Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers are the perfect balance of freshness, flavor, and visual appeal. These bite-sized appetizers feel light and refreshing while still delivering satisfying texture and taste. Crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and tender shrimp come together in a combination that feels both elegant and approachable. I often turn to this recipe when I need a quick appetizer that looks impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen. It is ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or warm-weather entertaining when heavier appetizers feel overwhelming. The clean flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, even for guests who prefer lighter options. Best of all, these appetizers require minimal cooking, can be assembled quickly, and are easy to customize based on personal preference. They are proof that simple ingredients, when paired thoughtfully, can create something truly special.
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Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers – Fresh, Elegant, and Effortless
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 appetizers
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Light, refreshing avocado cucumber shrimp appetizers that are perfect for parties, featuring crisp cucumber slices topped with creamy avocado and seasoned shrimp.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced into rounds
- 12 oz cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers into 1/2-inch thick rounds and arrange on a serving platter.
- In a bowl, mash avocado with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold chopped shrimp into the avocado mixture.
- Spoon the shrimp-avocado mixture onto each cucumber slice.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time.
- Best served fresh to prevent avocado browning.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp provide the protein base, offering a tender texture and mild seafood flavor.
English cucumber serves as the crisp, refreshing foundation for each bite.
Ripe avocado adds creaminess and richness that balances the shrimp.
Lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the avocado from browning.
Salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and balance.
Garlic powder provides gentle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Fresh dill or parsley adds freshness and visual appeal.
Olive oil lightly coats the shrimp and enhances overall flavor.
Optional cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be added for extra creaminess.
Directions
Begin by cooking the shrimp if they are not already prepared. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add the shrimp, and cook just until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and allow them to cool completely before chopping into small pieces.
Slice the cucumber into thick rounds and gently scoop out a small portion of the center to create a shallow cup. Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving platter.
In a bowl, mash the avocado lightly with lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until creamy but still textured. Fold in the chopped shrimp and olive oil, mixing gently to keep the shrimp intact.
Spoon the avocado shrimp mixture into each cucumber cup. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20 appetizer bites. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with no additional cooking time if using pre-cooked shrimp.
Storage/reheating
These appetizers are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store the avocado shrimp mixture separately in an airtight container for up to one day. Assemble just before serving. Reheating is not recommended.
Variations and Customizations
Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers are easy to adapt to different tastes. For a spicier version, add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the avocado mixture. A small drizzle of hot sauce can also add heat without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
If you enjoy extra creaminess, mix a small amount of cream cheese or Greek yogurt into the avocado. I tested this variation, and it created a smoother, slightly tangy filling that paired beautifully with the crisp cucumber.
You can also swap shrimp for crab meat or smoked salmon for a different seafood profile. Adding lime juice instead of lemon gives the dish a brighter, more tropical note. These variations allow you to keep the recipe fresh and flexible for different occasions.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein (g) | 6 |
| Carbs (g) | 4 |
| Fat (g) | 6 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 1 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 1 |
| Sodium (mg) | 160 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Choose ripe avocado
Use an avocado that yields slightly to pressure for the best texture.
Do not overcook shrimp
Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose flavor.
Assemble last minute
This keeps the cucumber crisp and the avocado vibrant.
Uniform cuts
Evenly sized cucumber slices make the appetizers look polished.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before using.
Are these appetizers keto-friendly?
Yes, they are naturally low in carbohydrates.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the filling ahead, but assemble just before serving.
What cucumber works best?
English cucumbers are ideal due to fewer seeds and crisp texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit any optional dairy additions.
What can I serve with these appetizers?
They pair well with other light appetizers, salads, or sparkling drinks.
Conclusion
Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers are a fresh, elegant option that fits effortlessly into any entertaining menu. With crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and tender shrimp, they deliver flavor, texture, and visual appeal in every bite, making them a reliable choice for any occasion.
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