Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Citrus Delight
If you’re craving a dish that combines the zest of fresh citrus, the creaminess of avocado, and the delicate flavor of shrimp, our Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus is a must-try. This vibrant recipe bursts with bright, refreshing flavors that make it perfect for warm days or anytime you want a light yet satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious — a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing: The fresh citrus juice perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a refreshing and lively taste.
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy and light: Packed with protein, healthy fats from avocado, and vitamin-rich citrus, this dish is as nutritious as it is tasty.
- Vibrant colors: The mix of green avocado, red tomatoes, and bright citrus juice makes this ceviche a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Versatile and adaptable: You can tweak the ingredients to your liking or dietary needs, keeping it fresh every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, high-quality ingredients to shine. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus truly unforgettable.
- Fresh shrimp: Use peeled, deveined shrimp for a tender and sweet base that absorbs citrus beautifully.
- Avocado: Choose ripe but firm avocados to add creamy texture without overpowering the freshness.
- Fresh citrus juices: A blend of lime, lemon, and orange juice provides brightness and gentle acidity that “cooks” the shrimp.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle crunch and sharp contrast to the creamy avocado.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds herbaceous freshness that brightens up the whole dish.
- Tomatoes: Chopped for bursts of juicy sweetness and color.
- Jalapeño or chili pepper: Optional, for a little kick of heat balanced by the citrus.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
Variations for Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your taste, dietary needs, or what’s available in your pantry. It’s easy to make this dish your own with a few simple swaps and additions.
- Swap shrimp for scallops: Use thinly sliced scallops for a different texture and a sweet, delicate flavor.
- Use different citrus combinations: Try grapefruit or blood orange for unique notes and deeper color.
- Add mango or pineapple: Introduce tropical sweetness and extra vibrancy to the ceviche.
- Make it vegan: Substitute shrimp with heart of palm or firm tofu for a plant-based twist.
- Turn up the heat: Add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy punch.
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
Step 1: Prepare and marinate the shrimp
Start by chopping the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Combine the shrimp with freshly squeezed lime, lemon, and orange juice in a glass bowl. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque and is “cooked” by the citrus juice.
Step 2: Chop the vegetables and herbs
While the shrimp marinates, finely dice the red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño (if using), and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. The combination will add crunch, heat, and freshness to the ceviche.
Step 3: Prepare the avocado
Cut the avocados into cubes or slices just before you’re ready to mix them in. This helps them stay bright and prevents browning.
Step 4: Combine everything
Drain some of the citrus juice from the shrimp (leaving a little for flavor), then gently fold the shrimp with the chopped vegetables, cilantro, and avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste and give it a final stir.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Let the ceviche sit in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve chilled for the best refreshing experience.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
- Use the freshest seafood possible: Fresh shrimp will ensure the best texture and taste for your ceviche.
- Don’t over-marinate: Marinating for more than 30 minutes can make the shrimp rubbery and overwhelm the delicate avocado.
- Keep avocado fresh: Add avocado last and serve quickly to avoid browning and mushiness.
- Adjust acidity: Taste the marinade and balance citrus juices according to your preferred tanginess.
- Serve immediately: Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh to preserve texture and flavors.
How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, some thinly sliced radishes, or a few crunchy tortilla chips make excellent garnishes enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This ceviche pairs beautifully with crispy tostadas, tortilla chips, or a simple side of mixed greens dressed lightly with olive oil and lime juice to complement the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the ceviche in individual glasses or small bowls layered over crushed ice for a striking visual and refreshing effect—the perfect appetizer for summer parties or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours to maintain the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing ceviche is not recommended, as the fresh vegetables and avocado will become mushy, and shrimp texture may degrade when thawed.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be served cold and fresh; reheating is not advised since it will alter the fresh and vibrant flavors that make Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp for ceviche?
Yes, cooked shrimp can be used if fresh is unavailable, but the dish won’t have the same “cooked in citrus” texture that raw shrimp gains when marinated.
How do I prevent avocado from browning?
Adding avocado just before serving and tossing it gently with citrus juice helps slow browning, as does keeping it chilled.
Is Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus spicy?
The recipe itself is mild but can be easily made spicy by adding jalapeños or your favorite chili peppers according to taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive diets.
How long does ceviche keep in the fridge?
For optimal freshness and safety, consume ceviche within 24 hours of preparation.
Final Thoughts
The Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus is a culinary sunshine in a bowl—bright, zesty, and irresistibly fresh. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a light, flavorful meal. Don’t hesitate to dive in and experiment with this recipe; your taste buds will thank you for it!
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Crispy Fish Sandwich
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (marinating time)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the zesty brightness of lime, lemon, and orange juice with tender shrimp, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for warm days or light meals, this quick and easy recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors, colors, and nutrients that delight the palate and nourish the body.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño or chili pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
Other Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm avocados, cut into cubes or slices
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and marinate the shrimp: Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Combine the shrimp with freshly squeezed lime, lemon, and orange juice in a glass bowl. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque and is “cooked” by the citrus juice.
- Chop the vegetables and herbs: While the shrimp marinates, finely dice the red onion, tomatoes, and jalapeño (if using). Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. These ingredients add crunch, heat, and freshness to the ceviche.
- Prepare the avocado: Cut the avocados into cubes or slices just before you’re ready to mix them in. This helps them stay bright and prevents browning.
- Combine everything: Drain some of the citrus juice from the shrimp (leaving a little for flavor), then gently fold the shrimp with the chopped vegetables, cilantro, and avocado. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and give it a final stir.
- Chill and serve: Let the ceviche sit in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve chilled for the best refreshing experience.
Notes
- Use the freshest seafood possible: Fresh shrimp ensure the best texture and taste.
- Don’t over-marinate: Marinating for more than 30 minutes can make shrimp rubbery and overwhelm the avocado.
- Keep avocado fresh: Add avocado last and serve quickly to avoid browning and mushiness.
- Adjust acidity: Taste and balance citrus juices according to your preferred tanginess.
- Serve immediately: Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh to preserve texture and flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp ceviche, avocado ceviche, fresh citrus shrimp, light appetizer, gluten free ceviche, summer recipes, shrimp appetizer