunch option that still felt satisfying. Mixing creamy avocado with sweet mango and juicy shrimp in a crisp lettuce cup? Pure genius. They’re naturally gluten-free too, which my friend Sarah always appreciates.
Why You’ll Love These Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Seriously, these wraps are a lifesaver! Here’s why they’ve become my weeknight best friend:
- Lightning Fast: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for when you’re craving something delicious *now*.
- Super Simple: No cooking involved! Just chop, mix, and wrap – seriously, it doesn’t get easier.
- Flavor Explosion: That sweet mango, creamy avocado, zesty lime, and succulent shrimp? It’s a party your taste buds won’t forget.
- Healthy & Light: Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a guilt-free meal that will leave you feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten, making it a fantastic option for diverse dietary needs.
- So Versatile: Easily swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, or add your favorite crunchy veggies!
Ingredients for Your Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to whip up these beauties:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, just a pinch of each, to taste
- 8-10 large lettuce leaves (butter or romaine work best for holding everything in!)
Tips for Perfect Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Okay, so these wraps are pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can take them from good to absolutely stellar! First off, the ripeness of your avocado and mango is SO important. You want them both to be perfectly ripe – that means they give just a little when you gently squeeze them. For the avocado, it should feel soft but not mushy, and the mango should be fragrant and slightly tender. Trust me, overripe avocado can turn these into a mush-fest, and an unripe mango is just… sad. I always get mine a day or two ahead and let them ripen on the counter.
When you’re chopping, try to keep the dice size fairly consistent for both the avocado and mango. It makes for a much better texture in every bite. I like to use medium dice, about half an inch. And for the shrimp? If you’re using frozen, make sure they’re completely thawed.
A little tip I learned the hard way: don’t overmix once the dressing is on! You want to gently toss everything so the avocado and mango don’t break down too much. It’s better to have distinct pieces of each. This is why I love adding the dressing *after* all the main ingredients are in the bowl. And speaking of dressing, give it a taste before you dump it all in! Sometimes limes are tarter than others, and you might want a tiny bit more salt or a spritz more juice. You can totally play with it! For more ideas on how to use avocado, check out these avocado toast variations. And if you love tropical flavors, this tropical fruit salad is another winner!
How to Make Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: Step-by-Step
Okay, let’s get these fabulous Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps put together! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll be amazed. This recipe is designed to be super quick, taking only about 15 minutes from start to finish, and it makes about 4 servings, with each serving giving you around 2-3 wraps. Perfect for a speedy lunch or a light dinner!
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Combining the Filling Ingredients
First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. Into that, toss your cooked shrimp, those lovely diced avocados, the sweet diced mango, the finely chopped red onion, and all that fresh cilantro. Just give it a gentle nudge to get things acquainted. We want to keep everything looking pretty!
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Preparing the Zesty Lime Dressing
Now, for the magic dressing! In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together your lime juice and olive oil. This is your chance to really make it your own. Sprinkle in your salt and pepper, give it a good whisk, and then taste it! Does it need a little more zing? Add another splash of lime. Is it perfect? Great! You want this dressing to be bright and flavorful.
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Tossing and Assembling Your Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Time to bring it all together! Pour that delicious lime dressing over the shrimp and fruit mixture in the larger bowl. Now, gently toss everything together. I mean *gently* – we don’t want to mash our beautiful avocado and mango into oblivion! Once it’s all nicely coated, spoon generous amounts of this mixture into your prepared lettuce leaves. Serve them up right away so the lettuce stays crisp!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! For the lettuce cups, I’m a huge fan of butter lettuce because the leaves are so soft and cup-shaped already, making them perfect for holding all that yummy filling. Romaine is a great second option if you prefer something a little sturdier. Just make sure they’re nice big leaves!
Now, if shrimp isn’t your jam, don’t even worry about it! This filling is super adaptable. Cooked shredded chicken or even some firm tofu, cubed or crumbled, works like a charm. I’ve also made these with flaked salmon before, and wowza, delicious! If red onion feels a bit too strong for you, try using green onions or even some finely minced shallots. They offer a milder bite that still adds a nice bit of flavor.
And don’t be afraid to play with the fruit! While mango is my absolute fave here for its tropical sweetness, pineapple chunks can also be a fantastic substitute. For more awesome bowl ideas, check out this falafel bowl or these chicken fajitas!
Serving Suggestions for Your Lettuce Wraps
These Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are pretty fantastic on their own, but sometimes it’s nice to round out the meal, right? They pair beautifully with lighter sides that won’t overpower those fresh flavors. A simple Caesar salad is always a winner, or you could go with a refreshing cucumber and jicama slaw for extra crunch. And if you’re looking for something warm, a light and creamy tomato basil soup is just dreamy alongside these wraps. Honestly, though, they’re so satisfying, you might not even need a side!
Storage and Reheating
Okay, real talk: these Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are absolutely best enjoyed *immediately*. That fresh crunch of the lettuce, the perfect texture of the avocado and mango – it’s all about that immediate freshness. But hey, life happens, and sometimes you only eat half! If you have leftovers, your best bet is to store the shrimp filling separate from the lettuce leaves. Pop the filling in an airtight container in the fridge; it should be good for about a day. The avocado might brown a bit, but it’ll still taste delicious. Just grab fresh lettuce leaves when you’re ready to eat!
Reheating isn’t really a thing here since it’s a no-cook recipe. We’re just looking to preserve that cool, refreshing quality. If the filling feels a little too chilled or firm after being in the fridge, you can let it sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes to take the edge off. Then, just spoon it into fresh lettuce cups and enjoy! Again, they’re truly at their peak right after you make them, so try to make just what you’ll eat if possible!
Frequently Asked Questions About Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Got questions about these yummy wraps? I’ve got answers! Here are some things you might be wondering about making this delightful dish:
Can I make the filling for these avocado mango shrimp lettuce wraps ahead of time?
You totally can make the filling a few hours in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The avocado might brown a little, but it’ll still taste great. For the absolute best texture and flavor, though, I recommend adding the avocado and dressing right before you plan to serve them to keep everything super fresh. It’s a bit like how you wouldn’t want to prep avocado toast too far in advance either!
What other fruits can I use instead of mango?
Mango gives that amazing tropical sweetness, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Diced pineapple is a fantastic substitute – it adds a similar tang and sweetness. Diced peaches or even some sweet cherries, halved, could also be really interesting additions. Think of any sweet, slightly tangy fruit that you might find in a tropical smoothie – those often work wonderfully here too!
Are these avocado mango shrimp lettuce wraps suitable for meal prep?
These are best when assembled right before eating, so they’re not ideal for full meal prep where you assemble everything. However, you can definitely prep the components separately! Chop your veggies, make your dressing, and cook your shrimp ahead of time. Store the filling ingredients (minus the avocado!) separately and just dice your avocado and assemble right before you eat. It still saves a ton of time during the week!
What kind of lettuce is best for these wraps?
My favorites are butter lettuce or Boston lettuce because their leaves are naturally formed into little cups, which are perfect for holding all that delicious filling. Soft romaine hearts, separated into individual leaves, also work really well and give you a nice crunch. Just avoid iceberg lettuce; it’s usually too brittle and doesn’t hold up as well to the filling.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a quick heads-up, these numbers are estimates since everyone’s ingredients can vary a bit! This is based on about 2-3 wraps per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
These wraps are a great way to get a good dose of healthy fats, protein, and fiber without going overboard on calories. Enjoy!
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Avocado Mango Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fresh and flavorful lettuce wraps filled with shrimp, avocado, and mango.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8–10 large lettuce leaves (butter or romaine)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced avocado, diced mango, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into the lettuce leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add some jicama or cucumber.
- You can substitute cooked chicken or tofu for shrimp.
- Adjust lime juice and seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 wraps
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: avocado, mango, shrimp, lettuce wraps, healthy, quick, easy, no cook, gluten free