Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers
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!
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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.
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 crowd 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.
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.
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.
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
Shrimp Appetizers Print Friendly Recipe:
Shrimp Appetizers with Avocado and Cucumber
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!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp:
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
Instructions
How to Make Cajun Shrimp:
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Do you have a favorite shrimp appetizer? It’s so hard to choose just one!
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
How funny ! At the grocery store yesterday afternoon and bought a lb of shrimp, 4 avocados and a long skinny cucumber…..guess what’s for lunch today ! Thanks Ever So
Wow, perfect timing! Enjoy your lunch, I hope this becomes a favorite for you all!
Hi Natasha. I was searching for a social distancing friendly recipe for a birthday celebration and came across this. I used 30-40 weight shrimp with the same amount of spices for seasoning. Each guest got their own plate of these super yummy appies. They couldn’t stop commenting on how tasty they were. Thank you very much! Your recipes never disappoint. Hope you and your family are all staying well.
That’s just awesome Margie! Thank you for that wonderful review!
Would cooking the shrimps in the oven change the texture of the shrimps?
Hi Rose, I haven’t tested this with shrimp in the oven. These take just a few minutes on each side on the stovetop so I didn’t want to waste heating up the oven for a couple of minutes. If you experiment, please let me know how you like that.
Super easy to make and it was absolutely AMAZING!!! This will be a staple appetizer for many of our Happy Hours and socially distanced gatherings!!! Thank you Natasha for the recipe.
The only thing I did different was cut the shrimp in half, which made it easier to eat and doubled the recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that Shannon!
Do you de-shell the shrimp before or after cooking?
Hi Sharon, we bought shrimp that was peeled and defined. If you have shrimp with a shell on I would shell it before cooking.
Delicious and easy to make! Everyone wanted the recipe.
Thanks!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
This is Amazing!
Hi I need a simple recipe for oxtail soup please.
What is that little thing in the video you are using to put the avocado cream on cucumber ? I cant believe theres a kitchen gadget i dont have lol
Hi Barb, we had the avocado mixture in a little ziplock baggy and squeezed that out onto the cucumber.
Hi Natasha
I love your recipes! Planning on making this but wanted to know if it’s ok to cook the shrimp a day ahead and assemble the next day with the guacamole. Or, can the shrimp stay in the seasoning spices overnight and be cooked the next day?
Thank you!
That should work Karen. I recommend assembling the day of.
Are these recipes keto friendly
Hi Selena, thank you for stopping by. We have several on our blog but most of the recipes have substitutions listed by our readers in the comments section.
I’m obsessed with your recipes!
You’re so nice! Thank you for stopping by.
A comme j’aime tes recettes merci
Thank you for stopping by!
Is there anywhere where I can buy
a recipe book please or cards of receipes. Thankyou Anne
Hi Anne, thank you for that suggestion. We do not have a recipe book at this time but we are planning for one soon! Stay tuned.
Hi Natasha,love your recipes.tahnks for sharing so many.About the shrimo ampitizers,do you serve them cold,or hot??
Hi June, we have served them chilled and everyone loves it that way! So good!
Made these tonight for dinner for my partner and me. They were fabulous. We then used the same ingredients (minus prawns) with mint lamb sausages. Different but good as well
That’s a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
What does “crows” mean in your sentence? >(Also do not crows the pan or the shrimp…….)
Hi Judy! Thank you for pointing that out. that should say “crowd”.
Typo! Most likely meant “crowd.” Do not crowd the pan or the shrimp…
Hi, sorry I forgot to update that. You are correct, it’s best not to crowd the pan of shrimp.
I made these and they were delicious! So quick and easy. My boyfriend approved! Thanks again for sharing another delicious recipe!
You’re welcome April!! This is one of our favorites! Thank you for tuning in!
Hi!
Instead of cucumber, what else can i serve it on?
Thank you!
Hi Irene, I imagine it can work on a cracker, lettuce, or any other vegetable. If you experiment please let me know how you like that.
Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken?
Hi Sabrina, I think you could if you prefer chicken just be sure to cook it longer.
Regarding the Avocado Cucumber Shrimp App….it says you can make it up to 4 hours ahead, cover and keep in fridge. Won’t the avocado turn brown in that amount of time? It wouldn’t look very pretty then 🙁
Hi Nancy, with the fresh lemon juice in the avocado, it will keep well. If you want it to be maximally vibrant, you can make all of the parts separately then cover the guacamole tightly and directly over the surface of the guacamole with plastic wrap to keep the air out (since air contact causes browning), but yes it will be ok to fully assemble 4 hours prior.
Thank you for your quick response 🙂
This looks fabulous. I’ve been looking for something unique and different to make for an appetizer for Thanksgiving. I’ll review after they have been eaten, which I’m sure given the recipe will be delicious.
Thank you for your feedback, Michelle! I hope you all enjoyed this recipe.
I am making these for Christmas eve party….can’t wait
These are such a great choice for a party. Now I want to come to your party!
I’m excited about making these (some with shrimp, some with cherry tomatoes) for an upcoming BBQ. I am one of those who HATE cilantro. I’m happy to omit it for myself but I’m wondering if it will affect the taste for everyone else if I do. Should I substitute something else?
Hi Carol, it will still work great to just omit the cilantro.
Wanting to make these for a wine tasting party tomorrow. What is the longest I can go to make these ahead of time…we are traveling I will put together once there.
Hi Liz, If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. Hope that helps.
Any suggestions for a spicy vegetarian topping. We have a few vegetarians in our group and I want to include a few that they will be able to eat. Thanks!
Hi, a halved cherry tomato would be really cute and tasty on top then garnish with some freshly cracked pepper. Before putting on the tomato, you can sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the guacamole for a little spice but I think it would taste great even without the spice.
Awesome appetizer! Made them for a party and they were all gone by the end. Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Excellent appetizer. Everyone devoured these. Even my picky mother who first refused to try them ended up loving them!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!
These are amazing! I made them for a baby shower and they disappeared very quickly! I’m making them for a bridal shower tomorrow. Can’t wait! Thank you so much for this and all your other great recipes!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review Larissa!
Hi Natasha! So impressed with both the simplicity and the quality of the recipes I’ve seen on here. This is the first time I actually want to follow someone’s food blog! Just have to figure out how! Lol. Anyway, I’m not a big guac fan, but I love avocado. Could I just spritz the avocado with lime and sprinkle w seasonings after I slice it up and serve it on the cucumber that way (minus the cilantro bc I don’t like it)? Also, wondering if Cajun seasoning would be an acceptable replacement for cayenne on the shrimp? Thanks!
Hi Samantha, I haven’ tested that but I imagine both of those would work! If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
I just made these and oh my goodness! I didn’t have fresh cilantro but I’ll make sure to have it next time. My husband couldn’t stop eating them. I make something from your site at least once a week. There hasn’t been any disappointments.
Sounds like you found a new favorite! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, Brenda!
Fresh or frozen shrimp?
Hi Irina, either will work but it’s best to use raw shrimp. If frozen, make sure to fully thaw according to package instructions before using.
Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe. I made a succesful starter with it. It is on my succeslist now. Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Anne!
Hello Natasha!
What do you use to scoop the Avocado spread? I can’t wait to serve this at my party this weekend! I love your recipes!
Hi Christine, these scoops here will do the trick!
Hi Natasha,
I’ll be making this tomorrow for Easter Sunday. What’s the best temperature to serve them at? If I make them a couple of hours ahead, do they need to be refrigerated?
Looking forward to this.
Sorry, Natasha, I found the answer below. Guess it never hurts to read!
I’m so happy you found that!
Hi George, If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. Hope that helps.
Oh my goodness! I made this about a week ago, and everyone raved about it (including one who hates spices, but the avocado and the cucumber cooled it so that even he ate 12). I shall most definitely make this again, particularly because people with all sorts of palates were drawn in. It was delectable, or as my daughter says: “awesome”. Love that she thinks her generation came up with the term! But your recipe was amazing. Thank you for making my life easier, and for giving my family and guests yet another tasty dish.
That’s so great, Tamara! I’m so happy you all enjoyed that!
Delicious !! very easy to make
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
My friends and I would ask that you don’t use cheese so often. It’s fattening and heavy. Other than that, we love what you do Natasha.
Thank you.
Isabelle
There is no cheese in this recipe
Made this twice! Absolutely delicious 😋!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!
Made these succulent mouth watering appetizers. They were the first plate gone at our dinner party. Went before the bacon wrapped scallops. Thank you
Jerrod! You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it
These were a HIT when I served them last week. Everybody was gobbling them up and asking for the recipe! Super simple tomake and the cool crunchy cucumber with the hot shrimp and that delicious seasoning…YumEEEE!!! I’ve been elected to make them again for Christmas! And it’s nice that they’re so light too.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
Sounds marvelous. Can you use pre-cooked shrimp?
I’ve only made it fresh so I can’t really say. I imagine the cooked shrimp will be “rubbery” if precooked. I would love to know how you like it if you experiment
I see that someone else asked about making these ahead. Will the acacado stay green I’d made ahead and is it best to have the shrimp warm? Do you suggest English ccucumbers? I’d really like to make these ahead as they will be appetizers for a dinner party.
Hi Sandy! Our shrimp was cooled by the time we ate it and we loved it. The avocado stays green as long as it has some kind of lemon or lime sprayed on it. English cucumbers should work just fine! I hope you love this recipe! It’s so good!
Perfect….thanks.
You’re welcome!
…..so I’ve been following your recipes and made quite a few of them all delish this one was great as well thx for sharing such wonderful recipes, easy, quick, and all ingredients are usually found in any households
Thank you so much, Arefeh! I’m so happy you discovered our blog!
Simply delicious! Quick and easy recipe. I made it for the first time for a fireworks get-together at a friends and got mucho complements! Cutting the recipe by half and making it again tonight but just for my wife and I.
Thank you for the great review Cleve!
Made this last night and it was AMAZING!! My family requested this again tonight.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review 🙂
This is my second recipe from this site, and just like the first one, this is awesome. Easy, quick, tasty. I had never seen an avocado quartered after taking the stone out. Far superior to my using a spoon to scrape out the good stuff.
Thank you so much for following our blog and trying our recipes! I’m so happy you enjoyed them, Tony!
Hello, I want to make these for my party but I was wondering if they can be served cold or if they should be served right of the pan, still hot? thanks for reply!
If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. Hope that helps, Astri.
I made these for a graduation party and they were a huge hit! I used store-bought guacamole which saved me some time on such a busy day! The main course was your stir-fry from the glamping trip 🙂 all came out delicious thank you for your recipes!
You’re welcome Lilia! I’m happy to hear how much everyone enjoys the recipes. Thanks for following and sharing your wonderful review!
All these things together sound fabulous but… if the cucumber is sliced very thin and you pick it up with your fingers it looks to me like it is an accident waiting to happen with the avocado dropping on the floor or worse. Would you suggest a toothpick to pick it up?
Anxious to try!
Hi Mary, we don’t use toothpicks but I suppose you could if you prefer. We do slice the cucumber about 1/4″ thick (not too thin) 🙂
Those shrimps were amazing! Even my husband liked them. Thank you!
You’re welcome Nadia! I’m glad you both enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing your great review!
Hi Natasha, I can’t wait to make your Avocado Shrimp Cucumber Bites! OMG they look so yummy!
Thank you Carolyn! I hope you LOVE the recipe! They really are so delicious 🙂
I can’t wait to try this appetizer. I totally enjoy your recipes and love to impress my friends. Thanks.
Diane
I hope you enjoy this recipe just as much as the others! Thanks for following Diane and please let me know what you think!
They were fantastic. Shared with a friend and she agreed! Thanks.
Awesome! Thank you for sharing that with me.
Fantastic. Shared with a friend who agreed totally.
Thank you for the great review Diane!
Simply fab!!!!!!!
I’m glad we agree! 🙂
I made these today, they were super yummy. Just perfect.
I’m glad you enjoy them as much as we do! Thanks for sharing your great review Aluris!
Can’t wait to try these! Thank you for posting. 🙂
You’re welcome Lori, please let me know what you think of the recipe!
I was totally disappointed not been able to see step by step instructions. They are one of the main reasons why I love your site. Please don’t stop doing them. Thank you so much!!!
Hi Nata, we definitely don’t plan to stop adding step by step instructions unless it is a video recipe. Thank you so much for your feedback – I’m so glad you enjoy the step-by step photos! They sure take quite a bit more time but it’s worth it if it makes following the recipe easier 🙂
Love the freshness of all the ingredients ! Perfect bites for high temperatures’ season! Thank you Natasha !
You’re welcome! I hope you love the recipe as much as we do. Please let me know what you think when you decide to make them!
Wow, it looks yummy! I super love the idea combining shrimp with avocado and cucumber 😍
They taste sooo good! Please let me know what you think when you decide to make them Natalie!
What happened to the step by step pictures? (They look yummy and simple to make but I still like to see the pictures).
Hi Tani, thank you for sharing that feedback! I’m so glad you enjoy the step by step photos! I will definitely keep that in mind in the future 🙂