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Merry

Zesty Shrimp Cocktail Party Appetizer

Turn your next gathering into a culinary hit with this Zesty Shrimp Cocktail Party Appetizer! Packed with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a bold, tangy dressing, this dish is the perfect balance of freshness and spice. Whether served in individual cups or a stunning bowl, it’s guaranteed to wow your guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound medium shrimp raw or pre-cooked
  • Kosher salt for seasoning
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 cup peeled diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 jalapeño minced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 15-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped, OR 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 to 4 tablespoons hot sauce such as Crystal or Tabasco, to taste
  • 1 avocado cut into chunks

Method
 

Prepare the shrimp:
  1. If raw shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp.
  2. Bring a medium pot of salted water (1 tablespoon salt per 2 quarts) to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until just opaque.
  3. Drain the shrimp and cool them by chilling in ice water or in the refrigerator. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid for later use.
  4. Cut half the shrimp into large chunks, leaving the other half whole for garnish.
  5. If pre-cooked shrimp: Skip the above cooking steps and proceed directly to the chopping stage.
Combine the main ingredients:
  1. In a large bowl, add the chopped shrimp, red onion, cucumber, celery, jalapeño, tomatoes, ketchup, cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce.
  2. Gently toss the ingredients to combine.
Adjust the consistency:
  1. Gradually add the reserved shrimp cooking liquid (or lightly salted water) until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. This will create a lightly saucy texture.
Add avocado and final touches:
  1. Gently fold in the avocado chunks to avoid mashing.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and hot sauce, if needed.
Chill and serve:
  1. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Serve in small bowls or parfait glasses with tortilla chips or crackers on the side. Garnish with lime wedges and whole shrimp for a stunning presentation.

Notes

  • Customizations:
    Swap jalapeño for serrano peppers if you want more heat, or use bell peppers for a milder option.
  • Storage:
    Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Serving Tip:
    This appetizer pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips, fresh baguette slices, or as a topping for tostadas.
  • Vegan Alternative:
    Substitute shrimp with diced hearts of palm or jackfruit for a plant-based version.

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