Creating this shrimp salad is an experience in itself, much like the joyful chaos of Mama Lou’s kitchen. Follow these steps to recreate those cherished moments in your own home:

1. Begin by marinating the shrimp. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper, then add the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

2. While the shrimp marinates, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, cube the avocado, and thinly slice the red onion. Toss them all together in a large salad bowl.

3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This step always brings back memories of Mama Lou, expertly flipping shrimp with an ease that I aspire to.

4. Once the shrimp are cooked, let them cool slightly before adding them to the salad bowl. Toss everything together gently, being careful not to mash the avocado.

5. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the salad, adding a touch of freshness that ties the dish together beautifully.

Each step of this process is a tribute to the love and care that went into every meal shared with my family, a reminder of the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together.