Light Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Starters

This dish highlights tender medium shrimp gently marinated in a blend of fresh lime, lemon, and orange juices. Combined with crisp cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, jalapeño, and finely chopped red onion, it offers a vibrant mix of textures and fresh flavors. Chopped cilantro and diced avocado add herbal and creamy notes, balanced with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Serve chilled with optional tortilla chips or tostadas for a light, refreshing culinary experience that’s perfect for a starter or light bowl meal.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:30:00 GMT
A colorful bowl of Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with plump shrimp and bright citrus. Save
A colorful bowl of Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with plump shrimp and bright citrus. | opticbaker.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.

I love serving this shrimp ceviche on warm summer days because it feels both light and satisfying with its fresh citrus flavors and colorful vegetables.

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), 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons), 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • Vegetables & Fruits: 1 small red onion, finely diced, 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, quartered, 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced, 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste), 1 ripe avocado, diced, 1/2 cup (20 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Seasoning: 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • To Serve: Tortilla chips or tostadas (optional), 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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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
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| opticbaker.com

This recipe is a favorite at family gatherings, where everyone enjoys the burst of citrus and the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ceviche chilled with tortilla chips or over a bed of leafy greens for a light meal.

Variations

Try substituting mango or pineapple for a tropical twist, or add a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Avoid storing with avocado to prevent browning.

Zesty Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with diced vegetables, avocado, and fresh cilantro, ready to serve. Save
Zesty Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with diced vegetables, avocado, and fresh cilantro, ready to serve. | opticbaker.com
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This shrimp ceviche is a perfect way to enjoy fresh, bright flavors in just minutes.

Cooking Q&A

How do you properly marinate the shrimp?

Combine shrimp with a mixture of fresh lime, lemon, and orange juices in a glass bowl. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the citrus to gently 'cook' and infuse flavor into the shrimp.

Can pre-cooked shrimp be used?

Yes, pre-cooked shrimp can be chopped and combined directly with the citrus marinade for a quicker preparation.

What is the purpose of adding avocado at the end?

Adding diced avocado just before serving adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the zesty marinade and crisp vegetables.

Are there any recommended ingredient substitutions?

For a tropical twist, substitute mango or pineapple for some of the vegetables. Adjust jalapeño amount to control heat level.

How should this dish be served?

Serve chilled in small bowls or glasses, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges. Optional tortilla chips or tostadas add a crunchy contrast.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the main ingredients are gluten-free. If serving with tortilla chips, choose gluten-free options to avoid cross-contamination.

Light Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Tender shrimp combined with citrus juices, fresh vegetables, and herbs for a vibrant, light dish.

Time to prepare
20 mins
Time to cook
5 mins
Overall time
25 mins
Recipe by Ella Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Latin American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details No Dairy, Contains No Gluten, Low in Carbs

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, adjust to taste)
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: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes, until pink and opaque. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking. Drain, pat dry, and chop 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 marinate and further cook the shrimp.

Step 03

Mix Vegetables and Herbs: Add diced onion, quartered tomatoes, diced cucumber, jalapeño (if preferred), and chopped cilantro to the marinated shrimp. Toss gently to blend ingredients.

Step 04

Season: Incorporate sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil into the mixture. Stir to evenly distribute flavors.

Step 05

Add Avocado and Adjust: Fold in diced avocado immediately before serving. Taste and modify seasoning if necessary.

Step 06

Serve: Present chilled in small bowls or glasses. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Optionally serve with tortilla chips or tostadas.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan (if pre-cooking shrimp)
  • Mixing bowls (glass or ceramic preferred)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Citrus juicer
  • Spoon

Allergy details

Always review every ingredient for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • May contain gluten if served with tortilla chips; use gluten-free alternatives as needed.

Nutrition details (per serving)

These nutrition details are for your reference—don't substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 23 g