Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail

Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail Recipe - A Tropical Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any special occasion or gathering. This dish combines the succulent taste of shrimp with a zesty salsa and fresh avocado, all served in a fun and festive margarita glass.

History

Shrimp cocktail has been a popular dish for many years, often served as a classic appetizer at parties and events. This recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional shrimp cocktail by adding a flavorful salsa and serving it in a creative and eye-catching presentation.

Ingredients

1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp ground pepper
6 Margarita glasses
12 lime slices
1 package Ready Pac spring mix
1 large california avocado, chopped
30 large cooked, peeled shrimp

Salsa

0.25 cup finely chopped roma tomatoes
0.25 cup minced onion
2 serrano chili peppers, minced
3 tbsp minced cilantro
3 tbsp margarita mix (with or without tequila)
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground pepper

How to prepare

In a small dish, mix together cumin, salt, and pepper.
Take a lime slice and rub it around the rim of each margarita glass. Then, dip the rim of each glass in the spice mix to coat the top.
Combine all the salsa ingredients in a mixing bowl.
In each prepared margarita glass, layer 0.17 units of the salad mix, 0.17 units of chopped avocado, and 0.17 units of the salsa.
Garnish each glass with a lime slice.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple to the salsa for a tropical twist.
Substitute the shrimp with cooked crab or lobster for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of lettuce or greens in place of the spring mix for a unique texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cooked, peeled shrimp for this recipe to save time and make preparation easier.

- Adjust the amount of spice in the salsa to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the shrimp in the salsa mixture for a few hours before assembling the cocktail.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail as a starter at a dinner party or as a light lunch option. Pair it with a side of tortilla chips or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to properly season the margarita glasses with the spice mix for added flavor.

- Layer the ingredients in the glasses in a visually appealing way for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemon juice in place of lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.

- Swap out the avocado for diced cucumber or bell peppers for a crunchy texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salsa and shrimp mixture ahead of time and assemble the cocktails just before serving for a quick and easy appetizer option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each cocktail with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a slice of jalapeno for a pop of color. - Serve the cocktails on a bed of crushed ice for a chilled and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail with a crisp white wine or a refreshing margarita for a perfect match.

- Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Vitamin A: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Iron: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Shellfish

Summary

This Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail is a nutritious and delicious appetizer that is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a light and refreshing dish to enjoy.

Summary

Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail is a fun and flavorful appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. With a zesty salsa, creamy avocado, and succulent shrimp, this dish is a perfect addition to any celebration or gathering. Enjoy this refreshing and festive dish today!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living on a small island in the Caribbean. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me into her kitchen to help prepare for a big family gathering.

As we bustled around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and marinating meats, my grandmother suddenly paused and reached for a tattered old cookbook that she kept hidden away in a cupboard. She flipped through the pages with a look of concentration on her face, finally stopping at a page that was bookmarked with a yellowed piece of paper.

"This is it," she exclaimed, pointing to a recipe for Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail. "This is a recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family. It's a special dish that we always make for celebrations and special occasions."

I watched in awe as my grandmother carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, explaining each step to me in detail. She showed me how to marinate the shrimp in a tangy mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices, and how to assemble the cocktail with fresh avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.

As we worked together in the kitchen, I listened to my grandmother's stories about how she had learned to make this dish from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been tweaked and perfected over the years, with each generation adding their own unique touch to it.

I was fascinated by the idea of a recipe that had been passed down through so many generations, each one adding their own memories and traditions to it. It made me feel connected to my ancestors in a way that I had never experienced before.

When we finally sat down to eat the Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail that evening, I knew that this dish would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a recipe - it was a symbol of my family's history and the love and care that had been passed down through the generations.

Since that day, I have made the Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail countless times for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that day in my grandmother's kitchen, learning the recipe that had been treasured by our family for so many years.

As I sit here now, with the aroma of shrimp cooking on the stove and the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me closer to my family and to the traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

And as I take a bite of the Festive Island Shrimp Cocktail, I can taste not just the flavors of the dish, but the memories and stories of my ancestors that have been woven into every bite. It's a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of where I come from and the love that binds us together.