Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus is an absolute delight that brightens up any meal with its zesty, fresh flavors and creamy textures. This dish combines tender shrimp marinated in vivid citrus juices with luscious avocado slices, creating a harmonious balance of tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy notes. Perfect for a light lunch, a healthy snack, or a vibrant appetizer, Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus brings a refreshing twist to classic seafood dishes that everyone will love, especially when you want something quick, wholesome, and bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing: Citrus juices instantly elevate the shrimp, giving every bite a fresh and tangy zing.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking, this recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
• Healthy and Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with lean protein, healthy fats from avocado, and vitamin-rich citrus, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue, light lunch, or party appetizer, this ceviche fits right in.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to your taste or dietary preferences with simple ingredient swaps or additions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus. Each component brings something special, from the succulent shrimp and creamy avocado to the vibrant citrus that brightens the whole dish.

• Fresh Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, shrimp provides tender protein and a mildly sweet base.
• Lime and Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed citrus juices add tartness and sweetness to marinate the shrimp perfectly.
• Ripe Avocado: Adds creamy richness that balances the acidity and elevates the texture.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a crunchy bite with a gentle sharpness that complements the citrus.
• Fresh Cilantro: Introduces an herbaceous and bright flavor to the dish.
• Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper: Provides a mild kick of heat to spice things up without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Cherry Tomatoes: For bursts of color and a juicy, slightly sweet contrast.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle adds smoothness and depth.

Variations for Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

Make this recipe truly your own by exploring different variations that suit your tastes, dietary needs, or ingredient availability. The flexibility of Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus means you can swap, add, or remove ingredients without losing its refreshing essence.

• Substitute the Shrimp: Use scallops, firm white fish, or even cooked crab to switch up the protein base.
• Extra Heat: Add finely chopped habanero or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you love it spicy.
• Add Tropical Fruits: Mango or pineapple chunks bring a sweet and juicy contrast to the citrus and shrimp.
• Make it Vegan: Replace shrimp with hearts of palm, chickpeas, or diced watermelon for refreshing, plant-based options.
• Herb Twist: Use fresh basil, mint, or parsley instead of cilantro to change the herbaceous profile.

How to Make Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start with fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined. Cut larger shrimp into bite-sized pieces for even marination. Place the shrimp in a glass or ceramic bowl and cover with freshly squeezed lime and orange juice. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes until the shrimp become opaque and “cooked” by the citrus juices.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables and Herbs

While the shrimp is marinating, finely slice the red onion and jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat). Chop the fresh cilantro and halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the avocado just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Drain a little of the citrus liquid from the shrimp to keep the ceviche from being too watery, then gently fold in the vegetables, herbs, and diced avocado. Add sea salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Let the combined ceviche chill for another 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors together. Serve chilled for the best refreshing experience.

Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp: Fresh shrimp ensures the best texture and sweetness; avoid previously frozen when possible.
• Marinating Time Matters: Don’t over-marinate—30 minutes is adequate to cook the shrimp without turning it rubbery.
• Dice Avocado Last: To prevent browning and keep it creamy, add avocado just before serving.
• Balance the Citrus: Adjust lime and orange juice ratios to suit your preferred level of tang and sweetness.
• Chill Your Serveware: Serving ceviche in chilled bowls keeps the dish cool longer, enhancing the refreshing vibe.

How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes boost both presentation and taste. Try sprinkling extra cilantro leaves, thin lime wedges, or slices of jalapeño on top. A few crispy tortilla chips or a sprinkle of toasted pepitas add texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Shrimp ceviche pairs beautifully with light and crunchy sides. Serve alongside fresh corn tortillas, mixed green salads, or a simple cucumber and radish slaw. For something heartier, crispy plantain chips or a scoop of quinoa salad work wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in small glass cups for an elegant appetizer or on large lettuce leaves for a vibrant, natural platter. You can also spoon the ceviche into halved avocado shells for a stunning and intuitive presentation that guests will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover ceviche refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. It tastes best fresh, but it will still retain good flavor if consumed quickly. Avoid storing it longer to preserve texture and freshness.

Freezing

Freezing ceviche is not recommended as the citrus marinade and avocado texture suffer upon thawing, resulting in a mushy and less appetizing dish.

Reheating

Since ceviche is served cold and the shrimp are “cooked” by citrus, reheating is unnecessary and not advisable. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Is the shrimp cooked or raw in ceviche?

The shrimp in ceviche is technically marinated, not cooked with heat; the acid from the citrus juice “cooks” the shrimp by denaturing the proteins, giving it an opaque and firm texture.

Can I prepare Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp and marinade a bit ahead, but it’s best to add avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?

Fresh basil, parsley, or mint make excellent herbal substitutes that provide a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Incorporate more jalapeño, use serrano peppers, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize the heat level to your preference.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but keep avocado separate until serving. The shrimp and citrus mixture can be prepped and stored, then combined with avocado when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving something light, flavorful, or just downright refreshing, Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus has you covered. It’s an easy, delightful dish that brightens up your day with every bite, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all to yourself. Give this recipe a go—it’s destined to become one of your all-time favorite fresh and healthy meals!

Related Posts

• Homemade Cheese Crackers
• Mouthwatering Cheesy Garlic Bread
• Homemade Salmon Cakes

Print