Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe
If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious meal that comes together in just minutes, this Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Creamy avocado halves filled with a zesty, flavorful shrimp salad create a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it ideal for a quick lunch, light dinner, or elegant appetizer. Once you try this delightful combination, it’s hard to go back to anything else!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe lies in its simplicity and how thoughtfully each ingredient works together to bring bold flavors and contrasting textures. Everyone from beginners to seasoned cooks will appreciate how straightforward these components are, and how each one adds a unique touch to the final dish.
- 2 ripe avocados: Choose those that are soft to the touch but not mushy, for creamy texture and rich flavor.
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped: Already cooked shrimp saves time and keeps the filling light yet satisfying.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Provides creaminess and a subtle tang, with Greek yogurt adding a healthier twist.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Brings a mild kick and depth to the shrimp mixture.
- 1 tbsp lime juice: Adds brightness and a refreshing citrus note that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp paprika: Offers a gentle smoky nuance and lovely color to the mixture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to balance and highlight all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped: Adds a bit of crunch and sharpness to contrast the creamy avocado.
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped: Fresh and herbaceous, cilantro gives the dish its signature bright, green aroma.
- Optional toppings: Hot sauce, diced tomatoes, extra lime wedges to customize your serving experience.
How to Make Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Shrimp Filling
Start by combining all the flavorful ingredients for the shrimp filling in a bowl. This includes the chopped shrimp, creamy mayonnaise or tangy Greek yogurt, a little bit of Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, finely chopped red onion, and cilantro. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until you have a creamy, well-blended mixture that will be bursting with flavor once stuffed into the avocados.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocados
Next, cut your ripe avocados in half and carefully remove the pits. For more room to hold the delicious shrimp filling, scoop out a small portion from the center of each half—just enough to create a bit of extra space, but be careful not to scoop out too much of the tasty green flesh. The avocados themselves bring that rich, buttery texture and beautiful color to the dish.
Step 3: Stuff the Avocados
Now the fun part: spoon the creamy shrimp mixture generously into each avocado half. Pack the shrimp salad so it sits just above the edge of the avocado, making the dish look inviting and full. You’ll love how the smooth avocado embraces the zesty shrimp filling, creating a perfect bite every time.
Step 4: Add Optional Toppings and Serve
Finally, personalize your Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe by topping each half with your favorite extras like a splash of hot sauce for heat, a sprinkle of diced tomatoes for freshness, or extra cilantro for even more herbal goodness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, simplicity often wins. A few drops of tangy hot sauce liven things up, while fresh diced tomatoes add a pop of juiciness and color. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone add a burst of citrus if they like. Fresh cilantro not only looks beautiful but also ties all the flavors together seamlessly.
Side Dishes
To round out your Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe, consider light and complementary side dishes. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of chilled corn soup pairs wonderfully. If you want something heartier, grilled vegetables or a quinoa salad keep the meal nutritious without overshadowing the stars of this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation matters and with this recipe, you can have fun! Serve each avocado half on a small plate sprinkled with paprika or smoked sea salt for an extra touch. For a party, arrange the stuffed avocados on a platter lined with leafy greens to create an inviting spread. You can also turn these into bite-sized appetizers by scooping the filling onto cucumber rounds for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe, store the shrimp mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the avocado halves alone or slightly dressed with lime juice in another container to prevent browning. Scoop and assemble fresh just before serving to maintain texture and taste.
Freezing
Because avocados tend to turn mushy and brown after thawing, freezing the stuffed avocados is not recommended. However, you can freeze the shrimp mixture on its own in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw it gently in the fridge and then stuff fresh avocados when ready to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
The shrimp filling is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, keeping the refreshing character of this dish intact. If you prefer a warmer option, gently warm the filling in a microwave for just a few seconds, but avoid overheating. Always re-stuff into fresh avocado halves immediately before serving.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp for this recipe?
It’s best to use cooked shrimp for this Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe to save time and ensure food safety. If you have raw shrimp, cook them by boiling or sautéing until opaque before chopping and mixing in the filling.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you want a lighter or tangier option. You could also try avocado mayo or a vegan mayo alternative depending on your dietary preferences.
How do I keep avocados from turning brown?
Sprinkling lime juice over the avocado halves helps prevent oxidation and browning. Also, assembling the stuffed avocados just before serving keeps them looking fresh and vibrant longer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Every ingredient in this Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
You can prep the shrimp filling a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. However, wait to stuff the avocados until just before guests arrive to keep the avocados fresh and visually appealing.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy and indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to throw together. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for casual lunches, get-togethers, or a light dinner that satisfies. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for it time and again as a quick, crowd-pleasing favorite!
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Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are a quick, fresh, and creamy appetizer or light meal perfect for warm weather. This recipe combines ripe avocados with a tangy shrimp salad, enhanced by lime juice, garlic, and herbs, creating a delicious and healthy dish ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Avocado
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
Shrimp Mixture
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Hot sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Prepare the avocados: Halve and pit the ripe avocados carefully. If desired, use a spoon to scoop out a small amount from the center of each half to create more space for the shrimp filling.
- Stuff the avocados: Spoon the shrimp mixture generously into the hollowed centers of each avocado half. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed and piled slightly over the top for a generous portion.
- Add toppings and serve: Garnish the stuffed avocados with optional toppings like hot sauce, diced tomatoes, or extra cilantro. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and prevent the avocados from browning.
Notes
- Use cooked shrimp, either boiled, steamed, or grilled, to save time and ensure food safety.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- To prevent avocado browning, serve immediately or squeeze extra lime juice on the flesh.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
