Name: Chili Lime Shrimp Appetizers
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 30
Cuisine: North American
Ingredients: 1c shrimp, cooked; ½ c corn, frozen, thawed; 1c cherry tomatoes, diced; ¼ c red onion, diced; ½ c guacamole; as desired cilantro (garnish); Dressing:; 3Tbsp lime juice; 2Tbsp oil (avocado or olive); 3 tsp. chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 large bag of tortilla chips (rounds)

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If you and your friends are like me and luvs luvs luvs yer shrimp, then these Chili Lime Shrimp Appetizers will go like hotcakes at your next get-together.

The bright chili lime flavors of the shrimp are besties with the creaminess from the avocado, the sweet pop of the corn, and the crunchiness from the tortilla.

These adorable seafood appetizers remind me of mini shrimp tacos! One is never enough and I get asked how to make these every time I bring them to a party.

A bunch of chili lime shrimp appetizers on a blue napkin.

There are so many great appetizers out there with shrimp aren’t there? This one is no exception and these little cuties are incredibly easy to make.

There isn’t any wild and crazy ingredients that you need to go to special stores for; everything you need will be found at your local grocers!

🛒Ingredient Notes

You can use any vegetables that you prefer for these cold shrimp bites, as long as they pair well with shrimp. I wouldn’t mix brussels sprouts with shrimp for instance, but again, it’s your appetizer, so you do you!

✅Shrimp (of course) – you’ll want the shrimp cooked, peeled, and deveined.
✅Corn – try and use fresh corn here, but if you can’t, frozen would be the next choice, thawed. After that, use canned. Never use creamed corn in this recipe.
✅Cherry tomatoes
✅Red (or Purple) Onion
✅Cilantro
✅Guacamole – You can use packaged (which I did here) or feel free to make your own spectacular guacamole if you have a great recipe on hand!

And then, for the dressing:

✅Avocado oil: Olive oil is fine if that’s what you have on hand.
✅Lime juice: Use fresh so you can use the lime zest as well.
✅Chili powder
✅Garlic powder: Using minced garlic is great as well.
✅Onion powder
✅Salt and Pepper

Please refer to the printable recipe card below for exact amounts, detailed instructions, and helpful tips to make this recipe perfect every time.

Whipping Up These Shrimp Appetizers

1. Put all ingredients into a large bowl.
2. Make up the dressing
3. Add it to the vegetables and shrimp and chill.

Serving

Choosing a crunchy base is the perfect contrast for this filling.

Tortilla chips– Chips that are lime flavored go super well with these appetizers.
Tortilla scoops – When filled, these make the perfect mini chili lime shrimp cup!
Veggie or buttery crackers – Excellent choices but be sure the cracker isn’t fragile so that excess moisture will make it soggy.
A fork. – Just kidding…. or am I?

Can I Make This Appetizer with Shrimp Ahead Of Time?

Yes! Absolutely. However, I wouldn’t do them THAT far ahead. If you wanted to prep the day ahead, I would do that, but only mix the veggies and shrimp together, and then keep that filling ice cold in the refrigerator.

Don’t put the filling on the crackers as they could get too soggy if made too far ahead of time. You can prep all the elements the day before if you wish, but keep them separate before assembly to serve. Be sure to add some lime juice to the avocado/guacamole so it doesn’t oxidize and change color.

I usually assemble this chili lime shrimp recipe about an hour ahead of serving time.

Alternative Ingredients

Crab instead of Shrimp: Why not? Crab has a slightly sweeter flavor than shrimp, and I think it would still pair nicely with the rest of the ingredients.
Avocado instead of Guacamole: Absolutely. If guac isn’t your thing, then just the clean and creamy flavor of the avocado will be excellent.
Adding Spicyness: Yessss! If you and your friends are pepper heads, then absolutely, make them as spicy as you’d like. Add a bit of hot sauce or your favorite dried hot chili flakes. If you dare, try some other fresh hot peppers like jalapenos or even fruity scotch bonnet!

By the way – if you’re looking for other yummy appetizers to serve that would compliment these appies, take a peek at this Crab Rangoon Dip by Blue Jean Chef!! Other ideas like this Creamy Black Olive Hummus and these Caprese Chicken Toasties would be ideal.

When you make these delicious appetizers, let me know if and how you switched them up down in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you did them! Thanks so much for stopping by The Salty Pot today, and I hope you have a wonderful day!!