April 25, 2018

Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers

Name: Shrimp Appetizers with Avocado and Cucumber
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 22 shrimp appetizers
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 garlic cloves (finely minced); 1 Tbsp cilantro (finely chopped, plus more to garnish); 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 avocado; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 Tbsp lime juice (plus more to squeeze over finished appetizers); 1 English Cucumber (sliced into 22 rings)

4.95 from 17 votes
50 comments

These shrimp appetizers have plump juicy cajun shrimp over creamy avocado on a crisp slice of cucumber. These shrimp cucumber bites are a delicious mouthful!

Closeup of shrimp appetizers with cajun shrimp over avocado spread on cucumber bites

This is such an easy shrimp appetizer recipe but it is mouthwatering good and special occasion worthy. It will be the talk of your next party!

The flavor profile of these shrimp appetizers are similar to our shrimp avocado salad (one of our most popular shrimp recipes!), so if you enjoyed that, you will go crazy for these shrimp cucumber bites! My husband and son loved these!

The inspiration for this recipe came from Kevin of Closet Cooking who’s blackened shrimp made my mouth water!

Easy Ingredients for Shrimp Appetizers:

This recipe yields 20-22 cucumber bites (depending on how many shrimp are in a pound of a shrimp). The homemade cajun spice sears on to the shrimp giving it an amazing spicy kick. If you prefer a milder appetizer, you can easily cut the paprika and cayenne in half.

Ingredients needed to make shrimp appetizers

Chef’s Tip on How to Cook Shrimp:

I add the shrimp to the pan using tongs just a few at a time without dropping the entire amount into the hot pan right away which can cool the pan quickly. Also do not crows the pan or the shrimp will juice out and become rubbery. You want to achieve a good sear the shrimp to keep it plump and juicy. If your pan is too small to fit all of the shrimp in 1 batch, cook shrimp in 2 batches.

How to cook shrimp in a skillet showing cajun shrimp blackened in a skillet

The avocado spread is so easy and the lime juice makes it taste like guacamole. Don’t skip the cilantro and generous squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished shrimp avocado appetizers – it ads amazing fresh flavor.

how to make avocado spread by mashing avocado and adding lime juice

This is a recipe you’ll never get tired of eating – good thing it is also a healthy appetizer with only 49 calories per bite! It is friendly for nearly every diet; gluten free, keto/low carb, grain free and paleo.

Assembled avocado shrimp bites on a platter

More Shrimp Appetizers:

Shrimp Avocado Salsa – our #1 salsa (reader and personal favorite)
Cheesy Shrimp Bites – always a hit at parties!
Shrimp artichoke Dip – creamy, cheesy and undeniably good
Coconut Shrimp – with the best 2 ingredient sauce

Garnished shrimp appetizers with squeeze of fresh lime juice and cilantro

Shrimp Appetizers Print Friendly Recipe:

Shrimp Appetizers with Avocado and Cucumber

4.95 from 17 votes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

These shrimp appetizers have plump juicy cajun shrimp over creamy avocado on a crisp slice of cucumber. These shrimp cucumber bites are a delicious mouthful!

Author: natashaskitchen

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $10-$14

Calories: 49 kcal

Servings: 22 shrimp appetizers

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
2 garlic cloves finely minced
1 Tbsp cilantro finely chopped, plus more to garnish
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil divided

For the Avocado Spread:

1 avocado
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp lime juice plus more to squeeze over finished appetizers
1 English Cucumber sliced into 22 rings

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

How to Make Cajun Shrimp:

Place shrimp in a large mixing bowl and pat dry with paper towels. Add minced garlic, 1 Tbsp cilantro, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Stir well to combine.
Heat a large heavy pan over medium/high heat with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer and sauté 2 min per side or until cooked through.

How to Make Avocado Spread & Assemble:

In a small bowl, mash together 1 avocado, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp lime juice until creamy. Divide the avocado mix over 20-22 cucumber slices.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp avocado bites and garnish with more finely chopped cilantro. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Shrimp Appetizers with Avocado and Cucumber

Amount Per Serving

Calories 49 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 2g 3%

Cholesterol 51mg 17%

Sodium 240mg 10%

Potassium 83mg 2%

Total Carbohydrates 1g 0%

Protein 4g 8%

Vitamin A 1.9%

Vitamin C 2.9%

Calcium 3.4%

Iron 3.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition Disclosure

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Do you have a favorite shrimp appetizer? It’s so hard to choose just one!

natashaskitchen

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers

Easy Ingredients for Shrimp Appetizers:

Chef’s Tip on How to Cook Shrimp:

More Shrimp Appetizers:

Shrimp Appetizers Print Friendly Recipe: