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

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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.

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 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.

Two photos of shrimp being marinated in a bowl

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:

Garnished shrimp appetizers with squeeze of fresh lime juice and cilantro

Shrimp Appetizers Print Friendly Recipe:

Shrimp Appetizers with Avocado and Cucumber

4.98 from 212 votes
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!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 22 shrimp appetizers

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

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 Per Serving

49kcal Calories1g Carbs4g Protein2g Fat51mg Cholesterol240mg Sodium83mg Potassium95IU Vitamin A2.4mg Vitamin C34mg Calcium0.6mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Shrimp Appetizers with Avocado and Cucumber
Amount per Serving
Calories
49
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
2
g
3
%
Cholesterol
 
51
mg
17
%
Sodium
 
240
mg
10
%
Potassium
 
83
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
95
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
2.4
mg
3
%
Calcium
 
34
mg
3
%
Iron
 
0.6
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: shrimp appetizer
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 49
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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!

4.98 from 212 votes (160 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Irene
    December 20, 2019

    Hi!
    Instead of cucumber, what else can i serve it on?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 20, 2019

      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.

      Reply

  • Sabrina
    December 10, 2019

    Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 10, 2019

      Hi Sabrina, I think you could if you prefer chicken just be sure to cook it longer.

      Reply

  • Nancy Faust
    December 4, 2019

    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 🙁

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 4, 2019

      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.

      Reply

      • Nancy Faust
        December 4, 2019

        Thank you for your quick response 🙂

        Reply

      • Brittney
        June 19, 2021

        Is it lemon juice or lime juice?? Or should I use both to prevent oxidation? Does one work better than the other? Thank you going to try the tomorrow for Father’s Day

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          June 19, 2021

          My mistake, we used 1 Tbsp lime juice! I hope you love this recipe; it’s our absolute favorite!

          Reply

  • Michelle Janik
    November 25, 2019

    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.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2019

      Thank you for your feedback, Michelle! I hope you all enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

    • Marilyn
      October 3, 2021

      Why give a recipe 4 stars if you haven’t made it?

      Reply

  • Tina Marie Allen
    November 9, 2019

    I am making these for Christmas eve party….can’t wait

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 9, 2019

      These are such a great choice for a party. Now I want to come to your party!

      Reply

  • Carol
    August 13, 2019

    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?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 13, 2019

      Hi Carol, it will still work great to just omit the cilantro.

      Reply

  • Liz
    August 9, 2019

    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.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 10, 2019

      Hi Liz, If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. Hope that helps.

      Reply

  • SMG
    July 24, 2019

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 25, 2019

      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.

      Reply

  • Morgan
    July 10, 2019

    Awesome appetizer! Made them for a party and they were all gone by the end. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 10, 2019

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Jenn B
    May 13, 2019

    Excellent appetizer. Everyone devoured these. Even my picky mother who first refused to try them ended up loving them!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 13, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Larissa
    May 11, 2019

    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!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 11, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review Larissa!

      Reply

      • Samantha Wolfe
        February 8, 2020

        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!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          February 8, 2020

          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.

          Reply

  • Brenda Burke
    May 5, 2019

    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.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 6, 2019

      Sounds like you found a new favorite! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, Brenda!

      Reply

    • Irina
      December 26, 2019

      Fresh or frozen shrimp?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        December 27, 2019

        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.

        Reply

  • Anne
    May 4, 2019

    Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe. I made a succesful starter with it. It is on my succeslist now. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 4, 2019

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Anne!

      Reply

  • Christine
    April 25, 2019

    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!

    Reply

  • George
    April 20, 2019

    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.

    Reply

    • George
      April 20, 2019

      Sorry, Natasha, I found the answer below. Guess it never hurts to read!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        April 20, 2019

        I’m so happy you found that!

        Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 20, 2019

      Hi George, If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. Hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Tamara
    February 21, 2019

    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.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 21, 2019

      That’s so great, Tamara! I’m so happy you all enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • marjanne
    February 20, 2019

    Delicious !! very easy to make

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 20, 2019

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Isabelle
    January 30, 2019

    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

    Reply

    • Johanna Dawson
      July 11, 2020

      There is no cheese in this recipe

      Reply

  • irina
    January 7, 2019

    Made this twice! Absolutely delicious 😋!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 7, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Jerrod Christensen
    December 31, 2018

    Made these succulent mouth watering appetizers. They were the first plate gone at our dinner party. Went before the bacon wrapped scallops. Thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 31, 2018

      Jerrod! You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it

      Reply

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