Shrimp Cocktail Cups are a light, make-ahead appetizer that's perfect for entertaining. These individual cups are as easy to make as they are elegant! Baby shrimp, crisp lettuce, crunchy celery, finished with a zesty cocktail sauce, make for a refreshing kickoff to any meal, celebration or party.
Serve alongside Corn Dog Nuggets and zesty Pickle de Gallo for a memorable start to your gathering!
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⭐ Why Melinda Loves Shrimp Cocktail Cups
I can make these ahead, before my guests arrive!
Shrimp Cocktail Cups are an updated version of a retro shrimp cocktail recipe from the 80s. (Just shrimp and cocktail sauce, sometimes served over a block of cream cheese). No cream cheese here, just crunchy veggies and zesty sauce! But this recipe does go great with my Savory Cheesecake recipe!
Just like Hand-Held Charcuterie Cups, these individual serving cups are easy to make.
🍤 Ingredients to Have on Hand
The combination of ingredients for Shrimp Cocktail Cups creates a shrimp appetizer that rivals what you might find in a fancy restaurant.
Shrimp: Use fresh, cooked baby shrimp from the grocery store. The tiny shrimp are easier to mix in with the lettuce, celery and garnishes.
Lettuce: I use iceberg lettuce since it's so crispy and holds its shape even when chopped into small pieces. But any variety of lettuce will work fine; be sure to chop it well so the lettuce pieces are about the same size as the shrimp, or smaller.
Celery: This adds a wonderful crunch to the shrimp cocktail without adding an overpowering flavor.
Cocktail Sauce: Use your favorite brand; some cocktail sauces are especially zesty. If that's the case with the variety you use, you may not need to add horseradish sauce separately.
Scroll to the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
🥗 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Arrange four, 6-8 ounce serving bowls, cups or jars on the counter. Shred the lettuce and finely dice the celery, scoop 2-3 tablespoons of lettuce into each cup and top with 1 tablespoon of the diced celery. (Photos above.)
Step 2: Top the lettuce and celery with about ½ cup of baby shrimp. Spoon a tablespoon or two of cocktail sauce on top of the shrimp, then add up to 1 teaspoon of the horseradish sauce, or to taste. Use the tip of a small spoon to gently swirl the sauces together and blend the sauce with a few pieces of shrimp. (Photos above.)
Step 3: Add a lemon wedge, a few chunks of avocado and a sprig of fresh dill on top of each shrimp cocktail cup. These are optional garnishes, but delicious! Cover loosely with waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Serve and enjoy! (Photo above.)
⭐Pro Tip
Rinsing the cooked baby shrimp is optional; the shrimp is safe to eat as-is from the grocery store. This is one of those steps I've "just always done" after unwrapping shrimp from the packaging, especially if I purchased the shrimp the day before. It's important not to over-rinse the shrimp, though, some of that good "shrimpy" flavor can go right down the sink.
💭 Recipe FAQs
The flavor and texture will be different. While you can make the substitution, especially if canned shrimp is what you have on hand, it's not the same as fresh shrimp when served fresh like this. If you use canned shrimp, rinse them thoroughly to remove the salty liquid that the shrimp are canned with.
I like to make these in the afternoon before my guests arrive for dinner. The shrimp salads are best if chilled for at least 20-30 minutes or up to 4 hours before serving.
I use 6-ounce ice cream sundae cups for serving my shrimp salad cups! They work great and are super cute. But you can use any jar, small bowl or cup as long as it will hold 6 - 8 ounces. This will give your guests a little extra room to stir the shrimp and not have anything spill out of the cup.
🥘 What to Serve with Shrimp Cocktail Cups
This shrimp cocktail is the perfect appetizer for your favorite seafood dinner. Enjoy these cups before a meal of Skillet-Glazed Salmon, Creamy Seafood Chowder or Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties.
It's also a light and refreshing appetizer that can accompany other hearty starters. The flavors go great alongside Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs and Philly Cheesesteak Bites.
🥣 Leftovers and Storage
Shrimp Salad Cups are best served on the day you assemble them. While you could cover and refrigerate any leftovers, and they will still be delicious, the lettuce won't be as crisp and the avocado garnish might start to turn brown.
⭐Pro Tip
It always pays to find out in advance if your guests enjoy condiments such as cocktail sauce or horseradish sauce. The shrimp salad cups are easily customizable, and you can leave off any ingredient that someone might not enjoy.
🍽 Other Tasty Appetizer Recipes
Shrimp Cocktail in a Cup is a new spin on a classic, nostalgic appetizer. Check out these recipes for more ideas and inspiration to help get the party started!
If you make Shrimp Cocktail Cups, I'd love to hear how they turned out. Please leave a 🌟 star rating and a comment below. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Recipe
jeanne says
I love reading new recipes because they get me thinking. This recipe turned into shrimp salad with mayo, celery and fresh dill, topped with avocado, a new experience for me. Thanks for letting my mind wander to tonight's dinner.
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Glad to offer the inspiration!
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
(Hi! This is Melinda.) I hope you enjoy this shrimp cocktail recipe as much as my family does! It's light and refreshing and the perfect "start" to a delicious meal.