Blackened Shrimp with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Blackened Shrimp is juicy, flavorful and served with a cool, creamy avocado ranch dressing! It’s a healthy, flavorful shrimp appetizer that’s so easy to make!
I enjoy entertaining, and I have a lot of fun coming up with an array of delicious appetizers that please a crowd.
While I love serving hot artichoke dip and jalapeno poppers, it’s important to have some healthier options like a crudités platter full of crunchy veggies to balance things out.
This Blackened Shrimp with Avocado Ranch Dressing is a healthy, crowd pleasing appetizer that I love to serve as well.
The spices in the shrimp pair perfectly with the creamy, herbaceous dressing, creating the perfect bites.
This shrimp appetizer is easy yet elegant, so it’s perfect for holidays, barbecues or any occasion.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Blackened shrimp is pan fried with homemade blackened seasoning and served with a cool, creamy avocado ranch dressing.
- It’s a healthy, versatile recipe that can be served as an appetizer, salad or main dish. See serving suggestions below for ideas.
- It comes together with minimal prep and most may be done in advance.
- It’s gluten-free and may be made dairy-free by using your favorite non-dairy milk in the dressing.
Recipe ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Shrimp. I prefer wild jumbo shrimp for this recipe. Make sure the shrimp is raw, and it may be fresh or frozen (if frozen, follow thawing instructions on the package). Use peeled, deveined shrimp for a big time saver!
- Blackened seasoning. I’ve used my homemade blackened seasoning for this recipe, but you can use your favorite store bought seasoning in a pinch. I used 3 tablespoons for 2 lbs. of shrimp, but if you like your blackened shrimp less spicy, start with 2 tablespoons and go from there.
- Avocado. You’ll need (1) small ripe avocado (or 1/2 a large) for the avocado ranch dressing. The avocado thickens the dressing and eliminates the need for mayo and/or sour cream.
- Buttermilk. Use full fat or low fat buttermilk for a creamy dressing. To make dairy-free buttermilk, add 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar to your favorite non-dairy milk, stir and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Spices. Garlic and onion powder provide great depth of flavor for the dressing.
- Herbs. Fresh herbs really set the avocado ranch apart. I’ve used a combination of dill, chives and parsley, but you can use your favorite.
How to make blackened shrimp
This blackened shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to make, and most of the prep can be done completely in advance.
Pro tip: Prepare the blackened seasoning up to several days in advance, and purchase peeled, deveined shrimp for a big time saver!
- Toss the shrimp with the blackened seasoning and salt to taste. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until seared, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove from heat and toss the shrimp with fresh lime juice if desired.
How to make avocado ranch dressing
The avocado ranch dressing is the perfect accompaniment to the spicy flavor of the shrimp, and it comes together in minutes.
The avocado thickens the ranch dressing, which eliminates the need for mayo or sour cream and makes this a healthier option. If you love ranch, be sure to try my Greek yogurt ranch dressing as well!
Pro tip: Prepare the avocado ranch up to a day in advance.
- Place the avocado, lime juice, garlic and onion powder, buttermilk, dill, chives, parsley and salt and pepper to taste in the bowl of a food processor.
- Process until smooth, adding additional buttermilk if you’d like a thinner dressing. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
FAQs
Jumbo shrimp generally takes about 5 minutes to cook. It should be cooked in a single layer in the pan for roughly 2-3 minutes per side.
Cooking time will vary based on the size of the shrimp.
Shrimp will be uniformly pink, and the tail is curled to meet the head in a loose “C” shape.
This avocado ranch dressing includes avocado, buttermilk, garlic and onion powder, and fresh dill, chives and herbs.
The avocado eliminates the need for mayonnaise or sour cream, making this dressing a healthier alternative.
This avocado ranch dressing may be made dairy-free by using dairy-free buttermilk.
Simply combine 1/2 cup of your favorite non-dairy milk with 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or vinegar such as white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Let stand 10 minutes.
Serving suggestions
This blackened shrimp makes a great shrimp appetizer, but there are so many other ways to serve it up!
- Serve in salads with your favorite greens and veggies topped with the avocado ranch dressing. Blackened shrimp would also be great in my shrimp louie salad.
- The shrimp makes a great filling for tacos topped with pineapple salsa or pico de gallo.
- Serve as taco bowls or burrito bowls over cilantro lime rice with guacamole.
- The shrimp makes a great weeknight dinner served alongside corn and tomato salad or classic coleslaw.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: Prep the blackened seasoning and avocado ranch dressing up to a day ahead. Purchase peeled and deveined shrimp to save time!
- I highly recommend using my homemade blackened seasoning so you can control the level of spiciness, or you can use your favorite store bought brand.
- To make dairy-free buttermilk, add 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar to your favorite non-dairy milk, stir and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Leftover blackened shrimp and avocado ranch dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More shrimp recipes you’ll love:
- Grilled shrimp
- Orange shrimp by Cooking Classy
- Pineapple shrimp skewers
- Shrimp ceviche
- Shrimp louie salad
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Blackened Shrimp with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
For the avocado ranch dressing:
- 1 small avocado
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice sub with lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the blackened shrimp:
- 2 lbs. raw jumbo shrimp fresh or frozen; if frozen thaw according to package instructions
- 2-3 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice plus more for serving (optional)
Equipment
Instructions
Prepare the avocado ranch dip:
- Place the avocado, lime juice, onion powder, garlic powder, buttermilk, parsley, chives and dill in the bowl of a food processor. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and process until smooth. Add additional buttermilk to thin the dressing if desired, and adjust the seasoning as necessary and set aside.
Prepare the blackened shrimp:
- Toss the thawed shrimp with 2-3 tablespoons of the blackened seasoning and salt to taste until well coated. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, and place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Cook on one side for 2-3 minutes until seared, then flip and cook another 2 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from heat and toss with 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice if desired.
- Place the shrimp on a serving platter with the avocado ranch dip and additional lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Pro tip: Prep the blackened seasoning and avocado ranch dressing up to a day ahead. Purchase peeled and deveined shrimp to save time!
- I highly recommend using my homemade blackened seasoning so you can control the level of spiciness, or you can use your favorite store bought brand.
- To make dairy-free buttermilk, add 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar to your favorite non-dairy milk, stir and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Leftover blackened shrimp and avocado ranch dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
**This post was originally published in January 2018. Step by step photos have been added and the text has been modified to include more recipe information and better readability.
38 Comments on “Blackened Shrimp with Avocado Ranch Dressing”
It seems like I just get going on a healthy diet regime at the beginning of the year and then Superbowl rolls around with all the high calorie/carb eats. This is a perfect (and delicious) way to make them both work!
I hear you Chris — between Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day approaching it’s pretty hard to stay on track! This certainly helps for game day…now I just need to stay out of the chocolate. 🙂
Loving this delicious way to enjoy these beautiful shrimp! Love blackened and that dip sounds fabulous 🙂
Isn’t their shrimp the best? Thanks Jennifer!
Oh wow, and how lucky that I just happen to have a bag of Marina Del Rey shrimp in my freezer!
I always make sure to have MDR shrimp in the freezer now! 🙂
These shrimp look so delicious Marcie! And I’m LOVING that sauce!
Thanks so much Taylor!
I’m making this for Super Bowl too and can’t wait to eat it again! Thanks so much for introducing me to Marina del Rey shrimp — it’s worth having a membership at Sam’s Club just for that!
I hope you love it and thank you for introducing me t MDR shrimp!
I will admit that I’m not the biggest sports fan, though I do like watching basketball, especially the NCAA! But if there are good snacks around, then I’m ALL about the sports. This shrimp looks delicious, Marcie! I love that you can serve this as a fun appetizer. And that dip has my name written all over it! Just what I want for game day!
Basketball is one of my favorites. 🙂 Thanks Gayle!
Love this recipe. The shrimp look so succulent and that homemade avocado ranch is just perfect!
Thanks Regina!
Love this recipe! The shrimp with the ranch look delicious!
Thanks so much Teri!
What a fantastic recipe Marcie! It’s a burst of flavor and spice—YUM! Love that cool avocado ranch too! Can’t wait to make this!
Thanks Mahy — we just love this shrimp!
Wow Marcie – I love the simplicity of this recipe, and all those spices! And of course I love the Marina del Rey shrimp too! Great video and gorgeous dip. And it’s all guilt-free! Beautiful bonus!
The shrimp are totally MVP you’re right! But gahhh that sauce looks so crazy amazing too – I need to faceplant into this right meow!
Thanks so much Jenn! 🙂
Holy freaking moly, you had me with fresh parsley, dill, chives, and shrimp. My hubs isn’t a big fan of seafood but he does like shrimp. I have a feeling he would scarf down these blackened shrimps in a heartbeat because they look incredibly mouthwatering! Pinning!
If you’re able to get your hands on this shrimp you totally need to try it — I think your husband would love it! 🙂
What are scrumptious appetizer! I love your Avocado-Ranch dip too. The shrimps look so succulent and tasty!
Thank you Tania! 🙂
Marcie, YUM! First, the photos are gorgeous. Such a pretty dish. These would disappear in my house super fast, too! We love everything with blackening seasoning 🙂
Thank you so much Michelle! My kids went absolutely crazy over this!
You’ve got some lucky boys!! I would be thrilled to find a plate of this waiting for me, any day! Blackened shrimp! Yum! And that dip? This is delicious, Marcie! Another win!
This was definitely a luxury after school snack for them! haha Thank you Katherine! 🙂
Love blackened shrimp! This recipe reminds me that I need more shrimp in my life! And that avocado ranch dip?! I see myself making that all the time. Love that it’s healthier and mayo free!
I don’t make shrimp enough either so this was a great reminder to add it to the menu more often…my kids love it! 🙂
Thank you so much Allyson!
This recipe is so amazing! I seriously love the flavors!
Thank you Kristen!
Everyone loves shrimp and your appetizing dish sounds great. Question…does the dip keep its light green color if made ahead of time?
Thanks Karen! While the dip retained it’s light green color fairly well, it did dull a bit after the first day. If you’re worried about it I would suggest making it earlier the day you’re serving it and covering it tightly with plastic wrap until serving.
I love the combination of blackened shrimp and a cool avocado dip! Delicious!
Thank you Meggan!