If you’re looking for a vibrant, zesty appetizer that practically guarantees compliments, look no further than Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus. This dish is a personal favorite for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or anytime you crave something fresh and full of flavor. With plump shrimp, creamy avocado, and a lively trio of citrus juices, each bite is a celebration of color, texture, and pure sunshine on your plate. The best part? It’s quick to make, requires no cooking, and delivers a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus is in its simplicity—the fresh, quality ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Each component brings something special, from the crispness of red onion to the silky avocado and the bright hit of citrus. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single thing:
- Shrimp (1 pound, cooked, peeled, deveined, and chopped): The star of the show! Using cooked shrimp saves time and keeps things simple.
- Fresh Lime Juice (1/2 cup): Delivers that signature tangy brightness and “cooks” the ceviche.
- Fresh Orange Juice (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle sweetness and balances the acidity beautifully.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): Boosts the citrusy punch and wakes up all the flavors.
- Red Onion (1 small, finely diced): Offers crunch and a mild, peppery bite for contrast.
- Jalapeño (1, seeded and finely diced): Gives a subtle heat that makes everything pop—adjust to your spice preference!
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bring juicy bursts of color and sweetness to every bite.
- Avocado (1 ripe, diced): Creamy and luscious, avocado tames the citrus and adds richness.
- Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Lends herby freshness and a classic ceviche flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out all the bright, bold flavors.
- Tortilla Chips or Tostadas (for serving): The perfect crispy vehicle for scooping up your ceviche.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp in Citrus
Start by combining your chopped, cooked shrimp with the lime, orange, and lemon juices in a medium bowl. This citrus bath doesn’t just add flavor—it also slightly firms up the shrimp and infuses it with that unmistakable ceviche zing. Pop the bowl in the refrigerator and let everything mingle for 15 to 20 minutes. Even though the shrimp is already cooked, this step gives it that authentic ceviche feel and lets the juices really soak in.
Step 2: Add the Crunch and Heat
Once your shrimp has soaked up all those sunny citrus notes, stir in the finely diced red onion, jalapeño, and cherry tomatoes. The onion brings crispness and bite, the jalapeño offers a gentle kick, and the tomatoes burst with juiciness. Give everything a good stir so the flavors start blending together.
Step 3: Fold in the Avocado and Cilantro
Now it’s time for the creamy magic. Gently fold in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro—don’t overmix, or the avocado might get too mushy. These two add a cooling, velvety element that balances out the acidity and heat, making every spoonful of Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus perfectly harmonious.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste your ceviche and season with salt and black pepper to bring all the flavors together. You can enjoy it immediately, or let it chill for a few more minutes if you like it extra cold. Serve your creation with plenty of tortilla chips or piled onto crisp tostadas for maximum crunch and fun.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, extra diced jalapeño, or even a few slices of thinly sliced radish can take your ceviche from delicious to dazzling. For a little luxury, drizzle with a splash of good olive oil or add a pinch of smoked paprika right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This ceviche is a star appetizer on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light, summery sides. Think corn salad, crisp jicama slaw, or a simple green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette. If you’re feeling festive, serve alongside guacamole or a chilled cucumber soup for a refreshing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by scooping Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus into individual cups or shot glasses for party-ready bites. For a dramatic touch, hollow out halved avocados and fill them with ceviche, or serve in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option. However you present it, the colors and flavors always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It’s best enjoyed the same day, but will keep well for up to 24 hours. Just know that the avocado may soften and the citrus will continue to gently “cook” the shrimp, so the texture might become more tender.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish. The fresh ingredients, especially the avocado and tomatoes, tend to lose their texture and become watery once thawed. For the best experience, enjoy your ceviche freshly made or within a day of preparation.
Reheating
Ceviche is meant to be enjoyed cool or chilled, never hot. If it’s been refrigerated, simply give it a gentle stir and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off. No reheating required—this is a true no-cook wonder!
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use raw shrimp—just chop it and marinate in the citrus juices for at least 30 minutes to allow the acids to “cook” the shrimp thoroughly. Make sure the shrimp turns opaque and pink before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado from browning?
The citrus juices in this recipe do a great job of keeping avocado bright and green for several hours. If you’re prepping ahead, add the avocado right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
Is this dish spicy?
Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus has a mild kick from the jalapeño, but it’s easy to adjust the heat to your liking. For more spice, leave in some seeds or add extra jalapeño; for less, simply omit it or use just half.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep most components a few hours in advance—just wait to add the avocado and cilantro until right before serving. This helps maintain the freshest flavor and texture possible.
What other seafood can I use in this ceviche?
Feel free to get creative! Scallops, firm white fish (like snapper or halibut), or even a mix of seafood work beautifully in place of shrimp. Just be sure to adjust marinating times as needed, especially if using raw seafood.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus is a recipe you’ll want on repeat. It’s easy, impressive, and guaranteed to bring a burst of sunshine to any table—so gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive in!
Print
Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus is a vibrant and refreshing Mexican-inspired appetizer that combines succulent cooked shrimp with zesty lime, orange, and lemon juices. Enhanced with crisp red onion, spicy jalapeño, sweet cherry tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh cilantro, this no-cook dish is perfect for a light, healthy meal or party starter. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s best served immediately with tortilla chips or tostadas for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Citrus Marinade
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Seasoning and Serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips or tostadas, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp with the fresh lime, orange, and lemon juices. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Vegetables: Remove the shrimp mixture from the refrigerator and stir in the finely diced red onion, seeded jalapeño, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix gently to distribute ingredients without mashing the tomatoes.
- Incorporate Avocado and Cilantro: Carefully fold in the diced ripe avocado and chopped fresh cilantro. This step adds creaminess and fresh herbal notes to the ceviche.
- Season and Serve: Taste the ceviche and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Serve immediately alongside crunchy tortilla chips or crisp tostadas for a perfect appetizer.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of olive oil or a pinch of smoked paprika to the ceviche before serving.
- Raw shrimp can be used in place of cooked shrimp by marinating it in the citrus juices for 30 minutes, which ‘cooks’ the shrimp chemically.
- Best enjoyed fresh on the same day to maintain the bright flavors and fresh textures.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
