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Summer Shrimp Cocktail

An updated southwestern version of the classic shrimp cocktail.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Summer Shrimp Cocktail - this is an update of the classic shrimp cocktail using bright summer flavors, jalapeno and cilantro. https://www.lanascooking.com/summer-shrimp-cocktail/

Summer Shrimp Cocktail – this is an update of the classic shrimp cocktail using bright summer flavors, jalapeno and cilantro.

What do you think of when you hear the words “shrimp cocktail?” You don’t even need to think about it, do you? I don’t. Those words instantly transport me back in time to the 1970s and almost every steak house’s appetizer menu. The shrimp cocktail was a classic, wasn’t it?

Summer Shrimp Cocktail - this is an update of the classic shrimp cocktail using bright summer flavors, jalapeno and cilantro. https://www.lanascooking.com/summer-shrimp-cocktail/

It came to the table in a stemmed glass with seafood cocktail sauce in the bottom, six shrimp (always six) dangling over the edges of the glass and a wedge of lemon. Right?

I always wanted to order a shrimp cocktail before my steak dinner. After all, that was fancy stuff back then. That shrimp cocktail made you feel so grown up and cosmopolitan, didn’t it? And besides, it was really good. Too bad you don’t see it on menus much any more.

Well, I have a shrimp cocktail for you today, but it’s not your 1970s version. Nope. This Summer Shrimp Cocktail is very much up-to-date and involves not a single dangling shrimp. This one contains bright, fresh flavors with just a hit of jalapeno to make it even more interesting. There’s even a handful of cilantro just for good measure.

How to Make Summer Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cooking in a small saucepan.

Start by bringing a pot of well salted water to the boil. When the water is boiling, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, place the lid on the pot and remove it from heat.

That’s the way I always cook boiled shrimp. Just let them sit in the water without it continuing to boil. There’s nothing worse than an overcooked shrimp. Really. If they cook too long they get chewy and rubbery. Yuck. You always want your shrimp to be tender and just cooked through.

Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the rest of the recipe.

Photo collage of the vegetables being prepared.

I had both red and yellow tomatoes on hand so that’s what I used. You can use just red or all yellow. Whatever makes you happy. Combine the chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions, jalapeno, cilantro, ketchup and salad dressing.

Combining boiled shrimp and vegetables.

Drain the shrimp well and stir them into the vegetable mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Overnight is even better. We still had some of this left after two days and it was just as good then as it was the day I made it. It keeps really well and is one of the first things to go on a buffet!

I served it with some sesame Melba toast this time. It’s also great with any assortment of crackers.

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Summer Shrimp Cocktail - this is an update of the classic shrimp cocktail using bright summer flavors, jalapeno and cilantro. https://www.lanascooking.com/summer-shrimp-cocktail/

Summer Shrimp Cocktail

An updated southwestern version of the classic shrimp cocktail.
5 from 1 vote
Print It Rate It Save
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 185kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

  • 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tomatoes chopped
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Italian style salad dressing

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of well salted water to the boil.
  • Add shrimp to boiling water, place lid on pot and remove from heat. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
  • Combine chopped tomatoes, green onions, ketchup, cilantro, jalapeno and salad dressing.
  • Drain the shrimp well and stir into the vegetable mixture.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Overnight is even better.
  • Serve with Melba toast or assorted crackers.

Notes

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 | Calories 185kcal | Carbohydrates 13g | Protein 25g | Fat 3g | Saturated Fat 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat 2g | Monounsaturated Fat 1g | Trans Fat 1g | Cholesterol 286mg | Sodium 1230mg | Potassium 457mg | Fiber 2g | Sugar 10g | Vitamin A 1150IU | Vitamin C 25mg | Calcium 189mg | Iron 3mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your health care provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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26 Comments

  1. Grr, bad iPhone. Made this as an appetizer served with triscuits. Delicious and I added chopped celery as well since I love the celery in original shrimp cocktail. Thanks for the idea!!