Ultimate Low Carb Avocado Shrimp Cucumber Bites: Your Go-To Healthy Summer Appetizer
Are you searching for the perfect appetizer that’s both refreshingly delicious and incredibly healthy? Look no further! This Low Carb Avocado Shrimp Cucumber Appetizer is a true summer sensation, expertly combining the crisp coolness of cucumber, the creamy richness of mashed California avocado, and the tantalizing zing of spicy grilled shrimp. It’s an easy-to-make, shareable finger food that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to elegant poolside parties.
As an avid fan of quick and flavorful protein sources, shrimp always holds a prime spot in my freezer. It’s remarkably versatile, thaws quickly, and cooks in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice for healthy meals and appetizers. And when it comes to healthy fats and unparalleled creaminess, California Avocados are simply indispensable. Their buttery texture and numerous health benefits make them a fantastic addition to almost any dish. This recipe beautifully showcases the vibrant flavors and nutritional power of both shrimp and California Avocados, fitting perfectly into the theme of creating delicious, shareable foods for summer holidays.
Why This Low Carb Appetizer is a Summer Essential
Summer brings with it a desire for lighter, more refreshing foods, especially during swimsuit season. While classic party appetizers like a 7 Layer Bean Dip, Deviled Eggs, or a rich Cheese Ball Recipe are undeniably delicious, they often don’t align with a low-carb or health-conscious approach. That’s where these delightful avocado shrimp cucumber bites come in. They offer all the flavor and satisfaction without the heavy carb load, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.
My goal was to brainstorm a shareable summer food that was both healthy and exciting. The idea of using a crisp cucumber slice as a base for a finger food immediately came to mind. It’s naturally low in calories, wonderfully hydrating, and provides the perfect crunchy contrast. Layering it with a generous dollop of smashed, perfectly seasoned California Avocados adds that essential creamy texture and healthy fat component. But the true star? The spicy grilled shrimp. It adds a smoky, savory depth with a kick that elevates the entire dish.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
What sets this appetizer apart is its incredible balance. The shrimp, marinated in a blend of garlic, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, olive oil, and lemon juice, develops a fantastic depth of flavor and just the right amount of heat. Grilling the shrimp adds a lovely char and smoky essence that you won’t get from other cooking methods. Once cooked, the spicy shrimp finds its perfect match in the cool, creamy avocado and the crisp, refreshing cucumber base. This interplay of temperatures and textures — warm, spicy shrimp, cool, smooth avocado, and crunchy cucumber — makes each bite an experience in itself.
Not only are these bites incredibly delicious, but they are also visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for impressing your guests. They’re designed to be easy to pick up and enjoy, facilitating effortless mingling and snacking. Your friends and family will undoubtedly appreciate the thoughtful combination of health-conscious ingredients and robust flavors.
Crafting Your Low Carb Avocado Shrimp Cucumber Appetizer: Tips for Success
Making this appetizer is straightforward, but a few tips can help you achieve perfection:
Selecting and Preparing Your Ingredients
- Cucumber: Choose firm, unwaxed cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. English or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully as they have fewer seeds. Slice them consistently to about 1/2 inch thick for a sturdy base.
- California Avocados: Look for ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Their rich, creamy texture is essential for this recipe. Mashing them with a fork is ideal for a slightly chunky, rustic texture. The addition of fresh lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps prevent the avocado from browning, keeping your appetizer looking fresh for longer. Seasoning generously with salt and pepper is key to bringing out the avocado’s natural goodness.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined) both work well. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. Drying them helps the marinade adhere better and allows for a more even sear or grill. The size of the shrimp matters too; large or jumbo shrimp create a more substantial bite.
The Flavorful Shrimp Marinade
The marinade is where the shrimp truly gets its character. Garlic provides a pungent base, while kosher salt enhances all the flavors. Cayenne pepper delivers a lovely heat, which you can adjust to your preference – a little less for mild, a touch more for extra spice. Paprika adds a subtle smoky note and a beautiful color. Olive oil helps distribute the flavors and ensures the shrimp doesn’t stick to the grill, while fresh lemon juice adds a crucial bright acidity that cuts through the richness and complements the seafood.
Grilling to Perfection
Grilling shrimp is quick! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Shrimp cooks very rapidly, usually just 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan or even a regular skillet can work just as well, yielding beautifully seared shrimp.
Assembling Your Appetizers
Once the shrimp is cooked and slightly cooled, the assembly is simple: arrange the cucumber slices on a serving tray, spread a spoonful of the mashed avocado mixture onto each, and top with a perfectly grilled, spicy shrimp. For an extra touch of freshness and color, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a tiny sprig of dill.
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. While the suggested quantities will yield a generous number of appetizers, you can easily scale it up or down depending on your guest list. The beauty of finger foods is their flexibility, and these avocado shrimp cucumber bites are no exception.
Low Carb Avocado Shrimp Cucumber Appetizer
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Ingredients
- Cucumber sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- 2 large California Avocado halved and pitted
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Marinade for Shrimp:
- 2 lbs. large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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Combine all marinade ingredients into a large resealable bag and add in the shrimp. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, mash avocado in a bowl and add in salt and pepper, to taste plus the lemon juice.
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Preheat grill to medium high. Once heated, place shrimp on grill and close lid. Let grill for 3 minutes and then flip over and cook for another couple of minutes, until pink and cooked through. Take off grill and let cool.
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Place cucumber slices on a large tray. Spread a spoonful of the mashed avocado mixture onto each slice. Top with a grilled shrimp. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
This post is proudly sponsored by the California Avocado Commission. Their commitment to quality avocados ensures that every bite of this appetizer is as creamy and nutritious as it is delicious. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these wonderful low-carb treats as much as we do!
More Delicious & Healthy Avocado-Inspired Recipes
If you’re as obsessed with avocados as we are and loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic avocado creations from our kitchen:
Avocado Hummus with Homemade Pita Chips
Avocado Fries with Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce
Bacon Avocado Hash Brown Egg Cups
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(This post is sponsored by the California Avocado Commission.)