The first thing that pops into my mind when I think about party foods is conjuring up some cold shrimp appetizers.
That’s because there’s a ton of different ways you can turn a piece of boring old shrimp into the belle of the ball.
You can play around with different guacamole sauce variations and serve them on a piece of tortilla chips, whip a batch of Shrimp Aguachile or make a simple salad.
And that’s not even taking into account all the different hors d’oeuvre ideas that are out there.
13 Cold Shrimp Appetizers
Chilled Marinated Shrimp
This zesty chilled shrimp recipe blends a variety of flavors in a simple marinade that takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.
The shrimp are marinated in lemon juice, white vinegar, oregano, thyme, ground mustard, sugar and vegetable oil.
You can serve the shrimp with some lemon wedges or skewer them for some shrimp skewers.
Get the recipe at: Best Appetizers
Shrimp Cocktail Louis
You can never go wrong with a simple Shrimp Cocktail Louis, especially if you love spicy food.
This classic hors d’oeuvre comes with a dip that’s made of Sriracha, chili sauce and horseradish.
The shrimp require minimal cooking and can be served cold which makes them an ideal summer appetizer.
Get the recipe at: From a Chef’s Kitchen
Shrimp Cocktail
The term ‘shrimp cocktail’ can have a number of different meanings depending on who you ask.
This Shrimp Cocktail recipe in particular stays true to tradition by sticking to old-fashioned ingredients and spices for the cocktail sauce.
The cocktail sauce is made from ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire, lemon juice and tabasco.
So if you’re looking for something that has stood the test of time, then I recommend trying out this recipe.
Get the recipe at: Dinner Then Dessert
Poached Shrimp Salad
Plump poached shrimp swimming in a rich creamy sauce and enveloped in crunchy celery, shallots and lettuce.
This Poached Shrimp Salad recipe works great as an appetizer, sandwich filling or even a main dish.
It’s also quite easy to prepare as all you need to do is poach the shrimp and mix it with the salad ingredients.
Get the recipe at: Mighty Mrs
Cucumber Shrimp Cups
These Cucumber Shrimp Cups are the ideal party appetizer. They have a unique presentation, refreshing taste and are extremely easy to make.
The cups are made from hollowed out cucumbers which are garnished with chilled shrimp.
The shrimp is coated in a creamy sauce made of mayo, sour cream and a variety of fresh herbs.
Get the recipe at: The Kitchen Whisperer
Simple Cold Shrimp Salad
This Simple Cold Shrimp Salad blends a ton of different flavors and nutrients in a healthy package.
It’s made with diced avocado, baby corn, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives and chopped fresh parsley.
You can serve it at a get-together, a party or use it as a healthy lunch at the office.
Get the recipe at: The Healthy Foodie
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Cold shrimp swimming in clamato juice along with diced cucumbers, roma tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro.
If this description sounds enticing, then you’ll love this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.
The cocktail is typically served with some saltine crackers or tortilla chips, but you can also eat it as is.
Get the recipe at: House Of Yumm
Creamy Shrimp Bruschetta
Shrimp appetizers don’t get any easier than this Creamy Shrimp Bruschetta.
This bite-sized hors d’oeuvre is made with a crunchy bruschetta that’s topped off with a cream cheese sauce and pan seared shrimp.
Its elegant presentation makes it perfect for summer get-togethers, birthday parties or any other special occasion you can think of.
Get the recipe at: It Is a Keeper
Chipotle Shrimp Guacamole Bites
These Chipotle inspired guacamole bites are perfect if you’re looking for an unpretentious appetizer that requires little effort.
All that’s required on your part is to get some tortilla chips, whip up a simple guacamole sauce and roast the shrimp in the oven.
Afterwards, you simply assemble the bites and serve them either hot or cold.
Get the recipe at: Marisa Moore
Shrimp Aguachile
Shrimp Aguachile is a classic Mexican appetizer that’s made from shrimp marinated in lime juice.
It’s similar to ceviche in that the shrimp is “cooked” by the highly acidic lime juice.
However, unlike ceviche, the shrimp are then marinated in a spicy marinade made from blended cilantro and chili peppers.
You can serve shrimp aguachile on top of some tortilla chips or top it off with some sliced cucumbers and red onion.
Get the recipe at: A Farm Girl’s Dabbles
Shrimp and Crab Appetizer
This Shrimp and Crab Appetizer is extremely versatile as it can be used as both a salad and a sandwich filling.
It’s made with a creamy mayo dressing, avocado, cooked shrimp and crab meat.
All of this is garnished with finely chopped scallions, celery and red peppers for those of you who love spicy foods.
If you can’t find fresh crab meat, you can also try making this salad with imitation crab meat.
Get the recipe at: April J. Harris
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Appetizer
This appetizer features chilled shrimp served over a block of cream cheese that’s topped off with cocktail sauce.
You can turn it into finger food by serving it to your guests with a bunch of crispy saltines or tortilla chips.
The entire recipe comes together in less than five minutes so you won’t have to worry about time too.
Get the recipe at: The Kitchen Is My Playground
Cucumber Shrimp Boats
These Cucumber Shrimp Boats are a twist on the more traditional shrimp appetizer recipes.
Instead of serving the shrimp on top of a slice of cucumber, the cucumber is cut in half so that it resembles a boat and can fit more shrimp.
The shrimp is also garnished with a bunch of diced onions and scallions for additional flavor.
Get the recipe at: Healthy Living Mastery
Wrap Up
The term cold shrimp appetizer doesn’t need to boil down to a simple shrimp cocktail.
As long as you’re willing to get creative, you can make a bunch of different salads and hors d’oeuvres.
Just don’t forget to share them with your guests.
Next, for more appetizer inspiration you can check my list with 14 Cold Smoked Salmon Appetizer Ideas.
Or if you’re researching shrimp dishes in general you could skim through my list of Baby Shrimp Recipe Ideas!
