11 Best Cold Shrimp Appetizers To Try in 2025

Elevate your gatherings with these refreshing, flavorful, and visually stunning cold shrimp appetizers.

Perfect for summer parties, holiday spreads, or elegant soirées, these recipes combine simplicity with gourmet flair.

Each dish includes detailed descriptions, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to ensure success.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal event, these shrimp appetizers are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.

1. Chilled Marinated Shrimp Skewers

A zesty, herb-infused marinade transforms succulent shrimp into a vibrant appetizer. Marinated in lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and aromatic spices, these skewers are light yet bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ideal for make-ahead prep, they pair beautifully with grilled vegetables or as a standalone dish. The tangy marinade enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, while the skewers make for easy, mess-free serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked medium shrimp (peeled, deveined)
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp oregano, thyme, and ground mustard
• 1 small onion (sliced)
• ½ tsp sugar, salt, and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk vinegar, oil, lemon juice, herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place shrimp and onion in a resealable bag; pour marinade over.
3. Refrigerate for 2+ hours, flipping occasionally.
4. Skewer shrimp and serve chilled with lemon wedges.

2. Shrimp Cocktail Louis

A spicy twist on the classic shrimp cocktail, featuring a tangy Sriracha-horseradish dip. The shrimp are lightly poached for tenderness, then chilled to perfection. Serve with crisp lettuce or cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast. This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of heat and tanginess that complements the delicate flavor of the shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, tails on)
• ½ cup chili sauce
• 2 tbsp Sriracha
• 1 tbsp horseradish
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Poach shrimp in salted water for 3–4 minutes; chill in ice bath.
2. Mix chili sauce, Sriracha, horseradish, and lemon juice.
3. Arrange shrimp on a platter with dip in the center.
4. Garnish with dill and serve with lemon wedges.

3. Cucumber Shrimp Cups

Crisp cucumber cups filled with creamy shrimp salad make a refreshing, low-carb appetizer. The creamy sauce, made with mayo and fresh herbs, complements the tender shrimp, while the cucumber adds a hydrating crunch. These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any party spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 English cucumber (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
• 1 lb cooked small shrimp (chopped)
• ¼ cup mayo
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chives, and lemon zest
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Hollow out cucumber rounds with a melon baller.
2. Mix shrimp, mayo, sour cream, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon mixture into cucumber cups.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

4. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarón)

A bold, chunky cocktail featuring shrimp in a spicy Clamato-based broth with avocado, jalapeño, and cilantro. Serve with saltine crackers or tortilla chips for a fiesta-ready appetizer. This dish is a celebration of flavors, combining the sweetness of shrimp with the tanginess of Clamato and the heat of jalapeño. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp
• 2 cups Clamato juice
• 1 avocado (diced)
• ½ cup diced cucumber, tomato, red onion
• 1 jalapeño (minced)
• ¼ cup cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Combine Clamato juice, shrimp, avocado, veggies, and jalapeño in a bowl.
2. Stir gently; season with salt and lime juice.
3. Chill for 1 hour.
4. Garnish with cilantro and serve in martini glasses.

5. Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds

Creamy tzatziki sauce, plump shrimp, and crisp cucumber create a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired bite. Topped with capers and fresh dill, this appetizer is both elegant and effortless. The cool, tangy tzatziki pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp, while the cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. These rounds are perfect for a light and healthy appetizer option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb poached shrimp
• 1 English cucumber (sliced)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 2 tbsp fresh dill
• 1 tbsp capers

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and dill for tzatziki.
2. Spread tzatziki on cucumber slices.
3. Top each with a shrimp, caper, and dill sprig.
4. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.

6. Shrimp Aguachile

A Mexican ceviche-style dish where shrimp is “cooked” in lime juice and tossed with a spicy cilantro-chili marinade. Serve on tostadas or with sliced radishes for a zesty, vibrant appetizer. This dish is a true flavor explosion, combining the freshness of lime with the heat of serrano peppers and the brightness of cilantro. It’s a perfect appetizer for those who love bold, tangy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb raw shrimp (sliced thin)
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 serrano pepper (seeded)
• ½ cup cilantro
• ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cucumber (sliced)

Instructions:

1. Blend lime juice, serrano, and cilantro into a smooth marinade.
2. Toss shrimp with marinade; refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. Layer cucumber slices on a platter; top with shrimp and onion.
4. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

7. Cold Shrimp Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

A light, protein-packed salad with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and avocado in a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for lettuce cups or as a standalone dish. This salad is a healthy and refreshing option that’s packed with flavor. The creamy Greek yogurt dressing adds a tangy kick, while the shrimp and avocado provide a satisfying texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 avocado (diced)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Whisk yogurt, mustard, honey, and parsley for dressing.
2. Toss shrimp, tomatoes, and avocado in dressing.
3. Chill for 30 minutes.
4. Serve in endive leaves or over mixed greens.

8. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Creamy avocado and juicy shrimp unite in this citrusy salad, accented with Old Bay seasoning. A crowd-pleaser for brunches or light lunches. The combination of creamy avocado and tender shrimp is enhanced by the zesty lime dressing, making this salad a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp
• 2 avocados (diced)
• ¼ cup red onion
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Gently mix shrimp, avocado, and onion in a bowl.
2. Whisk lime juice, olive oil, and Old Bay; pour over salad.
3. Toss lightly; chill for 15 minutes.
4. Garnish with microgreens.

9. Shrimp Ceviche with Mango Salsa

Bright, tropical flavors shine in this ceviche, combining lime-marinated shrimp with sweet mango, jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Serve in martini glasses for a festive touch. This dish is a celebration of summer, with its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. The sweetness of the mango balances the tanginess of the lime, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb raw shrimp (chopped)
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 mango (diced)
• ½ red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 jalapeño (minced)
• ¼ cup cilantro

Instructions:

1. Marinate shrimp in lime juice for 20 minutes.
2. Drain excess juice; mix with mango, bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro.
3. Chill for 10 minutes.
4. Serve with plantain chips.

10. Shrimp Cocktail Deviled Eggs

A fusion of two classics: deviled eggs get a seafood upgrade with cocktail sauce and a shrimp garnish. Perfect for holiday parties or retro-themed gatherings. These deviled eggs are a creative twist on a traditional favorite, combining the creamy richness of egg yolks with the tangy flavor of cocktail sauce and the sweetness of shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• ¼ cup mayo
• 1 tbsp cocktail sauce
• 12 small cooked shrimp
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Halve eggs; remove yolks and mash with mayo.
2. Fold in cocktail sauce; pipe into egg whites.
3. Top each with a shrimp and sprinkle paprika.
4. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

11. Greek Marinated Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp marinated in olive oil, lemon, and oregano, served chilled on skewers. A Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that pairs well with tzatziki or hummus. These skewers are bursting with flavor, thanks to the simple yet flavorful marinade. The grilled shrimp are tender and juicy, making them a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic.
2. Marinate shrimp for 30 minutes.
3. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side; chill.
4. Thread onto skewers and serve with lemon wedges.

These 11 cold shrimp appetizer ideas are perfect for any occasion in 2025. From elegant skewers to refreshing salads, these recipes are sure to delight your guests and make your events unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a formal dinner party, these dishes offer a variety of flavors and presentations to suit any taste. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and adding your own creative touches! 🍤