Want to try an easy appetizer or a healthy snack that is sure to please? These Cajun shrimp cucumber bites are a nutritious and enjoyable option that you are sure to love.
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In the hot summer weather, I enjoy foods that are lighter and have a refreshing taste like my chopped Greek salad or these turkey roll ups. These shrimp cucumber bites are also the perfect bite size snack to enjoy mid-afternoon.
These snacks are crispy, zesty, juicy and have a hint of Cajun spice to them. As a bonus, they come together so quickly with just a few simple ingredients.
I like to make these appetizers for summer BBQ's or outdoor gatherings. The spicy shrimp tastes amazing with the guacamole salsa and crunchy cucumber. There is also a hint of fresh dill in every bite.
My guests love them. These cucumber bites are also low carb, keto-friendly, and naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent choice to have on any menu.
Reasons to Love
- Versatile Recipe. These bites make a great healthy snack or quick appetizer for a party. You only need a few ingredients, which can be easily sourced at your local grocery store. Take a look at the variation section for more ideas on personal customization.
- Flavorful Profile. These small appetizers are bite-sized but loaded with delicious flavor. The combinations of crunchy cucumber, juicy shrimp, creamy salsa, and fresh dill are mouthwatering.
- Keto and Low Carb Friendly. Shrimp cucumber bites are nutritious, healthy and made with real food ingredients. They are low carb and keto friendly making them a wonderful offering to have as a light appetizer.
Ingredients
- Shrimp - Medium size shrimp that is shelled and deveined is the best to use for this recipe. The medium size fits perfectly on top of the cucumber and guacamole mixture.
- Cajun Seasoning - A spicy blend that adds a kick to the shrimp and guacamole combination lending to amazing flavors.
- Garlic Powder- This fragrant spice adds to the flavors.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper - Add to taste to the shrimp.
- Olive Oil - A little is needed for cooking the shrimp.
- Cucumber- Any large cucumber can be used.
- Guacamole - Store-bought or homemade is fine to use.
- Fresh Dill- Adds a bit of freshness to go along with the creamy guacamole and spicy shrimp.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Let's get out our frying pan along with the ingredients to season the shrimp to make these wonderful shrimp cucumber bites.
Thoroughly wash the shrimp and pat dry. Remove the shrimp head. Shell and devein shrimp while the tails are intact.
Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stand for at least 15 minutes.
In a heated skillet with olive oil, pan-fry shrimp for 1 ½ to 2 minutes on each side.
Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Cook shrimp in batches and do not overcook. Transfer to a paper-lined platter.
Slice the cucumber into 12 even slices.
Spread 1 teaspoon of guacamole on each cucumber. Sprinkle fresh dill and top with 1 cooked shrimp on each slice.
Garnish with the remaining fresh drill. Serve immediately.
Hint: Slice the cucumber into even, bite-sized rounds. If the cucumbers are thick-skinned, consider partially peeling them to create a striped pattern, which adds visual appeal and makes them easier to bite into.
Variations
- Use a different spice. If you don't have Cajun seasoning on hand, Old Bay is a great substitute. You can also use chili powder or chipotle powder for more spiciness.
- Use a different topping. An avocado mash, pico de gallo, yogurt or whipped cream cheese can be used in place of guacamole.
- Change up the cucumber slices. Use crackers, chips or toasted baguette slices.
- Change up the protein. Cooked smoked salmon, tuna or chicken salad mixed in with the guacamole salsa are great alternatives.
You can also use blanched zucchini slices. Check out my zucchini bruschetta for another delicious low-carb summer appetizer.
Tips
Top tip: Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. Cook the shrimp 1-2 minutes per side in a hot pan. You can use tongs for easier flipping. Watch for the shrimp to start to curl and turn opaque in color.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. To ensure the shrimp stay nice and juicy cook them in small batches making sure there is enough room for each shrimp in the pan.
- If preferred, remove the shrimp tails. Shrimp tails look presentable when serving as appetizers in parties and gatherings, but it is totally up to you.
- If preferred, you can also remove the cucumber skin by using a peeler. This is optional as the cucumber skin provides a bit of crunch and texture in every bite.
- Fresh dill is recommended in this shrimp appetizer recipe.
- Use newly opened store-bought for the guacamole and consume the remaining as suggested on the jar. Or, make your own favorite recipe.
Serving suggestions
These shrimp cucumber bites make an excellent appetizer for any dinner party, family get together or summer outdoor BBQ. They go great with these chicken skewers or chicken wings.
If you are hosting an appetizer only type event or one where finger foods are served, then these shrimp cucumber bites pair well alongside this delicious zucchini bruschetta and jalapeno poppers.
The bites also make a great mid-day low-carb snack to be enjoyed with a cool, refreshing glass of cherry limeade.
Storage
These cucumber bites are best served immediately. If you are going to save leftovers, do not save the ingredients together.
To store, separate each individual ingredient into individual airtight containers or bags to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Assemble the bites when ready to enjoy again.
FAQs
Medium size shrimp is recommended because it is the perfect size to fit on top of the cucumber slice.
Old Bay Seasoning or chili powder are great to use in place.
Cut them to be at least a half inch thick to make sure the guacamole salsa and shrimp have a sturdy base to sit on.
Related Recipes
Want a few more easy summer appetizer ideas? Here are a few more that I like to whip up for warm weather gatherings:
- Mini pancake skewers are perfect for the Fourth of July.
- Air fryer s'mores dip is excellent for kids.
- Crab melt is so easy to make with canned meat.
- Air fryer lumpia is always devoured quickly.
- Air-fried bowtie pasta is an excellent alternative to chips.
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Recipe
Cajun Shrimp Cucumber Bites
Ingredients
- 12 pieces large shrimp
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- olive oil for frying
- 1 large cucumber
- ¼ cup guacamole
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the shrimp and pat dry. Remove the shrimp head. Shell and devein shrimp while the tails are intact.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stand for at least 15 minutes.
- In a heated skillet with olive oil, pan fry shrimp for 1 ½ to 2 minutes on each side. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Cook shrimp in batches and do not overcook. Transfer to a paper-lined platter.
- Meanwhile, slice cucumber into 12 even slices. Spread 1 teaspoon of guacamole on each cucumber. Sprinkle fresh dill and top with 1 cooked shrimp on each slice.
- Garnish with the remaining fresh drill. Serve immediately.
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