High-Protein Shrimp Quesadillas with Fresh Tomato Avocado Salsa

If you’re looking for a satisfying, protein-packed meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, these High-Protein Shrimp Quesadillas with Fresh Tomato Avocado Salsa are exactly what you need. Crispy golden tortillas filled with juicy, seasoned shrimp and melty cheese, topped with a bright and refreshing avocado tomato salsa — this recipe brings bold flavor and balanced nutrition to your table.

Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a post-workout high-protein meal, or a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings, this shrimp quesadilla recipe delivers every time.

Let’s break down why this is one of the best healthy shrimp dinner ideas you’ll make this week.

Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Shrimp Quesadillas

This easy high-protein Mexican meal checks all the boxes:

• Loaded with lean protein from shrimp
• Crispy outside, cheesy inside
• Fresh and vibrant salsa topping
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep
• Customizable spice level

Shrimp cooks quickly, making it ideal for fast meals. Combined with protein-rich cheese and served with nutrient-dense avocado tomato salsa, this dish offers balanced macros and bold flavor.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Filling:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Quesadillas:

• 4 large whole wheat or high-protein tortillas
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)

For the Fresh Tomato Avocado Salsa:

• 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Season the Shrimp
   Pat shrimp dry. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
2. Cook the Shrimp
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Salsa
   In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Gently toss and set aside.
4. Assemble the Quesadillas
   Lay tortillas flat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over one half of each tortilla. Add chopped shrimp over the cheese, then fold tortillas in half.
5. Cook Until Crispy
   Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Cook quesadillas 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
6. Slice and Serve
   Let rest 1 minute, then slice into wedges. Top with fresh tomato avocado salsa and serve with Greek yogurt if desired.

High-Protein Shrimp Quesadillas with Fresh Tomato Avocado Salsa

Crispy shrimp quesadillas packed with lean protein and topped with fresh avocado tomato salsa for a healthy, flavorful meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shrimp Filling

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Quesadilla Assembly

• 4 large whole wheat tortillas
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese

Fresh Tomato Avocado Salsa

• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado diced
• 2 tbsp red onion finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
• 0.25 tsp salt

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Season and cook shrimp until opaque.
2. Prepare fresh tomato avocado salsa.
3. Assemble quesadillas with cheese and shrimp.
4. Cook until golden and cheese melts, then slice and serve.

Notes

Great for meal prep and high-protein weeknight dinners.

Protein Breakdown

One serving of these high-protein shrimp quesadillas provides approximately:

• 35–40 grams of protein
• Healthy fats from avocado
• Complex carbohydrates from whole wheat tortillas
• Lean, low-fat protein from shrimp

Shrimp is naturally high in protein and low in calories, making it ideal for fitness-focused meals.

Tips for Perfect Quesadillas

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet — cook one at a time for crispiness.
• Use medium heat to prevent burning.
• Let quesadillas rest briefly before slicing to avoid cheese spillover.
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for better searing.

Customization Ideas

1. Make It Spicy

Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

2. Extra Veggie Boost

Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the filling.

3. Low-Carb Option

Use low-carb tortillas or serve filling over lettuce wraps.

4. Extra Protein Boost

Mix in black beans or add extra Greek yogurt topping.

5. Dairy-Free Version

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Meal Prep & Storage

These shrimp quesadillas are meal prep friendly.

• Store cooked shrimp separately from tortillas for best texture.
• Refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat quesadillas in a skillet for crispiness.
• Keep salsa fresh by storing avocado separately if prepping ahead.

Why Fresh Tomato Avocado Salsa Elevates This Dish

The bright, fresh salsa balances the richness of cheese and shrimp. The acidity from lime enhances flavor, while creamy avocado provides healthy fats and smooth texture.

This contrast keeps the dish from feeling heavy and adds freshness to every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these shrimp quesadillas with:

• A simple green salad
• Mexican-style rice
• Grilled corn
• Black bean salad
• Fresh fruit

They also make a great game-day appetizer when cut into smaller wedges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I grill them instead of pan-cooking?
Absolutely — grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

How do I prevent soggy quesadillas?
Drain shrimp well and avoid overloading with salsa before serving.

Can I make them ahead?
Yes, but assemble and cook fresh for best crisp texture.

Final Thoughts

These High-Protein Shrimp Quesadillas with Fresh Tomato Avocado Salsa are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy comfort and fresh, vibrant flavor. They’re quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

If you’ve been searching for healthy shrimp dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice flavor, this shrimp quesadilla recipe deserves a permanent place in your meal rotation.