If you’re looking for a dish that’s as fresh and vibrant as it is easy, Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats are about to become your go-to favorite. Imagine crisp cucumber vessels overflowing with a bright, zesty blend of plump shrimp, creamy avocado, a pop of red onion, and a squeeze of lime for the perfect finish. Each bite delivers a cool crunch with a flavorful punch, making it just right for light dinners, sensational appetizers, or any time you crave something nutritious and full of color. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one on repeat!

Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is at the heart of these Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats, but every ingredient shines in its role. From the fresh vegetables to the tangy seasonings, you’ll love how effortlessly everything comes together to create an unforgettable dish.

Cucumbers: The perfect sturdy, hydrating base to hold your shrimp mixture and add a delightful crunch with every bite.
Shrimp: Pre-cooked, chopped shrimp bring satisfying protein and a gentle sweetness that’s deliciously fresh.
Avocado: Creamy, buttery avocado rounds out the filling and pairs beautifully with the seafood flavor.
Red onion: Just enough to add a zesty lift and a lovely bit of color.
Jalapeño (optional): If you like a little heat, minced jalapeño livens things up without being overpowering.
Fresh cilantro: Adds vibrant green color and bright, herby flavor for true freshness.
Lime juice: A splash of acidity keeps everything light and brings the bold flavors together.
Olive oil: Gives the filling a silky finish and enhances the natural flavors.
Garlic powder: A dash helps build background savoriness effortlessly.
Salt: Just a bit to season and balance out the ingredients’ flavors perfectly.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.

How to Make Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing your cucumbers well and drying them. Slice each cucumber in half lengthwise, then grab a spoon and gently scoop out the seeds from the center, making a shallow trough to hold all that scrumptious filling. Pat the cucumber boats dry inside and out to help the filling adhere. These crisp cucumbers are about to become the stars of your plate!

Step 2: Toss the Shrimp Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, diced avocado, finely diced red onion, the jalapeño if you love a kick, and chopped fresh cilantro. Drizzle over the lime juice and olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the zesty dressing, making sure not to mash the avocado too much so you keep plenty of texture.

Step 3: Fill the Cucumber Boats

Spoon the shrimp and avocado mixture into each cucumber boat, pressing it in gently with the back of the spoon so it stays put. Pile it up for a generous portion in every boat; you want each bite to have a little bit of everything! Arrange the filled boats on a platter or serving plate.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats immediately for the freshest taste and crunch. Whether you’re enjoying them as a light lunch or passing them around as an appetizer, watch as they disappear in no time. This dish comes together in minutes but looks like you spent all afternoon creating something special!

How to Serve Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cilantro, a dusting of chili flakes, or a squeeze more lime juice will take your Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats to the next level. For even more flavor, try a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a scattering of crumbled feta cheese on top. These finishing touches add bold colors and extra pops of taste that everyone will notice.

Side Dishes

Pair these boats with a simple mixed greens salad, a quinoa pilaf, or even a bowl of fruit for an ultra-refreshing meal. Since Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats are light but satisfying, they make an ideal complement to other cool, crunchy dishes or even alongside grilled corn on the cob at a picnic.

Creative Ways to Present

Stagger the boats in a fan on a wooden platter, or nestle them on a bed of leafy greens for a restaurant-worthy look. For an extra-fun, party-ready twist, cut your cucumbers into smaller, bite-sized boats and serve as finger food. The colorful filling makes these irresistible little boats the perfect centerpiece for any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will remain crisp for a few hours, but are best enjoyed the same day to avoid any sogginess. For the best results, keep the shrimp-avocado filling and cucumber boats separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

This recipe isn’t very freezer-friendly due to the delicate textures of shrimp and avocado, and cucumbers lose their crispness when frozen. For freshest flavor and crunch, it’s better to enjoy your Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats freshly assembled rather than frozen and thawed.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats taste absolutely best cold, straight from the fridge. If you’ve made the filling ahead of time, just give it a quick toss before serving to revive the flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I make the shrimp mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp mixture up to 4 hours in advance—just be sure to wait until right before serving to mix in the avocado, so it stays bright and creamy. Store everything tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Any cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp will work. For convenience, small pre-cooked shrimp are perfect and save time on prep, but you can also use larger shrimp and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work beautifully here.

Are there alternatives to cilantro?

Yes! If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try substituting chopped fresh parsley, basil, or even dill. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, and the boats will still taste wonderfully fresh and lively.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Tossing the avocado with lime juice helps prevent browning. If you need to store the filling a little longer, press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface to minimize exposure to air. For best color, add the avocado as close to serving time as possible.

Are Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats healthy?

They’re incredibly healthy! Packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, fiber, and tons of vitamins, Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats fit into low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets. Each serving has just 180 calories and tastes just as good as it makes you feel.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats—they’re fresh, flavor-packed, and downright fun to make and eat. Whether you serve them up for friends or keep them all to yourself, they’re destined to become a regular on your menu. Dive in and treat yourself to this irresistible combination of crunchy, creamy, and zesty!

Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (8 boats) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats are a refreshing and flavorful low-carb dish that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer. The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumber Boats:

2 large cucumbers halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out

Shrimp and Avocado Mixture:

1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
1 large avocado, diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon jalapeño, minced (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Cut Cucumbers: Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create ‘boats.’ Pat dry with a paper towel.
Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, diced avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
Fill Cucumber Boats: Spoon the shrimp and avocado mixture evenly into the cucumber boats.
Serve: Serve immediately as a light meal or appetizer.

Notes

For added flavor, drizzle with sriracha mayo or sprinkle with feta cheese.
To make ahead, prepare the shrimp mixture up to 4 hours in advance, but add the avocado just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Light Meal
Method: No-Cook, Assembly
Cuisine: American, Fresh-Inspired