Shrimp Salad - Yum! even if you're not crazy about shrimp

I have mentioned before that I enjoy watching the Food Network while I work out at the gym. Giada always talks about making things taste fresh and having flavors that really pop in your mouth. Well, this recipe surely does both.

I made it the first time because I had shrimp in my freezer and didn't want to eat boring shrimp cocktail. I made it the second time because Karl and I thought it was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s.

It comes from a cookbook called Everyday Paleo by Sarah Fragoso. When I started dating Karl, he introduced me to the Paleo diet. It's foundation is based on the paleolithic man and what he would consume. Theoretically, human beings started out eating lots of meat and fat from the meat. They also ate vegetables and sometimes fruits, when they were in season, and only when they came across them on their nomadic journeys. Strict paleo followers will not eat any grains, any dairy, and absolutely no processed food. Eating this way is supposed to help alleviate gut problems.

Having plenty of gastrointestinal problems myself, I was happy to try this diet out with Karl. I am not strict on it, however, as I find it an incredibly difficult practice in the midst of community and by just being generally busy. But at home I try to stear clear of wheat, dairy, sugar, processed foods, and most grains except rice (and that we eat only occasionally).

Having said all this, when Sarah's book came out (I read a lot of paleo and allergy friendly food blogs), I was really excited to try it. There is something wonderful about an actual cook book. You don't have to print out the recipes ahead of time, or try to use your computer/phone to read the recipe while fearing that accidentally you will spill on an easily damageable electronic. I borrowed it from the library, tried the chicken piccata recipe (which I will post later), loved it, and decided to invest in the cookbook permanently.

Anyway, I made this from her book and it was great. I didn't have arugula, so we just ate it without. And I forgot to put the avocado with it both times - but I am sure that would make it even better.

Ginger Shrimp Salad

1 pound medium shrimp
Juice from 1 lemon
1 tsp. fresh ginger, grated (I only had dried, and it worked fine)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 green onions, diced
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
Pinch of sea salt
Black pepper to taste
4 cups arugula
1 avocado, sliced
EVOO to taste (extra virgin olive oil)

1. Toss the shrimp into boiling water. Bring back to a simmer.

2. Once the shrimp rise to the top, remove them and place in ice water. Then drain and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the shell, tail, and vein from each shrimp.

3. Toss the cold shrimp with the lemon juice, ginger, garlic, onions, red pepper flakes, and salt.

4. Serve on a bed of arugula garnished with sliced avocado, and top with a drizzle of the EVOO.