Light Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Featured in: Simple Snacks & Bites

This dish features tender shrimp marinated in freshly squeezed lime, lemon, and orange juices, combining bright citrus flavors with crisp tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Avocado adds creaminess, while sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil balance the flavors. Ready in under an hour, this refreshing seafood preparation is perfect chilled and served with tortilla chips or tostadas. Adaptable with tropical fruits or served over grains for a light, flavorful meal.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:48:00 GMT
Bright, colorful shrimp ceviche is brimming with citrus marinade and fresh vegetable chunks. Save to Pinterest
Bright, colorful shrimp ceviche is brimming with citrus marinade and fresh vegetable chunks. | nexusfork.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 ceviche quickly became a favorite in my family for its fresh flavors and simple preparation.

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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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up view of light & fresh shrimp ceviche, ready to be scooped up with a crispy chip. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of light & fresh shrimp ceviche, ready to be scooped up with a crispy chip. | nexusfork.com

Our family enjoys preparing this dish together especially on warm weekends when a light fresh meal is welcome.

Preparation Tips

Make sure shrimp are thoroughly chilled before marinating for best texture and safety.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tortilla chips or over a bed of fresh greens for a fuller meal.

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Vibrant light & fresh shrimp ceviche features tender shrimp, lime juices, and chopped colorful vegetables. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant light & fresh shrimp ceviche features tender shrimp, lime juices, and chopped colorful vegetables. | nexusfork.com
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Prep meals effortlessly by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dinner with the right knife always ready.
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This shrimp ceviche brings brightness and flavor to your table in less than an hour.

Questions & Answers

How do I prepare the shrimp for this dish?

Use fresh or thawed medium shrimp, peeled and deveined. Boil for 1–2 minutes until opaque, then cool in an ice bath. Chop into pieces or use pre-cooked shrimp directly.

What citrus juices are used in the marinade?

Fresh lime, lemon, and orange juices combine to provide a bright, balanced citrus flavor that also 'cooks' the shrimp during marinating.

Can I add heat to this preparation?

Yes, finely chopped jalapeño pepper is included, but you can adjust or omit it based on spice preference. Additional hot sauce or chili flakes can also be added.

How long should the shrimp marinate?

Refrigerate the shrimp in the citrus juices for 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the shrimp to firm up.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve chilled in small bowls or glasses, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Tortilla chips or tostadas make excellent accompaniments.

Are there ingredient swaps to try?

For a tropical twist, substitute mango or pineapple for some vegetables, or serve over cooked quinoa, rice, or salad greens for a hearty option.

Light Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Tender shrimp marinated in citrus with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs for a vibrant, zesty dish.

Prep duration
20 minutes
Cook duration
5 minutes
Overall time
25 minutes
Recipe by Nexus Fork Wyatt Evans


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Latin American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet preferences No dairy, No gluten, Reduced carb

Ingredient list

Seafood

01 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined

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, diced
04 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded, finely chopped (optional)
05 1 ripe avocado, diced
06 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasoning

01 1/2 tsp sea salt
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

Step-by-step guide

Step 01

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

Step 02

Marinate shrimp: Combine chopped shrimp with lime, lemon, and orange juices in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate 20-30 minutes to marinate and further cook shrimp in citrus.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Season mixture: Incorporate sea salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix thoroughly.

Step 05

Fold in avocado: Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 06

Serve chilled: Transfer to small bowls or glasses. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges. Optionally, serve with tortilla chips or tostadas.

Equipment you'll need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls (glass or ceramic)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Citrus juicer
  • Spoon

Allergy notes

Look at every ingredient for allergens and get help from a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp). Potential gluten contamination if served with traditional tortilla chips; opt for gluten-free versions as needed.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For informational purposes only. Always check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calorie count: 210
  • Total fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 23 g