Zesty Shrimp and Cucumber Bites Recipe

Zesty Shrimp and Cucumber Bites with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Crisp, cool cucumber slices transform into delightful party appetizers with these shrimp and cucumber bites with avocado sauce.

Summer gatherings demand something light and refreshing that everyone can enjoy.

The delicate seafood pairs perfectly with creamy avocado and crunchy cucumber bases.

Each bite delivers a burst of vibrant flavors and textures that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients come together in a simple yet sophisticated small plate that looks impressive without complicated preparation.

The bright green sauce adds a zesty punch that complements the succulent shrimp beautifully.

Serve these elegant nibbles and watch guests reach for seconds before the plate is even set down.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Shrimp and Cucumber Bites with Avocado Sauce Ingredients

For Protein and Seasoning:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that delivers a delightful oceanic flavor and protein punch; choose wild-caught or sustainably sourced for best taste.
  • Creole Seasoning: Vibrant spice blend that adds bold Louisiana-style zest and depth to the dish; look for authentic Cajun-style mixes or craft your own.
  • Oil: Helps create crispy, golden exterior and prevents sticking during cooking; choose neutral oils like vegetable or light olive oil.
For Fresh Produce and Texture:
  • Cucumber: Crisp, cool base that provides refreshing crunch and light vessel for toppings; select firm, bright green cucumbers without soft spots.
  • Green Onion: Adds subtle onion sharpness and bright green color; choose fresh, crisp stalks with white and green parts intact.
  • Cilantro, Parsley: Aromatic herbs that bring fresh, zesty notes and beautiful green garnish; select vibrant, fragrant leaves without wilting.
For Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Avocado: Creates smooth, rich sauce base with luxurious texture and healthy fats; choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors, adds tangy freshness, and prevents avocado from browning; use fresh-squeezed for best results.
  • Salt, Cayenne: Enhances overall flavor profile with subtle heat and seasoning; adjust according to personal spice preference.
  • Remoulade Sauce (Optional): Provides extra creamy, tangy complement; choose traditional or spicy Louisiana-style versions.

Kitchen Tools for Shrimp and Cucumber Bites with Avocado Sauce

  • Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for perfectly searing shrimp.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing cucumber and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
  • Mixing Bowl: Used for creating smooth avocado sauce.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Helps flip and handle shrimp while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and sauce ingredients.

How to Make Shrimp and Cucumber Bites with Avocado Sauce

Ocean Surf Cucumber Canapes

  • Seasoned Seafood Prep Ocean-fresh shrimp get a zesty coating of spicy seasonings, transforming them into flavor-packed morsels ready for sizzling.
  • Sizzling Skillet Magic Hot pan meets seasoned shrimp, creating a golden-brown exterior with tender, juicy insides that burst with maritime flavor.
  • Creamy Green Dream Ripe avocados blend with bright herbs and citrus, creating a silky smooth sauce that adds luxurious richness to each bite.
  • Crisp Canvas Cucumber slices become elegant platforms, offering a cool, crunchy foundation for the spicy shrimp and velvety sauce.
  • Elegant Assembly Artfully layer cucumber, spread dreamy avocado sauce, crown with seared shrimp, creating a stunning appetizer that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Flavor Boosts for Shrimp and Cucumber Bites with Avocado Sauce

  • Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the shrimp for a deeper, richer taste that takes your bite to the next level.
  • Spice Adventure: Replace creole seasoning with Cajun spice mix for a bolder, more intense kick that will wake up your taste buds.
  • Veggie Swap: Try zucchini rounds instead of cucumber for a different texture and slightly warmer base that still keeps things light and fresh.
  • Budget-Friendly Option: Use frozen precooked shrimp to cut down on cooking time and make this recipe even quicker for busy weeknights or last-minute appetizers.

Serving Style for Shrimp and Cucumber Bites with Avocado Sauce

  • Elegant Party Appetizer: Arrange these shrimp and cucumber bites on a sleek white platter for a sophisticated cocktail party presentation that will wow your guests.
  • Fresh Mediterranean Lunch Plate: Create a colorful lunch spread by surrounding the bites with mixed greens, extra cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing midday meal.
  • Healthy Game Day Snack: Serve these protein-packed bites as a nutritious alternative to traditional game day finger foods, offering a zesty and light option for sports enthusiasts.
  • Summer Poolside Nibble: Prepare these cool, crisp bites ahead of time and pack them in a chilled container for a delightful poolside snack that beats the summer heat.

Storing Shrimp and Cucumber Bites with Avocado Sauce

  • Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate these shrimp bites immediately after preparation to maintain optimal freshness and food safety. Store in an airtight container for maximum flavor retention.
  • Advance Prep Magic: Prepare cucumber slices, avocado sauce, and cook shrimp up to 24 hours before serving. Keep components separate until final assembly to prevent soggy textures.
  • Smart Leftover Management: Consume refrigerated shrimp bites within 1-2 days. Avocado sauce might slightly brown, so add fresh lemon juice to restore vibrant color and prevent oxidation.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Not recommended for freezing due to cucumber's high water content and potential texture degradation. Fresh ingredients shine best when served immediately after preparation.
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Zesty Shrimp and Cucumber Bites Recipe

Zesty Shrimp and Cucumber Bites


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Delicate shrimp and cucumber bites showcase elegant appetizer flavors from coastal Mediterranean traditions. Fresh ingredients combine for a light, refreshing starter that delights guests with cool textures and balanced seasoning you can savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) creole seasoning
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced or chopped
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) cilantro and/or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and cayenne to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) remoulade sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with olive oil and creole seasoning, ensuring an even, robust spice coverage.
  2. Searing Station: Ignite a skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal surface for caramelizing seafood with a golden-brown exterior and slightly charred edges.
  3. Shrimp Transformation: Cook seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a rich, crispy texture while maintaining tender interior.
  4. Avocado Sauce Fusion: Blend ripe avocado with green onions, cilantro, lemon juice, sea salt, and cayenne pepper, whisking until a smooth, vibrant green sauce emerges.
  5. Cucumber Canvas: Slice cucumber into uniform rounds, establishing a crisp, refreshing foundation for the appetizer.
  6. Plating Artistry: Arrange cucumber slices, generously apply avocado sauce, and crown each bite with a perfectly seared shrimp.
  7. Final Flourish: Optionally drizzle remoulade sauce for an additional tangy dimension, then serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

  • Sear Shrimp Perfectly: Get skillet blazing hot before adding shrimp to achieve golden-brown crust without overcooking, which prevents rubbery texture.
  • Seasoning Technique: Coat shrimp evenly with creole spices by gently tossing in oil to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Sauce Consistency Matters: Blend avocado sauce ingredients until ultra-smooth for creamy, vibrant green dip that complements shrimp’s spiciness.
  • Serve Immediately: Present appetizers right after preparation to maintain shrimp’s warmth and cucumber’s crisp freshness, maximizing taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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