Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked?

You can, but you'll need to cook them first—a quick sauté or poach in salted water does the trick. Let them cool before dicing and adding to the cocktail.

Is this shrimp cocktail spicy?

The heat level is entirely up to you! Jalapeño and hot sauce add some kick, but you can reduce or omit both if you prefer a milder dish. Conversely, add more for a real punch.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix everything except the avocado up to a day ahead, then add fresh avocado just before serving to keep it from browning and to preserve its creamy texture.

What’s the best type of shrimp to use?

Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best for ease and texture. Tail-off makes it even easier to dice and eat—no fussing with shells.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Name: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 medium roma tomatoes, diced; 1 medium English cucumber, chopped into 1/4″ size cubes; 1/2 cup sliced celery; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 medium avocado, diced; 1/2-1 medium jalapeno, finely diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves); 2 cups tomato juice; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes); 2 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste); 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a bright and zesty dish that comes together in a flash, making it absolutely perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something fresh and flavorful without hovering over the stove. Packed with succulent shrimp, crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy tomato-lime sauce with just the right kick, it’s a celebration of color and texture in every bite. Whether you’re serving this as a light meal, a festive starter, or a showstopping party app, you’ll fall in love with how simple and satisfying it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Quick: From start to finish, you’ll have this on the table in 15 minutes—no cooking required if you start with cooked shrimp.
Bursting with Flavors: Every spoonful delivers punchy lime, mild horseradish heat, and a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice, with a satisfying crunch from cucumbers and celery.
Perfectly Customizable: Dial up the heat, switch up the veggies, or adjust the tang—this recipe welcomes your personal twist.
Light and Satisfying: It’s a protein-packed dish that’s still refreshing and won’t leave you heavy, making it a summer staple and a health-conscious delight.
Gorgeous Presentation: Serve it in cocktail glasses or bowls and just watch the compliments pour in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s why each ingredient earns its keep, plus little tips for the best results:

Cooked Shrimp: The star of the show—choose good quality, peeled and deveined. Dice for easy scooping.
Roma Tomatoes: Brings juicy freshness and helps create that vibrant, salsa-like texture.
English Cucumber: Offers sweet crunch; peel it if you like, but the skin adds more color and a bit of bite.
Celery: Adds refreshing crispness—don’t skip it!
Red Onion: Provides a pop of tang and sharpness; soak slices in cold water for a milder flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: Essential for that authentic, herby zing—add just before serving to keep it bright.
Avocado: Creaminess that mellows the heat and adds richness—dice and fold in last.
Jalapeño: Brings the fiesta! Remove seeds for less heat, or leave them in if you like things spicy.
Garlic: Adds bold, savory depth.
Tomato Juice: Forms the juicy base—opt for low-sodium if preferred.
Ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and smooth body to the sauce.
Lime Juice: The essential tang that ties it all together. Fresh is non-negotiable.
Hot Sauce: Don’t hold back—choose your favorite brand and adjust to taste.
Prepared Horseradish: A hint of heat and earthiness that makes each bite pop—don’t skip.
Black Pepper and Salt: Balances flavors and brings out all the best in the fresh ingredients.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

There are so many ways to make this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail your own:

Seafood Swap: Add bay scallops, lump crab meat, or even cooked fish for a mixed seafood version.
Extra Veggies: Stir in diced mango for sweetness, or chopped radish for extra crunch.
Vegan Version: Try hearts of palm or cooked chickpeas in place of shrimp for a refreshing vegan twist.
Spicy Lovers: Use serrano peppers for extra heat or add a splash of your favorite spicy bloody mary mix to the sauce.
Herb Boost: Add minced fresh mint or basil if you crave something different from the traditional cilantro.

How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Veggies

Start by dicing your cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Chop up the roma tomatoes, cucumber, celery, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Toss these, along with minced garlic, into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Zesty Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, prepared horseradish, black pepper, and salt. Give this a thorough stir. Taste it—does it need more heat, lime, or salt? Adjust as needed.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Pour that lively sauce over your shrimp and chopped veggies. Gently stir everything until perfectly coated. Slip the bowl into the fridge to chill—it only gets better as the flavors meld for a few minutes.

Step 4: Add Avocado and Serve

Just before serving, dice the avocado and fold it in. Ladle the shrimp cocktail into glasses, bowls, or even over crispy tostadas.

Tip: Serve with wedges of lime and extra hot sauce on the side for custom seasoning.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pre-Cooked Shrimp Is a Lifesaver: Buy cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp from the grocery store for maximum speed and zero fuss.
Chill for Flavor: Even just 10 minutes in the fridge lets the flavors marry beautifully.
Don’t Add Avocado Early: It can brown easily, so always fold it in just before serving for the dreamiest creamy bites.
Taste as You Go: Everyone’s idea of “spicy” and “tangy” is different, so taste the sauce and adjust to your preference before mixing in the shrimp and veggies.

How to Serve

This shrimp cocktail shines in so many settings:

Classic Presentation: Spoon into chilled cocktail glasses for a special starter or light dinner.
With Crunchy Dippers: Pile onto tostadas, scoop up with sturdy tortilla chips or saltines, or serve alongside crispy plantain chips.
Light Main Dish: Serve over a bed of leafy greens or shredded cabbage for a refreshing meal.
Party Ready: Offer it in small cups as an appetizer—watch these disappear from the buffet!

Top with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or sliced jalapeño for more zest and visual flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight!

Freezing

Not recommended—fresh vegetables and avocado don’t freeze well and will lose their crispness.

Reheating

This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold, so just give it a stir before serving and enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked?

You can, but you’ll need to cook them first—a quick sauté or poach in salted water does the trick. Let them cool before dicing and adding to the cocktail.
Is this shrimp cocktail spicy?

The heat level is entirely up to you! Jalapeño and hot sauce add some kick, but you can reduce or omit both if you prefer a milder dish. Conversely, add more for a real punch.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix everything except the avocado up to a day ahead, then add fresh avocado just before serving to keep it from browning and to preserve its creamy texture.
What’s the best type of shrimp to use?

Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best for ease and texture. Tail-off makes it even easier to dice and eat—no fussing with shells.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is truly the easiest way to bring refreshing, festive flavors to your table, even on your busiest nights. With so much punch in every bite and barely any prep required, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Try it with your favorite twists, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to have a taste!