Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche
Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche is a bright and refreshing dish that’s perfect for those sunny days or casual gatherings. It features tender shrimp mingled with the creamy goodness of avocado, making it a delightful appetizer that never fails to impress. Each bite bursts with fresh lime juice, crunchy vegetables, and a hint of heat from jalapeño, drawing you back for more.
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This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. I still remember the first time I made this ceviche—it was a family barbecue, and everyone raved about it! If you’re looking for a dish that’s flavorful, visually appealing, and quick to prepare, then look no further. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just about 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of lime, shrimp, and creamy avocado is a tantalizing taste explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This ceviche looks gorgeous, with vibrant colors that are sure to impress your guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even light lunches; enjoy it in so many ways!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound large cooked shrimp: Make sure you use quality shrimp; you can buy them pre-cooked or poach raw shrimp yourself for extra flavor.
- 2-3 limes: Fresh lime juice adds brightness—trust me, you don’t want bottled juice here.
- 1 small jalapeño: This adds just the right kick of heat. Adjust the seeds based on your heat tolerance.
- 1/2 large red onion (finely diced, about 3/4 cup): Red onion gives a lovely sweetness and color. If you prefer a milder taste, soak it in cold water for a few minutes.
- 1 pound roma tomatoes: These are firm and flavorful, perfect for ceviche; feel free to substitute with other types if needed.
- 1 large english cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, adding a nice crunch. You can peel it or leave the skin on for added color.
- 1 bunch cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. If you’re not a fan, you could substitute parsley for a different flavor.
- 2 large garlic cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor profile. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- 2 large hass avocados (or 4-5 mini avocados): Creamy and rich, they balance the acidity. Be gentle when stirring to keep them intact.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
How to Make Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche
- Char the Jalapeño: Carefully char the jalapeño by holding it with tongs over a gas flame or placing it under a broiler. Rotate until the skin is evenly blackened. Set it aside to cool, allowing it to develop a smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Dice the large cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and transfer them into a large mixing bowl, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for flavor.
- Add Lime Juice: Zest and juice the limes. Add the zest and juice from half of the limes to the shrimp mixture. Set aside the remaining lime juice for tossing with the avocado later.
- Dice the Cucumber: Peel, deseed, and chop the cucumber into small pieces. Toss this into the shrimp mixture for that crunchy texture.
- Combine Vegetables: Dice the roma tomatoes and the charred jalapeño (discarding seeds for less heat). Add these vibrant veggies to the bowl.
- Chop the Cilantro: Finely chop the cilantro, focusing mostly on the leaves. This will freshen up your ceviche, so toss it into the bowl.
- Prepare the Onion and Garlic: Peel and finely dice the onion. Then, peel and crush the garlic cloves. Mix them into the shrimp blend so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Include the Avocado: Slice the avocados lengthwise, twist to separate, and remove the pit using your fingers. Carefully score the flesh into cubes while still in the skin, then scoop out with a spoon. Add these to your bowl, drizzling with the reserved lime juice to prevent browning.
- Season and Chill: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors come together beautifully. Serve this delightful ceviche cold, either with crunchy tortilla chips or over crisp greens.
Storing & Reheating
Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh. Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To store, use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can chop all the ingredients except the avocado and combine them just before serving. The texture and flavor of ceviche are likely to change when frozen, so try to avoid it. However, if you must freeze it, consume within 3 months. Just remember, the freshness and creamy texture of the avocado can’t be beat!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Over-Mixing: When adding the avocado, be gentle. Over-mixing can turn it into mush, which is not the desired texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: The fresher your shrimp and vegetables, the tastier your ceviche will be. Visit local markets when possible!
- Adjust the Heat: If you love more spice, feel free to add more jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne.
- Make Ahead: For a stress-free event, prep all the ingredients, but add the avocado and seasonings right before serving to keep everything crisp.
Eating this bright Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche is such a joyful experience—it’s like taking a bite of sunshine! The combination of flavors and textures makes it an incredible dish to share with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to switch up the ingredients as you like, whether it’s using different herbs or experimenting with more chiles for heat. I hope you enjoy making this ceviche as much as I do!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp for this ceviche?
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to use raw shrimp, make sure to marinate them in the lime juice for about two hours. The acidity will “cook” the shrimp, turning them pink and opaque. Just ensure you’re using very fresh shrimp for best results.
What can I serve with shrimp and avocado ceviche?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips, but it can also be served over fresh greens, in tacos, or even with crusty bread. You can get creative with your pairings!
How long does ceviche last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, ceviche is best consumed within 2 days. After that, the ingredients may begin to lose their texture, especially the avocado.
Can I make this ceviche vegan?
Of course! For a vegan twist, replace the shrimp with diced mango or hearts of palm for a lovely texture. You can also include additional vegetables like bell peppers and jicama for crunch.
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Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche is a delightful blend of cooked shrimp, ripe avocados, and fresh vegetables. With zesty lime and a hint of jalapeño, it’s perfect for a light meal or refreshing appetizer, making it a go-to for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large cooked shrimp
- 2–3 limes
- 1 small jalapeño
- 1/2 large red onion (finely diced, about 3/4 cup)
- 1 pound roma tomatoes
- 1 large English cucumber
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 2 large Hass avocados (or 4–5 mini avocados)
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Char the jalapeño by holding it over a gas flame or under a broiler until evenly blackened. Let it cool.
- Dice the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Zest and juice the limes. Add zest and juice from half of the limes to the shrimp mixture, reserving the remaining juice for the avocado.
- Peel, deseed, and dice the cucumber, then add it to the shrimp mixture.
- Dice the tomatoes and jalapeño, removing the seeds for less heat, then add to the bowl.
- Finely chop the cilantro, mostly using the leaves, and mix it into the bowl.
- Peel and dice the onion, crush the garlic, and add both to the shrimp mixture.
- Cut the avocado lengthwise, twist to separate, and remove the pit. Score the flesh into cubes, scoop out with a spoon, and add to the bowl with the reserved lime juice to prevent browning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving cold with tortilla chips or over crisp greens.
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, or use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience.
Adjust jalapeño according to your heat preference; remove seeds for a milder flavor.
Ceviche tastes best when chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
