This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado and Lime is a lively and flavorful dish that brings together tender shrimp, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and the perfect touch of heat from jalapeños. Blended with fresh lime juice and a spicy-tangy tomato sauce, it’s a refreshing no-cook recipe perfect for summer gatherings or as a light appetizer before dinner.
What sets this shrimp cocktail apart is its perfect balance of bold flavors and textures the cool cucumber crunch, the silkiness of avocado, and the savory pop of seasoned shrimp all swimming in a zesty sauce that screams fiesta. Serve it up chilled in cocktail glasses or layered in small bowls alongside crispy tortilla chips. It’s a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 ripe avocados, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
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1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced
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3/4 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
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2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Cholula or Valentina)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: tortilla chips or saltine crackers for serving
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Stir until well blended.
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Add the shrimp, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cucumber, and cilantro to the bowl. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
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Fold in the diced avocado carefully to prevent mashing.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Serve chilled in cocktail glasses or small bowls with a side of tortilla chips or saltine crackers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time)
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado and Lime
A Vibrant and Flavor-Packed Appetizer for Every Occasion
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, known locally as Cóctel de Camarones, is a stunning appetizer that bridges the gap between a refreshing salad and a spicy seafood dish. Unlike the classic American shrimp cocktail, which typically features boiled shrimp served cold with a horseradish-heavy sauce, the Mexican version is an invigorating blend of flavors, textures, and colors — often served in tall glasses and loaded with bright, garden-fresh ingredients. This version, accented with creamy avocado and tangy lime, takes things a notch further by creating an irresistibly delicious combination that’s perfect for warm days, special gatherings, or a light meal anytime.
This is not your average appetizer. It’s a recipe that bursts with flavor from every angle. The savory shrimp, juicy tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and spicy jalapeños all swim in a zesty tomato-lime sauce that’s subtly sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. The fresh cilantro, red onions, and creamy chunks of ripe avocado give it both depth and creaminess. It’s refreshing and satisfying and best of all, it requires no cooking if you use pre-cooked shrimp.
Whether you’re hosting a party, meal-prepping for the week, or just want to treat yourself to something fresh and bold, this dish deserves a place on your table. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and packed with nutritious, real-food ingredients.
The Ingredients That Make It Shine
Let’s break down why each ingredient matters:
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Shrimp: The star of the show, shrimp provides lean protein with a naturally sweet flavor. Make sure it’s peeled, deveined, and pre-cooked for convenience. If using raw shrimp, lightly boil them in salted water with a squeeze of lime and then chill.
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Avocado: Rich and creamy, avocado brings a luscious texture that perfectly contrasts the crunchier elements of this dish.
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Tomatoes & Cucumber: These vegetables add juiciness and refreshing bite. Cherry tomatoes work beautifully, but roma or plum tomatoes are great alternatives.
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Red Onion & Jalapeño: These pungent and spicy elements kick up the flavor. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can remove the jalapeño seeds or substitute with mild green pepper.
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Cilantro: This herb is key in Latin cuisine. It adds freshness and earthiness that balances the acidic lime and sweet tomato base.
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Lime Juice: Don’t skip this! It brightens the whole dish and pairs naturally with seafood. It also prevents the avocado from browning.
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Ketchup & Hot Sauce: These create the signature sweet-tangy-spicy sauce. Ketchup provides a mellow base, while the hot sauce brings heat and depth. Choose your favorite brand Cholula and Valentina are classic picks.
Together, these ingredients form a symphony of vibrant, bold, and deeply satisfying flavors. What makes this dish extra appealing is how easily customizable it is to your taste and dietary preferences.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Traditionally, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is served in a chilled cocktail glass or goblet, almost like a savory parfait. It’s an eye-catching presentation and adds a level of sophistication that’s perfect for entertaining. However, you can just as easily spoon it into a bowl for a casual lunch or backyard meal.
This dish pairs wonderfully with saltine crackers, crispy tortilla chips, or tostadas. For a low-carb version, simply serve it on a bed of shredded lettuce or in a hollowed-out avocado half. Some people even enjoy it with a spoon straight from the fridge, no garnish required!
For larger gatherings, consider creating a build-your-own cocktail bar with bowls of chopped toppings and sauces so guests can create their own custom shrimp cocktail bowls. It’s interactive, fun, and a great way to get everyone involved.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s incredibly healthy too:
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Protein-Rich: Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein and key nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12.
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Heart-Healthy Fats: Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
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Low in Carbs: Perfect for low-carb or keto diets (just skip the crackers or chips).
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High in Antioxidants: Tomatoes, lime juice, and herbs like cilantro contribute vitamin C and other antioxidants that support immune health.
This is the kind of dish that tastes indulgent but is genuinely good for you especially when made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a fantastic make-ahead recipe. In fact, it’s often even better after chilling for 30–60 minutes, which allows the flavors to fully meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 2–3 days for the best texture and taste.
If you’re planning to store it for later, consider adding the avocado just before serving, so it maintains its color and texture. You can prep all the other ingredients in advance, including the sauce, and combine everything when you’re ready to eat.
Regional and Cultural Inspiration
This dish originates from the coastal regions of Mexico, where seafood is abundant and fresh. It’s often sold on the beach from mariscos trucks and seaside restaurants. Variations can include ingredients like octopus, scallops, or crab, and the sauce can range from sweet to spicy depending on the region and the chef.
It’s the kind of dish that’s woven into celebrations, family lunches, and weekend get-togethers. Every Mexican household has their own take some load it with Clamato juice, others keep it classic with ketchup and lime. That’s part of the fun once you understand the basics, you can adapt it to your taste.
Variations You Can Try
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Spicier Version: Add a few dashes of Tabasco or a chopped serrano chili.
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Fruity Twist: Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast.
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Ceviche Style: Use raw shrimp and let it “cook” in lime juice for 30–45 minutes.
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Creamy Sauce: Mix sour cream or Mexican crema into the base for a richer texture.
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Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with hearts of palm, chickpeas, or jackfruit.
There’s no one right way to make a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail and that’s what makes it endlessly fun and customizable.
A Perfect Dish for So Many Occasions
Whether it’s summer BBQ season, Cinco de Mayo, or just a weeknight when you don’t want to turn on the stove, this recipe delivers. It looks beautiful, it’s loaded with bold flavors, and it’s healthy enough to feel great about eating.
It’s also incredibly forgiving if you’re missing one ingredient, it’s easy to swap or skip. Just keep the basic structure: shrimp + sauce + veggies + lime + avocado.
Serve it with a margarita, michelada, or a tall glass of iced tea, and you’ve got yourself a relaxing escape in a glass.
Conclusion
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado and Lime is more than just an appetizer it’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It combines the briny sweetness of shrimp with the creaminess of avocado, the brightness of lime, and the spicy-sweet zing of its tomato-based sauce. Every bite offers a refreshing escape, a moment of tropical coastal flavor that delights the senses and nourishes the body.
It’s a dish you can prepare ahead, tweak to your liking, and enjoy in any season. Whether you serve it for guests or enjoy it solo, this vibrant cocktail is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. From your first bite to your last scoop, it’s an experience of flavor and freshness that never gets old.