Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Shrimp Cucumber Bites are a fresh, light, and elegant appetizer featuring juicy shrimp atop crisp cucumber slices, finished with a creamy topping and a hint of seasoning. They’re the perfect balance of refreshing crunch and savory seafood flavor.

I first made these when I needed a quick and impressive appetizer for a summer gathering. The combination of cool cucumber, tender shrimp, and a creamy, flavorful topping made them an instant hit. What I love most about this recipe is how effortless it is to prepare while looking incredibly sophisticated.

What’s great about Shrimp Cucumber Bites is their versatility. You can dress them up with a dollop of herbed cream cheese, avocado mash, or a spicy sriracha mayo drizzle. Whether served at parties, brunches, or as a healthy snack, these bites are light, delicious, and sure to be a crowd favorite!

Perfect for:

Mocktail parties
Summer gatherings
Light appetizers
Quick and easy entertaining
Seafood lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Shrimp Cucumber Bites will become your go-to appetizer:

Light and Refreshing: The crisp cucumber and juicy shrimp create a fresh, palate-cleansing bite.
Elegant Presentation: These beautifully arranged bites make any table look gourmet.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes with minimal prep work.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Protein-Packed: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep components in advance for stress-free serving.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or toppings to suit your taste.
No Cooking Required: If using pre-cooked shrimp, this recipe requires zero cooking.
Perfect Party Finger Food: No utensils needed—just grab and enjoy!
Burst of Flavor: A creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy topping complements the shrimp perfectly.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked shrimp)
Servings: 12 bites
Calories per serving: Approximately 35-50 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 2g, Fat: 2g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Cucumber Bites:

12 medium cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 English cucumber, sliced into 12 rounds
¼ cup cream cheese or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Lemon zest
Red pepper flakes
Extra fresh herbs

Ingredient Highlights

Shrimp: Provides a lean protein base with a slightly sweet, briny flavor.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the creamy topping.
Cream Cheese or Greek Yogurt: Offers a smooth, tangy element to balance the flavors.
Smoked Paprika or Old Bay: Enhances the shrimp with a subtle, smoky spice.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and complements the seafood.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Slice the Cucumber: Cut the cucumber into ½-inch thick rounds and arrange them on a serving platter.

Make the Topping:

Mix the Creamy Base: In a small bowl, combine cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) with lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Add Herbs & Spice: Stir in fresh dill or parsley and a dash of hot sauce if using.

Assemble the Bites:

Top with Creamy Mixture: Spoon or pipe a small dollop of the creamy mixture onto each cucumber slice.
Add the Shrimp: Place a cooked shrimp on top of each cucumber round, pressing lightly to adhere.
Garnish: Sprinkle with extra herbs, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Serve:

Chill and Enjoy: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Shrimp Cucumber Bites:

As a Party Appetizer: Perfect for mocktail hours or elegant gatherings.
With a Citrus Twist: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing.
On a Charcuterie Board: Pair with cheeses, crackers, and olives for a seafood-inspired platter.
As a Healthy Snack: A guilt-free option for mid-day cravings.
With a Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
For a Keto-Friendly Lunch: Serve alongside a green salad for a light, low-carb meal.
On a Bed of Greens: Turn them into a salad topper for extra texture and protein.
With a Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with cayenne pepper or drizzle with sriracha.
For Outdoor Picnics: A no-mess, refreshing option for al fresco dining.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp – Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Season Well – Enhance the shrimp’s taste by seasoning with garlic, lemon zest, or a pinch of smoked paprika before cooking.
Chill the Cucumbers – Keep cucumber slices in the fridge until serving to ensure a crisp, refreshing bite.
Choose the Right Sauce – Experiment with toppings like herbed cream cheese, spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy tzatziki for different flavor profiles.
Cook Shrimp Properly – Avoid overcooking by sautéing or boiling shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Add a Garnish – Fresh dill, parsley, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Use a Piping Bag – For a neater look, pipe the topping (such as cream cheese or avocado mash) onto the cucumber slices instead of spreading with a knife.
Try Different Cucumbers – English cucumbers work well for their mild flavor and thin skin, but Persian cucumbers offer extra crunch.
Make Ahead – Prep the shrimp and topping in advance, but assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Serve with a Drizzle – A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon juice before serving adds a final burst of flavor.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Sriracha Shrimp – Toss shrimp in a mix of Sriracha, lime juice, and honey for a fiery kick.
Avocado Lime Shrimp – Add a dollop of mashed avocado with lime juice for a creamy twist.
Mango Salsa Shrimp – Top each bite with fresh mango salsa for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Garlic Butter Shrimp – Sauté shrimp in garlic butter and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan.
Greek-Style Shrimp – Use a tzatziki spread and garnish with crumbled feta and fresh dill.
Cajun Shrimp Bites – Season shrimp with Cajun spices and serve with a dollop of remoulade sauce.
Sesame Ginger Shrimp – Marinate shrimp in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor.
Caprese Shrimp – Layer with a slice of cherry tomato, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Creamy Pesto Shrimp – Spread a thin layer of basil pesto and add a small piece of fresh mozzarella.
Tropical Coconut Shrimp – Coat shrimp in toasted coconut flakes and serve with a pineapple chutney.

Special Equipment

Sharp Chef’s Knife – For slicing cucumbers evenly.
Cutting Board – Provides a stable surface for prep work.
Small Mixing Bowl – Ideal for combining toppings or seasonings.
Microplane Zester – Adds a touch of citrus zest for extra flavor.
Piping Bag (Optional) – Helps neatly apply creamy toppings.
Small Spoon or Spatula – For spreading or scooping ingredients.
Shrimp Deveiner – Makes cleaning shrimp quick and easy.
Tongs – Useful for handling cooked shrimp delicately.
Serving Platter – Presents your bites beautifully.
Toothpicks or Cocktail Skewers – Keeps everything in place for easy serving.

FAQ Section

What are Shrimp Cucumber Bites?
Shrimp Cucumber Bites are a light and refreshing appetizer made with crisp cucumber slices, creamy topping, and seasoned shrimp, perfect for parties or snacks.
Can I make Shrimp Cucumber Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to assemble them just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
What type of shrimp should I use?
Use cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before use.
What’s the best way to season the shrimp?
A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon works great. You can also use Old Bay seasoning or a Cajun spice blend for extra flavor.
Can I use another type of seafood?
Absolutely! Smoked salmon, crab, or even seared scallops can be great alternatives to shrimp.
What kind of sauce goes well with Shrimp Cucumber Bites?
Cream cheese mixed with herbs, sour cream with garlic and lemon, or a spicy mayo all work well as a creamy base.
How do I keep the cucumber slices from getting watery?
Lightly pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before assembling to remove excess moisture.
Are Shrimp Cucumber Bites keto-friendly?
Yes! They are naturally low in carbs, making them a great keto-friendly appetizer.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese or avocado spread instead of traditional cream-based sauces.
How long do Shrimp Cucumber Bites last in the fridge?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can store them for up to 6 hours in an airtight container. The cucumbers may release some water over time.

Conclusion

Shrimp Cucumber Bites are a light, refreshing, and elegant appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Juicy, seasoned shrimp sit atop crisp cucumber slices, finished with a creamy topping and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for the perfect bite-sized treat.

Customize them by adding a dollop of spicy mayo for heat, swapping in cream cheese with herbs for extra richness, or drizzling with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, zesty finish. Serve them chilled for a refreshing snack or party appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress!

I can’t wait to see how your Shrimp Cucumber Bites turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!