The Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and zesty dish that shines as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal. With bold citrus notes, a hint of spice, and a satisfying crunch from cucumbers and red onions, this dish delivers flavor in every bite. The creamy avocado rounds everything out, making each spoonful both luxurious and invigorating.
Perfect for Cinco De Mayo celebrations or summertime fiestas, this no-cook recipe is not only fast and easy to prepare but also a healthy option for entertaining. Serve it in chilled glasses or small bowls for a beautiful presentation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just craving a light dinner, this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a true fiesta in a bowl.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed, chopped
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2 cups diced Roma tomatoes
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1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
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1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeded for less heat)
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1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1 avocado, diced
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1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, 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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1/4 cup Clamato juice (or tomato juice)
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1 tablespoon hot sauce (Valentina or Tapatío recommended)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lime wedges and tortilla chips, for serving
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine ketchup, lime juice, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well blended.
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Add in the chopped shrimp, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cucumber, and cilantro. Stir until all ingredients are coated in the sauce.
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Gently fold in diced avocado. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let the flavors meld.
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Serve cold in cocktail glasses or bowls, garnished with lime wedges and tortilla chips on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Culinary Staple of Mexican Coastal Cuisine
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Cóctel de Camarones, is a beloved staple of coastal Mexican cuisine, especially in regions like Veracruz, Sinaloa, and Baja California. While it resembles the classic American shrimp cocktail in its use of chilled shrimp, the similarities end there. The Mexican version is a vibrant, flavor-packed medley of fresh vegetables, citrus, avocado, and hot sauce all tossed in a rich tomato-clam base. Often served in cocktail glasses or bowls and enjoyed with saltine crackers or tortilla chips, it’s a dish that beautifully captures the essence of Mexican street food—fresh, bold, and full of character.
The roots of this dish trace back to the merging of indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions. Seafood, especially shrimp, was abundant along the coasts and quickly became an essential protein in regional dishes. Over time, ingredients like tomatoes, limes, chiles, and herbs were fused into the recipe, resulting in the refreshingly spicy shrimp cocktail we know and love today. What makes this recipe so appealing is not just its taste, but also its heritage—it represents a vibrant, living history of Mexican gastronomy.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail isn’t just delicious—it’s an ideal blend of convenience, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re planning a Cinco De Mayo gathering or want a light yet satisfying lunch, this recipe hits all the right notes. Unlike many appetizers, it doesn’t require any cooking (if you’re using pre-cooked shrimp), which makes it perfect for hot summer days or when you’re short on time. You can have a gourmet-level dish on the table in under 30 minutes, with zero compromise on flavor.
Another advantage of this recipe is its ability to be customized to your preferences. Want it spicier? Add more jalapeño or splash in extra hot sauce. Prefer a chunkier texture? Go heavier on the diced veggies. Looking for more citrus zing? Simply squeeze in more lime juice. It’s also an easy way to sneak in healthy ingredients—avocados for good fats, cucumbers for hydration, and tomatoes for antioxidants like lycopene.
A Nutrient-Packed Appetizer You Can Feel Good About
Shrimp are a high-protein, low-calorie seafood packed with essential nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. They’re also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health. Avocados bring in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, while the addition of tomatoes contributes a healthy dose of vitamin C and potassium.
What’s more, this dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a crowd-pleaser even for those with dietary restrictions. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can enjoy it straight out of the bowl without the chips. On the flip side, pair it with tostadas or saltine crackers for a traditional experience that’s comforting and filling.
Perfect for Parties and Meal Prep
If you’re hosting a party, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare the base—tomato, juice, spices, and chopped vegetables—a few hours in advance. Then, simply stir in the shrimp and avocado before serving. It not only saves time but also allows the flavors to marinate and deepen.
Serve it in individual glasses for an elegant starter or a large communal bowl for more casual gatherings. Garnish with extra cilantro, a wedge of lime, and a few slices of avocado for an eye-catching presentation that feels festive and upscale.
And don’t underestimate this dish for weekly meal prep. Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it holds up beautifully for 1-2 days. Keep the avocado separate if you’re prepping ahead, and you’ll have a fresh and flavorful lunch or light dinner ready to go.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail pairs well with an ice-cold cerveza, michelada, or a tangy margarita. The acidity and spice balance out the richness of the avocado and shrimp, making each bite feel clean and satisfying. For sides, consider grilled corn on the cob, chips and guacamole, or a light green salad.
You can also serve this as a topping for tostadas or spoon it into small taco shells for a twist on seafood tacos. For a brunch buffet, include it alongside ceviche and fresh fruit for a light yet luxurious spread. The versatility of this dish ensures it’ll become a staple not just for holidays, but for everyday meals.
Tips to Make It Even Better
Here are a few expert tips to take your shrimp cocktail to the next level:
- Use fresh lime juice – Bottled versions lack the brightness and complexity of freshly squeezed lime.
- Chop vegetables uniformly – This ensures even distribution of flavors and a more professional presentation.
- Add the avocado last – To prevent browning and mushiness, always fold in avocado just before serving.
- Serve it cold – This dish is meant to be refreshing, so chill it well before serving for the best experience.
- Don’t over-salt – Since Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire all contain sodium, season conservatively.
A Flavor Journey Worth Repeating
Once you make this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, it will likely become one of your go-to recipes. It delivers layers of flavor—from the tang of lime to the kick of jalapeño, and the creamy richness of avocado—all wrapped around sweet, tender shrimp. It’s a dish that delights the senses while offering real nutritional value, and it’s equally at home at a fancy dinner party or a relaxed family BBQ.
What’s more, it’s an excellent introduction to Mexican seafood dishes for anyone unfamiliar with the cuisine. It shows that Mexican food isn’t just about tacos and enchiladas—it’s also about fresh, coastal fare that nourishes and satisfies. And because it’s so easy to tweak and personalize, you can enjoy endless variations without ever getting bored.
Conclusion
Cinco De Mayo is about more than just festive decorations and margaritas. It’s a celebration of Mexican culture, resilience, and flavor. What better way to honor that than with a dish that encapsulates tradition, freshness, and flavor in every bite?
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. It brings people together with its vibrant presentation and crowd-pleasing taste. So whether you’re toasting with friends, making a light dinner for your family, or just craving something spicy and delicious, this dish delivers every time. It’s the perfect representation of what great food should be: simple, shareable, and full of heart.
