Light Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Featured in: Snack & Appetizer Ideas

This light and fresh shrimp ceviche blends tender shrimp with a bright marinade of lime, lemon, and orange juices, gently mixed with diced onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. The dish is finished with avocado and a touch of olive oil, delivering a crisp and zesty flavor profile that’s perfect for a refreshing appetizer or light meal. Served chilled alongside tortilla chips or topped over greens, this gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb option celebrates vibrant Latin American flavors with minimal preparation time.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:38:00 GMT
Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with bright citrus colors, diced vegetables, and cool, chilled shrimp. Save to Pinterest
Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with bright citrus colors, diced vegetables, and cool, chilled shrimp. | vectorgrill.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 making this ceviche whenever I want a healthy and vibrant dish that feels like a vacation in every bite.

Ingredients

  • Medium shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed)
  • Fresh lime juice: 1/2 cup (120 ml) about 4–5 limes
  • Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml) about 2 lemons
  • Fresh orange juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml) about 1 orange
  • Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (150 g), quartered
  • Cucumber: 1 small, peeled seeded and diced
  • Jalapeño pepper: 1, seeded and finely chopped (optional adjust to taste)
  • Ripe avocado: 1, diced
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup (20 g), chopped
  • Sea salt: 1/2 tsp or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Tortilla chips or tostadas: optional
  • Lime wedges: to serve

Instructions

Prepare shrimp:
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
Marinate:
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
Add vegetables and herbs:
Add diced onion tomatoes cucumber jalapeño if using and chopped cilantro to the marinated shrimp Toss gently to combine
Season:
Add salt pepper and olive oil Mix well
Add avocado:
Just before serving gently fold in the diced avocado Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Serve:
Serve chilled in small bowls or glasses garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges Accompany with tortilla chips or tostadas if desired
A close-up view of Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche: fresh herbs, vibrant shrimp, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche: fresh herbs, vibrant shrimp, ready to enjoy. | vectorgrill.com

This dish brings the whole family together especially during warm weather gatherings when everyone enjoys a fresh flavorful treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with tortilla chips tostadas or over a bed of salad greens for a light meal.

Variations

Try substituting mango or pineapple for a tropical twist or serve over quinoa or rice to turn it into a hearty bowl.

Storage Tips

Store leftover ceviche covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours to maintain freshness and safety.

Flavorful Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche, a beautiful mix of shrimp, lime, and vegetables for a refreshing dish. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful Light & Fresh Shrimp Ceviche, a beautiful mix of shrimp, lime, and vegetables for a refreshing dish. | vectorgrill.com

This shrimp ceviche is the perfect balance of zesty and fresh making it ideal for quick entertaining or a healthy snack.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I prepare shrimp for this dish?

Use fresh or thawed shrimp. If raw, boil briefly until pink and opaque, then cool in ice water before dicing. Pre-cooked shrimp can be chopped directly.

What citrus juices are used in the marinade?

Lime, lemon, and orange juices create a bright, tangy base that gently cooks the shrimp and balances the flavors.

Can I adjust the heat level in this dish?

Yes, add or omit jalapeño pepper to suit your preferred spice level. Hot sauce or chili flakes can also add extra kick.

Is this dish suitable for dietary restrictions?

It is gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb. Ensure gluten-free tortilla chips if serving alongside for those with gluten sensitivities.

What are some serving suggestions?

Enjoy chilled in small bowls, with tortilla chips or tostadas, or serve over cooked quinoa, rice, or salad greens for a bowl-style meal.

How long should the shrimp marinate?

Refrigerate the shrimp in the citrus marinade for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and further cook the shrimp.

Light Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Tender shrimp marinated in lime, lemon, and orange juices with fresh vegetables and herbs for a bright, zesty dish.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
5 mins
Overall Time
25 mins
Created by Chloe Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Latin American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Dairy, No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You’ll Use

Seafood

01 1 pound 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)
05 1 ripe avocado, diced
06 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasoning

01 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
02 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

To Serve

01 Tortilla chips or tostadas (optional)
02 Lime wedges

How-To

Step 01

Cook the shrimp: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again, pat dry, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. If using pre-cooked shrimp, chop directly.

Step 02

Marinate shrimp: 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 further cook the shrimp in the citrus.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Season mixture: Add sea salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 05

Incorporate avocado and serve: Just before serving, fold in diced avocado gently. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve chilled in small bowls or glasses, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Optionally, accompany with tortilla chips or tostadas.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy Info

Look over each item for allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish.
  • May contain gluten if served with tortilla chips; use gluten-free options as needed.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

Nutrition data is for learning only—not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 23 g