This easy Cucumber Shrimp Canapés recipe is a classic party appetizer that's fast, elegant, and always a crowd favorite!
When it comes to entertaining, I like to keep things simple. Grazing tables are a fun way to allow guests to pick and choose from a wide variety of appetizers and snacks. I love to include easy and elegant appetizers, like this Shrimp Canapés recipe.
🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
I've been making these shrimp, cream cheese, cucumber canapes for decades. It's a great recipe to make for parties!
- You only need a few ingredients plus some herbs and aromatics.
- These are easy to make in just a few minutes, thanks to shortcuts like using thawed frozen previously cooked shrimp.
- They are the perfect party bite for your next gathering: a little crunch, a little sweet and savory, and succulent seafood in every bite.
- These look fancy and sophisticated without much effort.
🍤 Ingredient notes
Shrimp - to save time, this recipe uses medium shrimp or large shrimp, previously cooked with shells and tails off. Be sure to thaw your shrimp before using in this recipe. You could also buy fresh cocktail shrimp from your grocery store's seafood department and use that.
Cucumber - Peel and slice a large cucumber into thin, equally sized slices. To create uniform slices, use a mandoline or a sharp knife.
Lime juice - for some fresh tartness. You could use lemon juice as well, but I prefer the tanginess of the lime.
For the shrimp marinade, I made my own Copycat Marinade of the Costco Deli Lime Shrimp. I think it's pretty close to it! My marinade includes some olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and dill.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
Exact measurements of ingredients, instructions, and nutrition information are in the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this post. Here are some helpful tips to guide you as you make this recipe.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and dill.
- Combine shrimp and toss together until shrimp is coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for 5.
3. Meanwhile, lay out cucumber slices onto a serving tray in a single layer. Place cream cheese into a plastic Ziplock bag with one corner cut. You can also use a pastry bag with frosting tip if you want to create a pretty pattern.
4. Gently pipe cream cheese onto each cucumber slice until you have soft peaks. Each canape should get about a tablespoon.
5. Place shrimp on top of each canape.
🥒 Recipe FAQs
Canapés, hors d'oeuvres, and appetizers are all, basically, the same thing: dishes, either passed or served at a table, that start off a meal or party. They are often used interchangeably.
Canapés tend to refer to finger food that can be eaten in one bite. This cucumber canapé dish can definitely be considered a canapé, as it is a one-bite appetizer.
You can slice the cucumbers and marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance; keep refrigerated in an airtight container. Then when you are ready to serve, simply top each cucumber slice with cream cheese and top with the marinated shrimp.
🍽 Serving ideas
Serve these as appetizers at a party along with Meatballs in Romesco Sauce, Antipasto Skewers, and Marinated Feta Cheese.
More appetizer recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Cucumber Shrimp Canapés
Ingredients
For Shrimp & Cucumber Coins
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch slices
- 1 cup whipped cream cheese
- 24 medium pre-cooked shrimp, deveined and tails off If using large shrimp, slice each shrimp in half.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and dill.
- Add shrimp and toss together until shrimp is coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for 5.
- Meanwhile, lay out cucumber slices onto a serving tray in a single layer.
- Place cream cheese into a plastic Ziplock bag with one corner cut. You can also use a pastry bag with frosting tip if you want to create a pretty pattern.
- Gently squeeze out about a tablespoon full of the cream cheese onto each cucumber slice.
- Top with one medium pre-marinated shrimp.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
This post was originally published on September 2, 2016. It was updated with all new photos, more helpful step-by-step, ingredients, and serving information, and updated recipe card and republished on August 10, 2022.
Janet says
I have made something similar but with smoked salmon. A sprig of dill looks nice with the salmon.
Jhon Smith says
These recipes are very easy to make and it has a great texter. Thanks for sharing these 2 beautiful and delicious Canapes recipes with us.
Rachel Lloyd says
Catching up on this thread from last week! These look delish and professional. A great way to make an app but have it look like you slaved away! They are so pretty with the contrast of colors as well.
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
These are so pretty, so easy, and look so delicious! I love simple, elegant bites like these. :o)
Tasha says
OMG! This looks yummy! I'm a huge shrimp lover myself and will definitely have to try this out for my next get together.
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
It looks superb Mar;ynn!The recipe sounds easy and worth to try.
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
I'm a big fan of shrimp too! I love how elegant these look - so tasty too!
Katie Bartz says
Those look absolutely delicious!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Katie!
Pech says
Ooo, I've made the vegetarian version before: I like how the cucumber is refreshing and goes well with many beverages and is friendly to gluten-free friends too. But somehow I have never thought to fancy it up with shrimp too, thanks for the idea!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
The cucumber cream cheese canapés are really refreshing! Perfect for summer, and with a glass of bubbly or sparkling soda :) Thanks, Pech!
Mary @ Vindulge says
Yum! Those look super simple and delicious (not to mention refreshing!). One question though, are you buying pre-cooked shrimp for the first one or does the shrimp "cook" in lime marinade (like ceviche)???
I can totally see my kids eating these too. They've just gotten into shrimp and are huge cucumber fans (wohoo!). And seriously, who doesn't love cream cheese?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Excellent question, Mary! Thank you for pointing that out! I've edited the recipe to clarify. You *can* cook the shrimp if you leave it in the marinade for 30 minutes or more. However, I prefer to buy pre-cooked shrimp and, even better, buy pre-cooked and pre-marinated shrimp at Costco! It's so good! :) I'm jealous that your kids love shrimp. I'm still working on mine, but in the meantime, more for me! ;)