Light Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Appetizers

This dish features tender shrimp marinated in a bright mix of lime, lemon, and orange juices, which gently 'cook' the seafood while infusing vibrant citrus flavors. Crisp diced vegetables such as red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and jalapeño add refreshing crunch and a touch of heat. Fresh cilantro and creamy avocado provide herbal notes and richness, balanced by sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Serve chilled, garnished with lime wedges and optional tortilla chips for a light, zesty experience perfect as an appetizer or light meal.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:43:00 GMT
Vibrant Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with colorful vegetables and citrus, ready to enjoy with chips. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with colorful vegetables and citrus, ready to enjoy with chips. | shiftpan.com

A vibrant, zesty appetizer featuring tender shrimp marinated in citrus juice with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs—perfect for a refreshing starter or a light meal bowl.

This recipe has become my go-to for summer gatherings due to its bright flavors and quick preparation time.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed)
  • Marinade: 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice (about 4 5 limes)
  • Marinade: 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • Marinade: 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • Vegetables & Fruits: 1 small red onion finely diced
  • Vegetables & Fruits: 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes quartered
  • Vegetables & Fruits: 1 small cucumber peeled seeded and diced
  • Vegetables & Fruits: 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and finely chopped (optional adjust to taste)
  • Vegetables & Fruits: 1 ripe avocado diced
  • Vegetables & Fruits: 1/2 cup (20 g) fresh cilantro chopped
  • Seasoning: 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • Seasoning: 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Seasoning: 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • To Serve: Tortilla chips or tostadas (optional)
  • To Serve: Lime wedges

Instructions

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Step 1:
If using raw shrimp bring a pot of salted water to a boil Add shrimp and cook for 1 2 minutes just until they turn pink and opaque Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking Drain again pat dry and cut shrimp into 1/2-inch pieces (If using pre-cooked shrimp simply chop)
Step 2:
In a large glass or ceramic bowl combine shrimp with lime lemon and orange juices Stir well cover and refrigerate for 20 30 minutes to marinate and cook the shrimp further in the citrus
Step 3:
Add diced onion tomatoes cucumber jalapeño (if using) and chopped cilantro to the marinated shrimp Toss gently to combine
Step 4:
Add salt pepper and olive oil Mix well
Step 5:
Just before serving gently fold in the diced avocado Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Step 6:
Serve chilled in small bowls or glasses garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges Accompany with tortilla chips or tostadas if desired
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Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
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Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| shiftpan.com

Making this dish always brings back happy memories of sharing light meals with family on warm evenings.

Notes

For extra flavor add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes Substitute mango or pineapple for a tropical twist For a bowl meal serve over cooked quinoa rice or salad greens

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp) May contain gluten if served with tortilla chips use gluten-free options if needed Always check labels for cross-contamination if serving to those with allergies

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 11 g Protein 23 g per serving

Bright, refreshing Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with lime-cooked shrimp, red onion, and avocado, perfect as an appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Bright, refreshing Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with lime-cooked shrimp, red onion, and avocado, perfect as an appetizer. | shiftpan.com
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Enjoy this lively ceviche as a healthy appetizer or light meal that brightens any table.

Questions & Answers About This Recipe

How long should the shrimp marinate in the citrus juices?

Marinate the shrimp for 20–30 minutes to allow the citrus to lightly cure and flavor the shrimp without over-toughening it.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this dish?

Yes, pre-cooked shrimp can be used. Simply chop and add directly to the marinade to absorb the citrus flavors.

What vegetables work best in this preparation?

Red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and jalapeño provide a mix of crunch, sweetness, and mild heat, complementing the shrimp well.

Is it necessary to cook the shrimp before marinating?

Raw shrimp can be briefly cooked in boiling water before marinating, but using pre-cooked shrimp is also convenient and effective.

How can I add extra flavor to this dish?

Add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to enhance the zest and heat.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve chilled in small bowls or glasses with lime wedges, and optionally with tortilla chips or tostadas for texture contrast.

Light Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Tender shrimp combined with citrus juice and crisp vegetables for a refreshing, vibrant dish.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
5 min
Total Duration
25 min
Recipe by Emma Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Latin American

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Dairy, No Gluten, Low Carb

What You'll Need

Seafood

01 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed)

Marinade

01 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
02 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
03 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)

Vegetables & Fruits

01 1 small red onion, finely diced
02 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
03 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
04 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
05 1 ripe avocado, diced
06 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasoning

01 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
02 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
03 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

To Serve

01 Tortilla chips or tostadas (optional)
02 Lime wedges

How to Make It

Step 01

Cook shrimp if raw: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking. Drain again, pat dry, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. If using pre-cooked shrimp, chop directly.

Step 02

Marinate shrimp: Combine shrimp with lime, lemon, and orange juices in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow citrus to cook and flavor the shrimp.

Step 03

Add vegetables and herbs: Incorporate diced red onion, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro into the marinated shrimp. Toss gently to combine evenly.

Step 04

Season mixture: Add sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasoning.

Step 05

Incorporate avocado: Fold in the diced avocado gently just before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Step 06

Serve chilled: Portion ceviche into small bowls or glasses. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with tortilla chips or tostadas if desired.

What You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Glass or ceramic mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Citrus juicer
  • Spoon

Allergy Details

Review all items for allergies and speak to a healthcare expert with any concerns.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • May contain gluten if served with traditional tortilla chips; use gluten-free options if needed.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

For reference only — always check with a nutrition or medical professional.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 23 g