This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a vibrant mix of shrimp, veggies, and avocado tossed in a tangy-spicy tomato sauce. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as a starter, snack, or even a light summer meal.
⏱ Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
📋 Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Spanish onion, chopped
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 lb cooked medium shrimp, chilled (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded & finely chopped
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups chilled tomato & clam juice cocktail (Clamato or similar)
- 1 cup chilled ketchup
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped (discard stems)
- 2 tbsp hot pepper sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, & chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Marinate onion:
- In a medium bowl, combine chopped onion with lime juice.
- Let sit 10 minutes (this softens the onion’s bite).
-
Prepare shrimp mix:
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, celery, jalapeño, salt, and black pepper.
-
Make cocktail sauce:
- Stir in Clamato, ketchup, hot sauce, and marinated onions (with lime juice).
- Mix well until fully combined.
-
Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
-
Finish & serve:
- Just before serving, gently fold in avocado and cilantro.
- Spoon into cocktail glasses or bowls.
- Serve with tortilla chips, saltines, or tostadas.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Heat level: Adjust hot sauce or add more jalapeño for extra spice.
- No clam juice? Use tomato juice instead.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 6 hours in advance, but add avocado just before serving.
- Seafood twist: Swap in scallops, crab, or a mix of seafood.
⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, ~1 cup)
~230 calories | 18g protein | 16g carbs | 9g fat
🌞 A refreshing, zesty dish perfect for hot days — it’s like Mexico in a glass!
