Dessert

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Zesty Recipe

Name: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Zesty Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup tomato juice, no added sugar; 3 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp hot sauce, Mexican-style; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced; 1/2 cup firm ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped; 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1 ripe avocado, diced; Tortilla chips or saltine crackers for serving

ByRita Bennet January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

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Introduction

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Zesty is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer that combines plump shrimp with a tangy tomato-based sauce and fresh vegetables. Perfect for warm days or a festive gathering, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

A clear glass filled with many layers of shrimp cocktail showing small, pink shrimp evenly mixed with diced green avocado cubes, red tomato pieces, finely chopped purple onions, and bright green cilantro. The glass is packed tightly with these ingredients in a reddish sauce, creating a colorful mix with the shrimp wrapping all around the inside. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup tomato juice, no added sugar

3 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp ketchup

1 tsp hot sauce, Mexican-style
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced

1/2 cup firm ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1 ripe avocado, diced

1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Tortilla chips or saltine crackers for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare shrimp. If shrimp are not pre-cooked, bring a pot of salted water to a low boil. Add shrimp and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain, rinse with cool water, peel and devein if necessary, then pat dry.
Step 2: Make cocktail base. In a large bowl, whisk together tomato juice, lime juice, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce if using, salt, and black pepper until smooth and uniform in color. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Add vegetables. Fold in chopped onion, cilantro, cucumber, tomatoes, and jalapeño. Stir gently to combine, then cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to meld flavors and soften vegetables slightly while retaining crispness.

Step 4: Combine shrimp and sauce. Add cooked, cooled shrimp into the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Gently stir to evenly coat shrimp without breaking them apart.
Step 5: Chill mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to enhance flavor fusion.
Step 6: Serve with avocado and accompaniments. Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado to maintain its bright, creamy texture. Spoon into glasses or small bowls and serve alongside tortilla chips or saltine crackers.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a splash of fresh orange juice to the cocktail base.
Use fresh shrimp if possible for better texture and flavor.
Adjust the jalapeño amount to control the spiciness to your preference.

Substitute Worcestershire sauce with a few dashes of soy sauce for a different depth.

Storage

Store the shrimp cocktail covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. When reheating is needed, note this dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so avoid warming it.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with layers of small shrimp mixed with bright green avocado chunks, finely chopped cilantro, red onion pieces, and diced tomatoes. The shrimp are light pink and white, giving a soft contrast to the fresh green and red vegetables. The mixture is lightly covered in a red tomato-based sauce. On top, a thin green lime slice is placed as decoration. The glass sits on a white plate with a few pale yellow tortilla chips and a wedge of lime beside it, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, you can use raw shrimp but be sure to cook them thoroughly by boiling or steaming until pink and opaque before combining with the other ingredients.