Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s every bit as vibrant and satisfying as it is easy to make: Shrimp Stuffed Avocados. Juicy shrimp tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing nestles into buttery avocado halves for a no-cook meal that’s as impressive to look at as it is bursting with fresh, tangy flavor. Whether you need a quick lunch, a show-stopping appetizer, or a light dinner, this recipe never fails to deliver big taste with minimal fuss.

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients come together for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Each component has a purpose — bringing creaminess, crunch, zest, or a touch of warmth to the table.

Avocados: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the perfect creamy base to hold the shrimp salad.
Shrimp: Cooked, peeled, and chopped shrimp offer sweet succulence and heartiness — use wild-caught if you can for the best flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo binds the filling; for a lighter take, swap in some Greek yogurt.
Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime brightens everything and balances the richness of the avocado and shrimp.
Garlic Powder: Adds gentle savory notes without overpowering the delicate seafood.
Smoked Paprika: This hint of smokiness gives depth and a touch of color to the filling.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates the natural flavors in every bite.
Black Pepper: For a bit of bite and warmth.
Red Onion: Finely chopped for crunch, color, and a mild sharpness.
Fresh Cilantro: Herbal brightness that makes the filling pop.
Optional Jalapeño: If you love a bit of heat, diced jalapeño is the way to go — add as much or as little as you like.

How to Make Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Step 1: Mix the Shrimp Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, red onion, cilantro, and, if you like a kick, some diced jalapeño. Stir everything together until each piece of shrimp is coated in the creamy, tangy mixture. Take a taste before you do anything else — this is your moment to adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences!

Step 2: Prep the Avocados

Slice your ripe avocados in half and remove the pits. If you want even more shrimp filling, gently scoop out a small bit from the center of each half to create a bigger “boat.” You can dice up that scooped avocado and mix it right into your shrimp salad for extra creaminess and less waste.

Step 3: Fill the Avocados

Generously spoon the shrimp mixture into each avocado half, piling it high until the fruit is overflowing with your vibrant, seafood-packed salad. There’s no need to be shy — part of the fun with Shrimp Stuffed Avocados is how inviting they look when they’re filled to the brim!

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are best enjoyed right away. The creamy avocado, chilled shrimp salad, and the zest of fresh lime are all at their most delicious and refreshing when freshly assembled. Present them as an appetizer or a summery lunch and watch them disappear.

How to Serve Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Garnishes

Gild the lily! Garnish your Shrimp Stuffed Avocados with extra fresh cilantro, a dusting of smoked paprika, or thinly sliced jalapeños for color and kick. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a little extra squeeze of lime right before serving can take the flavors even further. They’re almost too pretty to eat — at least for a moment!

Side Dishes

Pair your Shrimp Stuffed Avocados with a crisp green salad, a cup of gazpacho, or crunchy vegetable crudités for a light meal. For something heartier, serve with warmed tortillas or a side of quinoa. Because the main dish is so fresh and light, it plays beautifully with other summery, colorful sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Arrange the filled avocados on a platter lined with lettuce leaves, or top them with microgreens and edible flowers for a brunch centerpiece. For parties, serve the shrimp filling inside endive leaves or cucumber boats alongside traditional Shrimp Stuffed Avocados to give your guests options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with Shrimp Stuffed Avocados!), store the shrimp filling and avocado halves separately. Cover avocado halves tightly with plastic wrap to prevent browning, and keep the shrimp salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Assemble just before eating for best texture and color.

Freezing

While shrimp freezes beautifully, avocados do not. Once thawed, their texture becomes watery and mushy. For that reason, freezing Shrimp Stuffed Avocados is not recommended; they’re much tastier enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This is a truly no-cook, served-cold dish, so there’s no need for reheating! In fact, you’ll want to keep everything chilled until the moment you eat. If the shrimp filling seems a bit dry after refrigerating, stir in a bit more lime juice or a dollop of mayo to refresh it.

FAQs

Can I make Shrimp Stuffed Avocados without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Try swapping the mayo for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. You’ll get all the creamy texture with an added boost of protein and fewer calories.

What kind of shrimp works best?

Medium or small cooked shrimp work perfectly, especially if they’re wild-caught or freshly cooked. You can even use frozen pre-cooked shrimp — just thaw, pat dry, and chop before mixing with the other ingredients.

How far ahead can I make this for a party?

You can prepare the shrimp filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble the Shrimp Stuffed Avocados just before serving to keep the avocados fresh and vibrant. A squeeze of lime over the cut avocados also helps prevent browning.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are naturally gluten-free, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or lunch for those with dietary restrictions. Always double-check your mayonnaise and seasonings to be sure there are no hidden sources of gluten.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Of course! Try diced cooked chicken, lump crab meat, or even flaked tuna for a fun twist. The basic recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to riff with your favorite seafood or lean proteins.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hungry for a fresh, impressive, and wildly delicious dish with barely any prep, Shrimp Stuffed Avocados will quickly become a staple in your rotation. I hope you give them a try — and that you find them just as irresistible as I do!

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. Creamy avocado halves are filled with a flavorful mixture of shrimp, mayo, lime juice, and spices, creating a refreshing and satisfying bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Avocado:

2 ripe avocados (halved and pitted)

Shrimp Mixture:

1/2 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Optional diced jalapeño for heat

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Mix well until fully combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Scoop out a small portion of the avocado flesh to create more room for filling, and gently dice and mix it into the shrimp mixture if desired.
Spoon the shrimp mixture generously into each avocado half.
Serve immediately as a fresh appetizer or light lunch.