Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

If you’re craving a dish that’s light, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors, look no further than this refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus. This recipe combines plump shrimp marinated in zesty citrus juices with creamy avocado, crispy vegetables, and bright herbs to create the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re seeking a healthy appetizer or a delightful light meal, this Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus offers an irresistible burst of freshness that is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Flavorful: The fresh citrus juice gives the shrimp an amazing tangy punch that wakes up every bite.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from shrimp and healthy fats from avocado, it’s a guilt-free dish.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, no cooking required other than poaching shrimp.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal as an appetizer, light lunch, or party snack that everyone will love.
• Vibrant Presentation: The colorful ingredients make it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple yet essential lineup of ingredients delivers incredible flavor, texture, and color to your shrimp ceviche. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing the dish—whether it’s the creamy avocado softening the acidity or the crisp veggies adding crunch.

• Fresh Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and taste.
• Fresh Citrus Juice: A mix of lime and orange juice provides a zesty and slightly sweet marinade.
• Ripe Avocado: Creamy chunks add richness and smoothness.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced to add a mild bite and crunch.
• Jalapeño: Adds a subtle heat, balanced with seeds removed if you prefer mild spice.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herbaceous notes to enhance freshness.
• Tomatoes: Cherry or Roma tomatoes give juicy bursts of sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all flavors.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle to bring everything together smoothly.

Variations for Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

Feel free to tailor this dish to your liking or dietary needs—this recipe is surprisingly flexible and invites fun customization without losing its core freshness.

• Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast with the citrus.
• Spicy Upgrade: Include extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a bolder kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute shrimp with hearts of palm or chickpeas for a plant-based ceviche.
• Crunch Factor: Toss in some finely chopped cucumber or jicama for extra crunch.
• Herb Swap: Replace cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a different aromatic touch.

How to Make Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by boiling or steaming peeled and deveined shrimp until just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to cool quickly and stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Marinate in Citrus

In a large bowl, combine fresh lime and orange juice with a pinch of salt. Add the cooled shrimp and let them marinate in the citrus for about 15-20 minutes. This step infuses the shrimp with zesty flavor and tenderizes them for that signature ceviche texture.

Step 3: Chop the Veggies and Avocado

While the shrimp marinates, finely dice red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro. Cut ripe avocado into bite-sized cubes and set aside to add later to prevent browning.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

After marinating, drain any excess citrus juice if desired, then gently fold shrimp with onions, tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add avocado last to avoid mashing, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the ceviche rest for a few minutes in the refrigerator to meld the flavors together before serving chilled for the ultimate refreshing experience.

Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture.
• Balance Citrus Acid: Adjust lime and orange juice ratios depending on your preferred tanginess and sweetness.
• Don’t Over-Marinate: Too long in citrus can make shrimp rubbery; stick to 20 minutes maximum.
• Keep Avocado Fresh: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain creaminess.
• Season Gradually: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and olive oil incrementally for better flavor control.

How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus

Garnishes

Brighten up your dish with extra slices of fresh lime, chopped cilantro sprigs, or thinly sliced radishes for a colorful touch and complimentary crunchiness.

Side Dishes

This ceviche pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips, crispy tostadas, or even a light mixed greens salad for an easy, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in small glass cups or martini glasses for an elegant appetizer, or fill hollowed-out avocado halves to keep things visually appealing and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to maintain freshness and prevent avocado discoloration.

Freezing

Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the texture of seafood and avocado can change undesirably.

Reheating

This dish is served cold, so reheating is unnecessary and discouraged to preserve the fresh, crisp flavors.

FAQs

Can I use cooked or raw shrimp?

For this recipe, it’s best to use cooked shrimp poached or boiled briefly, then marinated in fresh citrus to balance tenderness and safety.

How long can I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for 15-20 minutes to ensure they absorb the citrus flavors without becoming tough or overly “cooked” by the acid.

What can I substitute for avocado?

If you’re not a fan of avocado, cucumber or diced mango can add freshness and texture as tasty alternatives.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace shrimp with hearts of palm, chickpeas, or artichoke hearts for a plant-based ceviche that still feels satisfying.

Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of jalapeño added; you can easily adjust or omit peppers to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

Give this Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus a try the next time you want a meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors and effortless charm. It’s a true celebration of vibrant ingredients coming together in a dish that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether for a sunny afternoon snack or a dazzling starter at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to brighten your table and your mood.

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