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Flavorful Cold Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with Easy Zesty Horseradish Sauce

cold shrimp cocktail - featured image

A quick and easy cold shrimp cocktail featuring tender shrimp paired with a zesty horseradish sauce that delivers a sharp, tangy kick. Perfect for summer evenings, casual gatherings, or elegant appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Iceberg lettuce or crisp greens (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using pre-cooked shrimp, rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If cooking raw shrimp, boil in salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then plunge into ice water to chill completely.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
  4. Arrange chilled shrimp on a serving plate or in cocktail glasses. Spoon the horseradish sauce on the side or drizzle lightly over the shrimp.
  5. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley or dill. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Chilling the shrimp and sauce is key for the best refreshing bite. Adjust horseradish to taste to avoid overpowering. Sauce tastes better after resting in the fridge. Serve shrimp cold and avoid reheating to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp cocktail, cold shrimp, horseradish sauce, easy appetizer, summer recipe, quick shrimp recipe, zesty sauce