Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter
Highlighted under: Easy Plates
Delight your guests with this vibrant Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter, featuring succulent shrimp paired with creamy avocado and zesty flavors.
This Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter is a perfect start to any meal or a delightful snack on its own. The combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors will impress everyone at your gathering.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh and vibrant flavors that awaken the palate
- Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion
A Colorful Display
The Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the shrimp, the rich green of the avocado, and the bright hues of the red onion and tomato create a stunning visual appeal that will impress your guests. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it adds a touch of elegance while being incredibly easy to prepare.
When you serve this platter, you're offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The creamy avocado contrasts beautifully with the firm, juicy shrimp, creating a harmonious balance that will leave everyone wanting more. This dish is both light and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a more formal celebration, this Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter fits the bill. Its quick preparation time makes it a convenient option for busy hosts, allowing you to spend more time with your guests instead of in the kitchen. Plus, the freshness of the ingredients ensures that it's a hit with everyone, from seafood lovers to health-conscious eaters.
This recipe is also highly adaptable. You can easily customize the avocado salsa by adding other ingredients such as corn, jalapeños, or even mango for a tropical twist. This versatility means that you can make it your own, ensuring that it always feels fresh and exciting.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter, presentation is key. Arrange the shrimp in a circular pattern around the avocado salsa in the center of your platter for a beautiful display. Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips or crackers for added crunch. You can also provide optional toppings like extra lime wedges or a sprinkle of chili flakes to let your guests customize their bites.
Don't forget to pair your platter with refreshing beverages. A chilled white wine or a zesty cocktail can complement the flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience. This appetizer is not just food; it’s an invitation to savor and enjoy good company.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For Serving
- Tortilla chips or crackers
Combine all ingredients in a bowl for a delicious appetizer.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Make the Avocado Salsa
In a mixing bowl, combine diced avocados, red onion, tomato, lime juice, and salt. Gently mix to avoid mashing the avocados. Stir in chopped cilantro if desired.
Assemble the Platter
Arrange the cooked shrimp on a serving platter and top with the avocado salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter!
Nutritional Benefits
This Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories and saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for any diet. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, shrimp can contribute to heart health and overall well-being.
Avocados, on the other hand, are known for their healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. They are also packed with vitamins, such as vitamin K, vitamin E, and various B vitamins, along with potassium and fiber. This combination makes the platter not only a tasty treat but also a nutritious one.
Tips for Preparation
For the best results, make sure to use fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a mild ocean scent. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but be mindful not to overcook them during the heating process as they can become rubbery.
When preparing the avocado salsa, choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to pressure but are not overly soft. This will ensure that your salsa has the perfect creamy texture. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or corn for extra sweetness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp and avocado salsa separately and combine them just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for shrimp?
You can use cooked chicken or tofu as a substitute for shrimp.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortilla chips or crackers.
Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter
Delight your guests with this vibrant Shrimp and Avocado Appetizer Platter, featuring succulent shrimp paired with creamy avocado and zesty flavors.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Easy Plates
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For Serving
- Tortilla chips or crackers
How-To Steps
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine diced avocados, red onion, tomato, lime juice, and salt. Gently mix to avoid mashing the avocados. Stir in chopped cilantro if desired.
Arrange the cooked shrimp on a serving platter and top with the avocado salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers on the side.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g