• Fast

Ingredients

1. 3/4 cup water
2. 2 teaspoons salt
3. 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, shelled
4. 1 small jicama (about 3/4 pound), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
5. 1 mango, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
6. 1/2 cup chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
7. 6 tablespoons lemon juice
8. 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
9. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
10. 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions

1. In a large frying pan, bring the water and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt to a boil. Add the shrimp, cover, and bring back to a boil. Cook, covered, over moderate heat for 1 minute. Stir. Continue cooking until the shrimp are just done, about 2 minutes longer. Drain. When the shrimp are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise and then in half crosswise.
2. Put the shrimp in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl and add the jicama, mango, and cilantro.
3. In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, the mustard, the remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and the pepper. Add the oil slowly, whisking. Just before serving, add this vinaigrette to the shrimp mixture and toss.

Notes

Shellfish Alternatives
Crabmeat, though expensive, is delicious in this salad and is a time-saver, too, since it's usually already cooked. (For that matter, you can use precooked shrimp instead of boiling uncooked ones.) If you really want to splurge, try the salad with lobster.