Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites That Disappear Fast

These blackened shrimp avocado cucumber bites are the kind of appetizer that disappears before you even set down the platter. You get smoky, spicy shrimp, cool, crisp cucumber, creamy guacamole, a snap of radish, and a bright squeeze of lime all in one fresh little bite.

Even better, they look party-worthy but take only about 11 minutes to make. Serve them for game day, a summer cookout, a holiday appetizer tray, or any time you need something that feels a little fancy without turning your kitchen upside down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These blackened shrimp avocado bites are one of those appetizers that look impressive but take almost no effort. The shrimp cook in just a few minutes, the cucumber gives every bite a fresh crunch, and the guacamole adds the creamy richness that makes them feel a little more special than a basic snack tray.

They’re also easy to serve for almost any occasion. Put them out for game day, a holiday party, a summer cookout, or a quick light lunch when you want something fresh but filling. Each bite has a little heat from the blackened seasoning, a cool cucumber base, creamy avocado, and a bright finish from lime.

Best of all, this recipe is flexible. You can make it spicier, keep it mild, use homemade guacamole, or grab store-bought to save time. It’s simple, colorful, and party-friendly without requiring much prep.

If you love shrimp appetizers, these are lighter and fresher than a dip but just as party-friendly as this easy shrimp cocktail dip.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredient Roles

I usually like to take a closer look at the ingredients I use for any recipe. Yes, I can be picky about it, but it’s better than making subpar appetizers! Here’s a quick look at the ingredients for these blackened shrimp avocado bites.

Medium-Sized Shrimp

1 pound medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined

The shrimp provides a nice, protein-packed component for these bites. Because they have a mild flavor, they also go quite well with the other flavors in this recipe. While you could probably go with most sizes of shrimp, I’ve found that medium-sized shrimp fit the best on the cucumber slices.

Cucumbers

3-4 mini cucumbers, sliced into 3/4-inch slices

Cucumbers add a mild, refreshing sweet taste to these shrimp avocado bites. I like to use “mini” cucumbers, about 1 inch in diameter, to make them more bite-sized.

Radishes

2 radishes, thinly sliced

Radishes add a mild, peppery bite to these shrimp avocado bites. I like to slice them thin so they blend in well with the cucumber, guacamole, and Cajun spice.

Olive Oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

Olive oil gives you something to cook the shrimp in. If you use extra-virgin olive oil, it’s usually better to keep the burner on low to medium heat, since it has a relatively low smoke point compared to other grades of olive oil. Refined olive oil has a higher smoke point, making it more suitable for high-heat cooking. (An olive oil-based cooking spray might work too.)

Cajun Seasoning

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

We’ll use the Cajun seasoning to flavor the shrimp here. The neat part about Cajun seasoning is that it can be customized to your liking. Some people do like it spicier than others! I like to get a salt-free version when I buy it because I don’t like it as salty.

Guacamole

Homemade guacamole adds a creamy, fresh contrast to the smoky blackened shrimp. For this recipe, mash two medium ripe avocados with chopped cilantro (optional), finely diced red onion, lime juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. For extra heat, mix in half of a finely chopped jalapeño. We have a very simple and tasty guacamole recipe that works perfectly with this shrimp dish.

Plan on using about 2 teaspoons of guacamole per cucumber slice. You can use a little less for a lighter bite or slightly more for an extra-creamy appetizer, but avoid overfilling the cucumbers or the shrimp may slide off.

Using Premade Guacamole

Premade guacamole is a convenient shortcut and makes these bites even faster to assemble. You will need approximately 1 to 1½ cups. Choose a thick, chunky guacamole rather than a thin or watery variety, and stir in a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavor.

Lime

1 lime

You really want the fresh lime juice to drizzle over the shrimp avocado bites after you assemble them, so cut the lime in half and juice it with your lime juicer. It adds a delicious, bold flavor to these shrimp avocado bites.

Balsamic Vinegar or Balsamic Reduction

This adds a strong, pungent flavor when drizzled over the bites. Again, the amount can be adjusted to your liking. (I can get away with a few drops of balsamic vinegar on top of each bite.)

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Printable Blackened Shrimp Avocado Bites Recipe Card

Smoky blackened shrimp, creamy guacamole, crisp cucumber, and peppery radish come together in these fresh, bite-sized appetizers. They are easy to assemble, full of bold flavor, and perfect for parties, holidays, or game day.

Prep Time25 minutes mins

Cook Time6 minutes mins

Total Time31 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Keyword: blackened shrimp avocado bites

Servings: 8 Serving size: 3–4 bites

Author: Heidi Hecht

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined about 26 to 30 shrimp
• 3 – 4 mini cucumbers sliced about 3/4 inch thick
• 2  radishes sliced thinly
• 1 tbsp  olive oil
• 1 tbsp  cajun seasoning
• 1 – 1 ½ cups guacamole
• 1  lime
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction

Instructions

• Prepare the guacamole. Mash the avocados in a small bowl. Mix in the red onion, cilantro (optional), 1 tablespoon lime juice, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and optional jalapeño. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the other ingredients.

  (Alternatively, you can use store-bought guacamole, but I like to make my own.)
• Slice the cucumber about 3/4 of an inch thick.
• Toss the shrimp in olive oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Transfer the shrimp to a skillet and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until blackened.
• Arrange the cucumber slices on the serving tray and top each one with guacamole. Place a thinly sliced piece of radish on top of the guacamole.
• Place one shrimp on top of each guacamole-topped cucumber slice. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice on top and finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction.
• If you have a hard time getting them to stay together, stick toothpicks through them. Toothpicks are also convenient for serving bite-sized appetizers.

Notes

• Use 26/30-count shrimp with the tails removed.
• Plan on 1 to 1¼ cups of guacamole, about 2 teaspoons per bite.
• Slice cucumbers ¾ inch thick and pat them dry before assembling.
• Premade guacamole works well; choose a thick variety.
• Assemble shortly before serving for the best texture.

Method for Making Blackened Shrimp Avocado Bites

Let’s get started with making these bites. They really do take a few minutes!

Step One: Make Guacamole

Mash the avocados in a small bowl. Mix them with cilantro, red onions, dried red pepper flakes, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

(Alternatively, you can use store-bought guacamole, but I like to make my own.)

Step Two: Slice Cucumbers

Slice the cucumber about 3/4 of an inch thick.

Step Three: Make Blackened Shrimp

Toss the shrimp in olive oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Transfer the shrimp to a skillet and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until blackened. (Visible shrimp meat should be pink.) Try not to overcook, or the shrimp will develop a rubbery texture. Remove the shrimp from the heat and transfer them to a plate.

Step Four: Assemble Blackened Shrimp Avocado Bites

Arrange the cucumber slices on the serving tray and top each one with guacamole. Place a thinly sliced piece of radish on top of the guacamole.

• Place one shrimp on top of each guacamole-topped cucumber slice. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice on top and finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction.
• If you have a hard time getting them to stay together, stick toothpicks through them. Toothpicks are also convenient for serving bite-sized appetizers.
• Just to fancy things up a bit, I placed each appetizer on an Asian soup spoon. (These are the same spoons you might see at your favorite ramen restaurant.) I then placed the spoons onto a serving platter.

Step Five: Serve Promptly

 I like to serve these right away after assembling them so they aren’t just sitting around, waiting for the party to start.

Substitutes and Variations for Blackened Shrimp Avocado Bites

Because this is a really simple appetizer recipe, there aren’t too many substitutions. Some variations you could try:

• Shrimp: Use scallops, small pieces of cooked chicken, or blackened salmon instead of shrimp. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
• Cucumber: Mini or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and a firm texture. An English cucumber is another good option. Slice it thickly so the bites can support the toppings.
• Guacamole: Store-bought guacamole is a convenient shortcut. Choose a thick variety rather than a thin or watery one. You can also use mashed avocado seasoned with lime juice and salt.
• Cajun seasoning: Blackening seasoning, Creole seasoning, or a homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne can be used. Reduce the cayenne or choose a mild blend for less heat.
• Radishes: Replace the radish slices with thinly sliced jalapeño, bell pepper, green onion, tomato, or pickled red onion.
• Balsamic reduction: Hot honey, remoulade, chipotle mayonnaise, sriracha mayonnaise, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can be used instead. Regular balsamic vinegar is thinner, so use it sparingly.
• Lime juice: Lemon juice works well when lime is unavailable.
• Cooking oil: Avocado, canola, grapeseed, or another neutral high-heat oil can replace olive oil.
• For a dairy-free or gluten-free appetizer: The basic recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, but check the labels on the Cajun seasoning, prepared guacamole, and finishing sauces for added allergens or gluten-containing ingredients.

For a heartier variation, try this shrimp and avocado French bread, which adds salsa and melted cheddar to the same creamy avocado-and-shrimp pairing. For another fresh shrimp option, this shrimp avocado salad with honey lime dressing uses the same creamy avocado and bright lime flavors in a more filling dish.

More Ways to Enjoy Shrimp

If shrimp is already on the menu, you may also love these easy shrimp recipes:

• Fire and Ice Shrimp: A sweet, spicy, and creamy shrimp appetizer that can be served warm or chilled.
• Shrimp Cocktail Dip: A simple party dip made with cream cheese, cocktail sauce, and shrimp.
• Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: Spicy buffalo shrimp served in crisp lettuce cups with fresh toppings.

Troubleshooting Tips for Blackened Shrimp Avocado Bites

I think these blackened shrimp avocado bites are pretty easy to make. If they don’t go exactly right, these troubleshooting tips might help.

Shrimp Is Rubbery

The shrimp might be overcooked. This can be solved by making sure the heat isn’t too high and only cooking the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp only needs to turn opaque and pink, and start to blacken.

The Spices Got Too Black

Blackened seasoning can darken quickly in a hot pan. Use medium-high heat instead of the highest setting, and make sure that you use enough olive oil to coat the shrimp when you toss it with the olive oil and Cajun seasoning.

The Cucumber Slices are Too Flimsy

This happens most often when the cucumber slices aren’t thick enough. They should be about 3/4 inch thick. (I also like the cucumbers to be as fresh as possible when I make these.)

The Bites are Sliding Apart

It helps to avoid putting too much guacamole on each cucumber slice. Also, I’ll often secure the shrimp on top with toothpicks.

The Guacamole is Browning

Avocado has a tendency to brown when exposed to air. It’s feasible to make the guacamole up to an hour or two ahead, but it should be covered with plastic wrap until you’re ready to assemble these bites.

FAQ About These Avocado Shrimp Bites

Have any questions about this recipe? I did my best to answer the most common questions here. If you think of one I haven’t answered yet, feel free to ask in the comments section.

Can I make blackened shrimp avocado bites ahead of time?

Making the guacamole and slicing the cucumbers ahead of time are feasible. Keep them in airtight containers or covered with plastic wrap until you’re ready to assemble these bites.

Can I serve them chilled?

You could! Just chill the shrimp after cooking, and remember to get them out when you’re ready to assemble the bites.

Are blackened shrimp avocado bites spicy?

They can be spicy, mostly from the Cajun seasoning! The spice level can be adjusted to your preference, though.

How long can these sit out at a party?

At an indoor party, the shrimp can safely sit out for as long as two hours. Encourage your guests to try them, and they won’t even last that long!

Made These Blackened Shrimp Avocado Bites?

Did you try this recipe? Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments section, and don’t forget to rate this recipe!