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 post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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

  • Paul Coughlin
    December 20, 2021

    This was absolutely fabulous! Will do again for the 7 fishes on Christmas Eve. I wish I could post my picture

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 20, 2021

      I’m so glad you loved it, Paul!

      Reply

  • Morgan
    December 4, 2021

    This looks delicious and about to cook it to bring to a party. Do I want to serve the shrimp cooled or recently cooked (warm)?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 4, 2021

      Hi Morgan, we served it cooled and it’s always a hit!

      Reply

  • Nancy L. Fisher
    November 25, 2021

    Make certain that if using frozen shrimp to slit down the back and remove the vein. I am cooking the shrimp ahead of time and letting it cool. Then, I am waiting an hour prior to leaving for the party to slice the cucumber and make the avocado spread. That way they are fresh prior to serving. Placing on an antique platter to make it festive!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Fairfax
    October 3, 2021

    I love this recipe! I just made it again as a snack but will probably have leftovers. Would it be okay to send with my husband to work tomorrow for him and the guys?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 3, 2021

      Hi, we have enjoyed leftovers the next day and it will work, although the avocados and cucumbers will be the most vibrant the day it is assembled.

      Reply

  • Laurie
    September 21, 2021

    What can I use instead of cilantro I am allergic?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 22, 2021

      Hi Laurie, you can omit it from the recipe and it will still be good.

      Reply

    • Pam
      November 16, 2021

      I always use flat leaf parley in place of the cilantro . This holds true for any recipe calling for cilantro.

      Reply

    • Nancy
      November 27, 2021

      I used fresh parsley because I forgot to get cilantro and it came out great…also it’s nice to garnish with it!

      Reply

  • Sandra
    August 25, 2021

    New to cooking. This seems a perfect starter. How thick should I cut the cukes and should I salt/pepper them? This recipe sounds and looks delicious, and probably less chance for ruination.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 26, 2021

      Hi Sandra, I recommend using the recipe photos for reference. We sliced 1 English Cucumber into 22 rings.

      Reply

      • Sandra
        August 27, 2021

        Thanks, helpful.

        Reply

  • Bri
    August 1, 2021

    Absolutely addictive. I make a batch of these just to nibble on and store well in the fridge. If you’re entertaining a group, make a couple of batches because they go fast!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 2, 2021

      They always disappear quickly! I’m so happy you enjoyed these!

      Reply

  • Claudia
    July 26, 2021

    This recipe was absolutely delicious!!! Easy to prepare and got rave reviews from all who ate them! Thanks Natasha!! Love you, love your recipes

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 26, 2021

      That’s so great! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Claudia!

      Reply

  • Janet
    July 26, 2021

    If you don’t care about it being Keto, or paleo, make the same recipe, but instead of serving it on cucumbers try putting it on a tortilla chip! OMG TO DIE FOR

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 26, 2021

      Thanks for the suggestions, Janet!

      Reply

  • Fran
    July 4, 2021

    Hi! Im trying them today will the avocado turn brown if i put it in the fridge for 2 hrs

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 5, 2021

      Hi Fran, it will be ok made 2 hours ahead of time. I hope you love the recipe.

      Reply

  • Deb Burton
    June 28, 2021

    Just made these for a cocktail party tonight, they are fabulous and easy to make! I’m sure the group will love them! Thanks for all your great recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 28, 2021

      I bet they will! These appetizers are not just pretty but SO GOOD! I hope this is a hit!

      Reply

  • Red
    May 26, 2021

    I have a friend that is allergic to avocado. Would you be able to suggest and equally yummy substitution?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 26, 2021

      Hi Red, I haven’t tried a substitution but it works great without Avocado also!

      Reply

    • April
      June 24, 2021

      You could try hummus..

      Reply

    • tammy
      September 10, 2021

      maybe you could do an herbed Marscapone?

      Reply

  • Melissa
    April 30, 2021

    Made these for a party. Recently invited to a Derby party and asked what I could bring. Host specifically asked me to bring these! Delicious and memorable!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 30, 2021

      These are perfect for parties! I hope you all love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Helen
    April 17, 2021

    I have a bag of frozen COOKED shrimp I would like to use for this recipe …. would thawing and marinating in spices without cooking work? Or would you suggest briefly sauteing?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 17, 2021

      Hi Helen, 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

      Reply

  • Sandra Leto
    April 3, 2021

    Hi Natasha,
    I made this recipe and everyone really loved it. However I’m not a-big Cajun fan and wondered if I could change the spices or use less ..?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 3, 2021

      Hi Sandra, you could definitely change up the seasonings for the shrimp. Even salt and pepper would work. The cajun gives it a nice kick, but you could sub.

      Reply

  • Sara
    April 3, 2021

    Can frozen shrimp be used?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2021

      Hi Sara, If frozen, make sure to fully thaw according to package instructions before using and make sure it’s raw shrimp.

      Reply

  • Tanya
    March 1, 2021

    Can these be served cold?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 1, 2021

      Hi Tanya, the sure can!

      Reply

  • NitaBMe
    February 28, 2021

    I made these for the 2nd time. I couldn’t stop craving them after I made them the first time. The flavor combination is delicious! 🤤

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 28, 2021

      Yay, I’m so glad to hear that you loved it! Thank you for your great feedback.

      Reply

  • Gracie
    January 18, 2021

    Made it last night. This was absolutely delicious. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 18, 2021

      You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Kathy
    January 16, 2021

    Super easy! Super yummy

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 16, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.