Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Zesty, Fresh, and Perfectly Chilled

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Zesty, Fresh, and Perfectly Chilled

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a bright and refreshing twist on the traditional seafood starter. Packed with plump shrimp, crisp veggies, and a tangy tomato-lime sauce, this chilled dish is light yet satisfying. Perfect as an appetizer or light lunch, it’s bursting with bold flavors and textures that dance on the palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-Packed Shrimp – Tender shrimp tossed in a vibrant, citrusy cocktail sauce.
Fresh Ingredients – Crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes make every bite refreshing.
Just the Right Heat – A touch of hot sauce and jalapeño for a mild kick.
Chilled & Ready Ahead – Perfect for meal prep, parties, or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • 1 cup tomato juice or low-sodium V8
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together tomato juice, lime juice, ketchup, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the Veggies and Shrimp
Stir in the red onion, cucumber, tomato, jalapeño (if using), and shrimp. Mix until fully coated in the sauce.

3. Chill the Mixture
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

4. Serve with Avocado and Cilantro
Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve in small bowls or cocktail glasses with lime wedges on the side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 170
Protein: 20g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

  • Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp – Save time and ensure consistent texture.
  • Add Avocado at the End – This keeps it fresh and avoids mushiness.
  • Customize the Heat – Add more jalapeño or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
  • Serve Cold – This dish is best when well-chilled and crisp.

Why This Recipe Works

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail brings together healthy proteins and fresh vegetables in a lively tomato-lime dressing. With no need for cooking, it’s an easy, elegant solution for warm-weather meals or impressive starters. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory.

Bright, chilled, and full of bold flavor, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a simple yet elegant dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether served as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course, it’s guaranteed to impress and refresh.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Zesty, Fresh, and Perfectly Chilled
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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Zesty, Fresh, and Perfectly Chilled

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time
Calories

170

kcal

A refreshing and zesty Mexican-style shrimp cocktail made with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a tangy tomato-lime sauce. Perfectly chilled for a light, flavorful appetizer or lunch.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

  • 1 cup tomato juice or low-sodium V8

  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

  • 2 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced

  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced

  • 1 medium tomato, diced

  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

  • 1 medium avocado, diced

  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Make the Sauce
    In a large bowl, whisk together tomato juice, lime juice, ketchup, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the Veggies and Shrimp
    Stir in the red onion, cucumber, tomato, jalapeño (if using), and shrimp. Mix until fully coated in the sauce.
  • Chill the Mixture
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
  • Serve with Avocado and Cilantro
    Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve in small bowls or cocktail glasses with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp – Save time and ensure consistent texture.
    Add Avocado at the End – This keeps it fresh and avoids mushiness.
    Customize the Heat – Add more jalapeño or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
    Serve Cold – This dish is best when well-chilled and crisp.

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