Appetizers & Snacks

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are a light, refreshing, and elegant dish that combines creamy avocado halves with a flavorful shrimp filling. This recipe is perfect for a healthy lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer for guests. The creamy avocado balances perfectly with the tender, seasoned shrimp, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing.

Quick to prepare yet visually stunning, it’s a versatile recipe that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it a go-to for seafood lovers and anyone seeking a wholesome meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, elegant, and packed with fresh flavors. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with succulent shrimp, tangy lime juice, and crisp vegetables, creating a refreshing bite every time.

It’s quick to assemble, requires minimal cooking, and can easily be customized with your favorite herbs or sauces. Perfect for summer meals or entertaining, it’s both healthy and indulgent.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Shrimp Stuffed Avocados recipe is a must-try because it’s healthy, protein-rich, and bursting with flavor. It’s visually appealing, making it ideal for special occasions, dinner parties, or brunches.

The combination of creamy avocado, zesty shrimp, and crisp veggies provides a satisfying, well-balanced dish that’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb. Quick, simple, and elegant, it’s a recipe that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 2–4
  • Calories: ~320 kcal per stuffed avocado half

Cuisine and Course

  • Cuisine: American / Seafood / Healthy
  • Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Light Dinner

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 12 large cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 small celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon red bell pepper, finely diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley

For the Avocados:

  • 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
  • Optional garnish: lime wedges, extra chopped herbs, or paprika

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Prepare shrimp filling by combining chopped shrimp with mayonnaise, mustard, lime juice, celery, bell pepper, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop a small amount of flesh if needed to create more room.
  3. Spoon shrimp mixture into avocado halves.
  4. Garnish with herbs, paprika, or lime wedges.
  5. Serve immediately, chilled or at room temperature.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Filling

  • Chop cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a bowl, combine shrimp with mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lime juice, diced celery, and red bell pepper.
  • Season with salt and black pepper, and add chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Mix well.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocados

  • Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove pits.
  • Scoop out a little avocado flesh to make room for the shrimp filling if needed.

Step 3: Stuff the Avocados

  • Spoon the shrimp mixture generously into each avocado half.
  • Press lightly to ensure filling stays in place.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish with extra chopped herbs, paprika, or lime wedges.
  • Serve immediately while fresh.

How to Serve

  • Serve as a light lunch, appetizer, or part of a brunch spread.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad, tortilla chips, or a chilled white wine.
  • Perfect for summer meals or entertaining guests with minimal prep time.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh, cooked shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the lime juice to taste for a tangier flavor.
  • Chill the shrimp mixture slightly before stuffing the avocados for a refreshing bite.
  • Serve immediately to prevent avocado from browning.

Variations

  • Spicy Shrimp Avocado: Add a dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or minced jalapeño to the shrimp mixture.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
  • Creamy Avocado: Mix some of the avocado flesh into the shrimp filling for extra creaminess.
  • Taco Twist: Top with shredded lettuce, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute shrimp with chickpeas or marinated tofu.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigerate: The shrimp filling can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but avocados should be stuffed just before serving to avoid browning.
  • Freezing: Not recommended once avocado is stuffed, as the texture becomes mushy.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare shrimp filling ahead of time; store separately in the fridge.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon for scooping avocado and filling
  • Optional: citrus juicer for lime juice

FAQ

Q1: Can I use raw shrimp?
No, shrimp must be cooked beforehand. Boil, steam, or sauté before chopping.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the shrimp mixture ahead, but stuff the avocados just before serving.

Q3: Can I use other types of seafood?
Yes — crab, lobster, or cooked scallops work beautifully.

Q4: How do I prevent avocado from browning?
Sprinkle lime juice over the avocado halves before adding the filling.

Q5: Is this dish low-carb?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.

Conclusion

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are a healthy, elegant, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, brunch, or entertaining. Creamy avocado halves paired with tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and zesty lime create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Quick to assemble, visually appealing, and versatile, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, nutritious, and impressive dishes.

Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Filling:

  • 12 large cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

  • 1 small celery stalk, finely diced

  • 1 tablespoon red bell pepper, finely diced

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley

  • For the Avocados:

  • 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted

  • Optional garnish: lime wedges, extra chopped herbs, or paprika

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Filling : Chop cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine shrimp with mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lime juice, diced celery, and red bell pepper. Season with salt and black pepper, and add chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Mix well.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Avocados : Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove pits. Scoop out a little avocado flesh to make room for the shrimp filling if needed.
  • Step 3: Stuff the Avocados : Spoon the shrimp mixture generously into each avocado half. Press lightly to ensure filling stays in place.
  • Step 4: Garnish and Serve : Garnish with extra chopped herbs, paprika, or lime wedges. Serve immediately while fresh.