Shrimp martini appetizer is an easy shrimp salsa dip that's perfect for a fun and fancy appetizer with friends and family!
We've got the holidays coming up and I'm really feeling ready for it! And ready for ALL the food too!
My mom made today's recipe, this shrimp martini appetizer, for me for the first time last Thanksgiving. We snacked on it while we were cooking the big meal and it was the perfect light bite!
I've been making this recipe since then as an easy - but fancy-seeming - appetizer to share with friends.
It takes just 10 minutes to mix together and has so much flavor!
And something about shrimp... they always go so fast! I say, give the people what they want!
In fact, I had some of my neighbor buddies over last week and served this up in some martini glasses. We're all moms of little ones and it's nice to do something a little special like this when we get together!
And if you want to have a lovely evening of entertaining, without all the stress that can go with it, here are my easy ABC's:
- Allow enough time. Shop ahead, pick up some great on-hand ingredients like several nice cheeses and a selection of crackers, pair with some nuts or olives and my easy shrimp cocktail recipe and bam - you are set!
- Be prepared. Keep your house stocked with a variety of wines, have some cute cocktail napkins and a couple of go-to recipes that are easy to whip up. You'll be party-ready anytime!
- Chill out! The hostess sets the tone and you want to be at ease so your guests are at ease. Don't stress about the house not being perfect - I promise you are the only one that notices! So kick back, pick up your wine glass and just enjoy the moment!
Recipe Notes:
Shrimp: You can buy a shrimp ring or pre-cooked shrimp to make life easy or roast your own shrimp in the oven. I've included directions in the recipe card if you want to do it that way.
Tomatoes: The crushed tomatoes help keep this the right consistency. Tomato juice would be too much liquid, but you could try substituting the same amount of canned petite diced tomatoes (well drained) or maybe even some salsa in a pinch.
Spice/Heat: You can control the heat of this recipe by removing the membranes and seeds of the jalapeño for less heat, or leaving some in for more heat. The horseradish and hot sauce are optional but give it a great kick!
Red onion: I like to add red onion to mine but you can leave it out if you prefer.
Serving: These are fun served individually in martini glasses but you can also serve it up in a bowl with some chips for a group dip.
I hope you have some fun holiday parties coming up and I hope you give this easy shrimp martini appetizer a try - and make your own party anytime!
Have a great weekend!
XO,
Kathryn
Shrimp Martini Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cooked shrimp, tails removed and roughly chopped
- ⅔ cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 jalapeno, minced (remove membranes and seeds for less heat)
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
For serving:
- Tortilla chips, pita chips and/or lettuce spears
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and season well with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This is best in the first 24 hours but will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Love easy appetizers for entertaining? Yeah, me too.
Check out my easy microwave baked brie, holiday hummus and baked southwestern egg rolls.
Or for more shrimp love, try Air Fryer breaded shrimp and healthier bang bang shrimp.
Kelli McGrane says
Love how colorful these are! Such a perfect appetizer for entertaining this holiday season 🙂
Kathryn says
Thanks so much Kelli! They really are great for parties and entertaining! 😊
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I like intimate dinner parties more than crowded ones, so it sounds like yours was just lovely! 😉 This shrimp martini is seriously the cutest thing ever!!! We are having a couple people over next week for my husbands birthday (it's the big 4-0) and I really wanted to serve shrimp as an appetizer, so as soon as I saw this I almost died! SO YUM! Unfortunately I just found out 2 people are allergic to shellfish... womp womp. Honestly, I'm making this anyways for ME to much on! Because YUM!! (plus, more for me!) Pinned! Cheers!
Kathryn says
I'm with you Cheyanne! I love being able to really talk with everyone and have it be more meaningful. Bummer about the shellfish allergies but yup, that just means more for you - and you won't be sorry! 😉 XO
Luci's Morsels says
These are so perfect for a dinner party! Love the presentation of this appetizer, such a fun way to serve up a tasty shrimp salad!
Kathryn says
Thanks Luci! They are fun + tasty for sure!
Bonnie says
Can you please let me know, won’t the shrimp cook in the lime juice like a ceviche?
Kathryn Doherty says
Hi Bonnie, the recipe calls for cooked shrimp. So they are already fully cooked, not raw. The lime juice therefore doesn't have quite the same effect, but this is definitely best in the first day after it's made. Hope that helps!