Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado Crema

Zesty Easy Cold Shrimp Recipes Lemon Herb Cocktail

By Laura TideSeptember 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of posh nosh without slaving away in the kitchen? Me too! Ever wondered how to make impressive cold shrimp recipes without turning on the oven? This one's a winner.

It’s got zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and a creamy avocado kick. Honestly, what's not to love?

Quick Hook

Are you craving something light and zesty? This Lemon Shrimp Salad Recipe is your answer. It’s all about vibrant flavors and simple prep. This dish screams summer with a refreshing bite.

Brief Overview

This isn't your average Shrimp Salad With Dill . It's a modern take with an avocado twist. It takes less than an hour to throw together and serves four.

Originating from the classic shrimp cocktail, but revamped for today's palate.

Main Benefits

The avocado crema is packed with healthy fats. It makes this a satisfying and guilt free treat. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant appetizer.

What makes this easy shrimp salad special? It's the homemade avocado crema, that's what!

Ready to get started? First, a list of stuff you're gonna need. You might even already have some of it...

All the Stuff You Need: The Ingredients

Here’s what you need to whip up this beauty. I am going to tell you a quick tip; always opt for wild caught shrimp if you can. It makes a difference!

Shrimp Cold: Main Ingredients

You will need a pound of large shrimp . Make sure it's peeled and deveined. For the marinade, grab some olive oil, lemons, garlic, parsley, and dill.

Red pepper flakes are optional for a bit of a kick.

Creamy Dream: Avocado Crema

Now, for that dreamy avocado crema. Two ripe avocados, sour cream, lime, cilantro, and a bit of water. Simple, eh?

How to Make This Magic Happen: step-by-step Instructions

Alright then, let's get to the fun part! I always like to put on some tunes while I cook; makes it feel less like work.

Get those ingredients out and let’s get cracking!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right then, fancy whipping up some seriously tasty cold shrimp recipes ? I'm talking about my Zesty Lemon & Herb Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado Crema.

Honestly, it’s easier than making toast. This easy shrimp salad is perfect for a hot day. Think sun, Pimms, and good company!

Main Players

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need:

Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) large, peeled and deveined. Wild caught is best, you know? They taste proper fresh.
Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin the good stuff.
Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh. About 2 lemons. Squeeze 'em yourself, it makes a difference.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with it!
Parsley & Dill: 2 tablespoons each, chopped fresh.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). For a cheeky bit of heat.
Avocados: 2 ripe ones. Squishy but not too brown.
Sour Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Full fat or light, up to you.
Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons . From about 1 lime.
Cilantro: 1 tablespoon , chopped fresh. If you're one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, just leave it out.
Water: 1/4 cup (60ml) , plus more to adjust.

Quality Check : For the shrimp, look for plumpness and a fresh, sea-like smell. Avoid anything fishy or ammonia like.

Seasoning Shenanigans

Lemon & Herb Combo : Lemon juice, parsley, and dill create a classic lemon shrimp salad recipe vibe. It's bright and clean.
Flavor Boosters : Garlic gives it a kick. Red pepper flakes add a touch of fire.
Spice Swaps : If you don't have dill, try tarragon. If no fresh parsley try dried, but use less.

This is seriously good as it is, but there's no shame in experimenting with flavors.

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid

Big Bowl: For mixing the shrimp.
Whisk: For the marinade.
Small Bowl: For the avocado crema.
Blender/Food Processor: For that creamy goodness. A stick blender will work too.
Serving Platter/Glasses: For serving up your masterpiece.
Lemon Zester (optional): To make it look fancy.

Honestly, you probably have everything you need already!

Now, let's get to the good stuff: actually making this chilled shrimp salad ! And remember, it's all about having a bit of fun.

After all cooking these summer shrimp recipes cold is all about the great flavours!

Zesty Lemon & Herb Shrimp Cocktail: Beat the Heat!

Oh my gosh, who doesn't love cold shrimp recipes , especially when the sun's blazing? I swear, some of the best memories involve seafood, sunshine, and a good ol' bevvy.

This Zesty Lemon & Herb Shrimp Cocktail recipe is exactly what you need. It's proper easy, tastes amazing, and looks like you spent ages slaving away in the kitchen.

Ready to make this easy shrimp salad ?

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Right, let's get organized, yeah? Firstly, mise en place is key. Chop all your herbs before you even think about touching the shrimp.

Trust me, it saves time. Secondly, get that avocado crema ingredients ready to go. Organization is a life saver, honestly.

Speaking of saving lives, if you're using raw shrimp, remember to cook it properly! No one wants dodgy tummies.

step-by-step: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

If needed, cook the shrimp in boiling salted water until pink. That's about 2- 3 minutes . Then, immediately chuck them in an ice bath.
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and seasoning in a bowl for the marinade.
Plop the shrimp into the marinade and give them a good toss. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gets the flavors in.
Blend all the avocado crema ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add water if needed.
Arrange the chilled shrimp salad on a platter or in glasses and dollop with the avocado crema. That sounds like a dream of summer shrimp recipes cold , doesn't it?

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Shrimp Game

Want to take this from good to amazing ? Use the freshest herbs you can find! It honestly makes a world of difference.

Don't overcook the shrimp. Rubber shrimp is a crime against humanity. You can even make the avocado crema a day ahead.

Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Voila! This also makes great cold shrimp appetizers

This lemon shrimp salad recipe can turn into an amazing cold shrimp pasta salad , just throw in some cooled pasta.

Or, fancy a cold shrimp salad sandwich ? This is your go to shrimp salad for that. For those of us who like a bit of spice: Shrimp Ceviche Recipe with fresh lemon juice is a great add up.

Honestly, this shrimp salad with dill and that avocado crema? It's a total winner. Enjoy, my friends!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Those Cold Shrimp Recipes

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty, shall we? This Zesty Lemon & Herb Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado Crema is pretty straightforward.

But I've got a few insider tips and tricks to make sure yours is absolutely smashing. Honestly, it's all about the details, innit?

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation

How you plate something up can totally elevate it, right? For this, think elegant but not fussy. I reckon individual martini glasses look super swanky.

You could also serve it family style on a platter with the avocado crema artfully dolloped around. A side of crusty bread for dipping? Chef's kiss .

As for drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a super chilled beer goes down a treat. If you are looking for cold shrimp appetizers , these cups would surely impress.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Cool

Right, so the shrimp cold bit is kinda crucial. You don't want any dodgy tummies! If you're not serving it immediately, keep the cold shrimp in the fridge.

It'll happily sit there for a day. The avocado crema is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, pop it in an airtight container and it should be good for a day too.

Just might brown a bit. Reheating? Nah, this is a chilled shrimp salad kind of dish. Eat it cold !

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a bit of a twist? Go for it! For a spicy kick, chuck in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Boom! And Lemon Shrimp Salad Recipe totally works! Need a dairy-free version? Swap the sour cream for cashew cream. No one will ever know, I promise.

Want something a bit more summery? You could add chopped mango or pineapple for a tropical vibe. This is one of those summer shrimp recipes cold that are super versatile.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, so I'm no nutritionist, but here’s the lowdown. This Easy Shrimp Salad is packed with protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from the avocado, and loads of vitamins from the herbs and lemon.

It's about 350 calories per serving, 25g of protein, 25g of fat and 8g carbohydrates. Basically, it’s tasty and good for you.

Win-win, am I right? You could even try it on a cold shrimp salad sandwich ! Or for something completely different, a Shrimp Ceviche Recipe will also work well.

So there you have it! All the tips and tricks you need to make this Zesty Lemon & Herb Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad with Avocado Crema an absolute winner.

Get in the kitchen and give it a go! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cold shrimp recipe ahead of time? I'm prepping for a party!

Absolutely! The shrimp can marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge, and the avocado crema can be made a day ahead, just keep it covered tightly to prevent browning. Assemble just before serving to keep everything looking its best. Think of it like prepping your canapés for a right royal knees up!

Help! I don't like avocado. Is there a good substitute for the avocado crema in these cold shrimp recipes?

No worries! You can easily swap the avocado crema for a classic cocktail sauce (ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice) or a tangy remoulade sauce. You could also try a simple aioli (garlic mayonnaise) for a different creamy element.

Get creative, like you're on Bake Off and need a quick substitution!

I'm not a whiz in the kitchen, can I use pre-cooked shrimp for these cold shrimp recipes?

Definitely! Using pre-cooked shrimp is a great shortcut, especially if you're short on time or a bit nervous about cooking seafood. Just make sure the shrimp is properly thawed and patted dry before marinating. It's all about making life easier, isn't it? Like ordering your takeaway on a Friday night!

How long does leftover marinated shrimp last in the fridge?

Cooked shrimp, especially when marinated, is best enjoyed within 24-48 hours when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. After that, the texture can start to become a bit rubbery, and the flavors might not be as vibrant.

Treat it like that leftover curry delicious the next day, but probably best avoided after that!

I'm watching my calories - is this a healthy cold shrimp recipe?

This recipe can be quite healthy! Shrimp is a good source of protein, and avocado provides healthy fats. To lighten it up further, use light sour cream or Greek yogurt in the avocado crema, and don't overdo it on the olive oil in the marinade.

It's all about balance, like having a biscuit with your cup of tea a little indulgence is fine!