Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Alright, let’s talk about a little magic in a shell—Shrimp Stuffed Avocados. This dish is the perfect mashup of fresh, creamy, zesty, and downright irresistible. You’ve got cool, buttery avocado halves filled with juicy, seasoned shrimp tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy dressing that hits all the right notes. It’s light enough for lunch, satisfying enough for dinner, and fancy-looking enough to impress your guests—even if it only took you 20 minutes to throw together.

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it on repeat all summer long (or whenever you need a quick-but-elevated meal that feels like a mini vacation).

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

This isn’t just a pretty plate—it’s packed with flavor, texture, and feel-good vibes:

Quick & Easy: Done in under 30 minutes, no complicated steps, and barely any cleanup.

Fresh and Filling: Light and nutritious, but still totally satisfying thanks to that creamy avocado and protein-packed shrimp.

Low Carb, High Flavor: A great option if you’re watching carbs but still want something bold and crave-worthy.

Perfect for Entertaining: They look elegant, taste amazing, and can be made ahead of time—ideal for brunches or summer get-togethers.

Customizable: Love spice? Add jalapeños. Want it creamy? Stir in a little Greek yogurt or mayo. The base is yours to play with.

Ingredients in Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

These beauties are built from just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients:

Avocados

Ripe but firm—so they hold their shape. Their creamy texture is the perfect contrast to the shrimp filling.

Shrimp

Small cooked shrimp work best here. You can use pre-cooked or sauté your own with a little olive oil, garlic, and seasoning.

Red Onion

Adds a little crunch and sharpness to balance the creamy, rich textures.

Cherry Tomatoes

Juicy and sweet—these add a bright burst of flavor and color.

Cilantro

Fresh, herbaceous, and totally essential for that zesty pop.

Lime Juice

For brightness and acidity—it ties everything together and keeps the avocado from browning.

Garlic

Minced for a touch of aromatic depth in the filling.

Olive Oil

Adds richness and helps blend the flavors.

Salt & Pepper

Simple, necessary, and just right for pulling it all together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s build these flavor-packed little avocado boats!

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp (chopped if large), diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to coat and set aside to let those flavors mingle.

Step 2: Halve and Pit the Avocados

Carefully cut each avocado in half and remove the pit. If needed, scoop out a little extra flesh to make room for more filling (snack on it or mash it into the mix!).

Step 3: Stuff the Avocados

Spoon the shrimp mixture generously into each avocado half, letting it mound slightly over the top.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top with extra cilantro, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 (2 stuffed avocado halves per serving)
Calories per serving: Approx. 300–350 (varies based on shrimp and avocado size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking shrimp)
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

These beauties shine on their own, but here are a few fun pairings:

With a Side Salad: Pair with arugula or mixed greens dressed in a citrus vinaigrette.

With Tortilla Chips: Scoop up the filling like chunky guac—it’s perfect for dipping.

As a Light Main Course: Serve two halves per person for a satisfying low-carb dinner.

As a Starter: Serve one half per person as an appetizer at a summer party or brunch.

On a Bed of Rice or Quinoa: Make it a full meal by serving over grains with extra lime wedges.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Lime Juice: It makes a huge difference—bottled just doesn’t hit the same.

Prep Ahead Smartly: Mix the filling ahead, but stuff the avocados right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Add Heat: Want a kick? Toss in chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.

Make It Creamier: Stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayo into the filling for a creamy twist.

Chill the Shrimp: Serve cold for an ultra-refreshing bite, especially on hot days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before using. Cook them briefly with garlic and olive oil for extra flavor.

Q2: What kind of avocado is best?
A2: Hass avocados are ideal—rich, creamy, and the perfect size for stuffing.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: The filling can be prepped ahead and chilled, but wait to cut and stuff the avocados until just before serving to avoid browning.

Q4: How do I keep the avocados from browning?
A4: A squeeze of lime juice directly on the flesh helps slow oxidation.

Q5: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A5: It sure is! Low in carbs, high in healthy fats and protein.

Q6: Can I substitute another protein?
A6: Definitely. Try chopped grilled chicken, lump crab, or even tuna for a different vibe.

Q7: What if I don’t like cilantro?
A7: Swap it with fresh parsley or basil—it’ll still be fresh and flavorful.

Q8: Can I use large shrimp?
A8: Yep! Just chop them into bite-sized pieces before mixing into the filling.

Q9: What can I add for extra crunch?
A9: Try diced cucumber, jicama, or even crushed tortilla strips on top.

Q10: What wine pairs well with this?
A10: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled rosé complements the citrusy shrimp beautifully.

Conclusion

These Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are the ultimate in effortless elegance—fresh, flavorful, and just a little fancy. Whether you’re making them for lunch, dinner, or a backyard gathering, they always deliver big on flavor with minimal fuss. Light, bright, and oh-so-satisfying, this recipe proves that sometimes, simple really is best. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to avocado.

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