Blackened Shrimp with Avocado Ranch Dressing Recipe

Blackened Shrimp is juicy, well-seasoned and served with a cool, creamy avocado ranch dressing. This healthy, flavorful shrimp appetizer is simple to prepare and perfect for entertaining.

I enjoy entertaining and creating a mix of appetizers that please a crowd. Alongside classic warm dips and snacks, I like to include lighter options like fresh crudités and this blackened shrimp with avocado ranch dressing.

The spicy, smoky seasoning on the shrimp pairs beautifully with the herb-forward, creamy avocado ranch. This combination elevates a simple shrimp appetizer into something elegant enough for holidays, cookouts, or casual gatherings.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Pan-seared blackened shrimp coated in homemade-style blackened seasoning and served with a cool avocado ranch dressing.
• Versatile and healthy: serve it as an appetizer, over a salad, or as a main course. See serving suggestions below for ideas.
• Minimal prep and much of it can be made ahead of time.
• Gluten-free and easily made dairy-free by using a non-dairy milk to make dairy-free buttermilk for the dressing.

Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

• Shrimp: Wild jumbo raw shrimp are ideal. Use peeled, deveined shrimp to save time. Fresh or frozen shrimp work—if frozen, thaw according to package instructions.
• Blackened seasoning: Use your favorite blackened seasoning. About 2–3 tablespoons for 2 lb shrimp is a good guideline; reduce to 2 tablespoons if you prefer milder spice.
• Avocado: One small ripe avocado (or half a large) thickens the dressing and eliminates the need for mayo 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 1/2 cup non-dairy milk and let sit 10 minutes.
• Spices: Garlic and onion powder add depth to the dressing.
• Herbs: Fresh dill, chives and parsley brighten the avocado ranch. Use any fresh herbs you prefer.

How to make blackened shrimp

This recipe is quick and most prep can be done in advance.

Pro tip: Prepare the blackened seasoning in advance and buy peeled, deveined shrimp to save time.

1. Toss the shrimp with the blackened seasoning and salt to taste. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes until seared, then flip and cook another 2 minutes or until opaque and cooked through.
2. Remove from heat and toss with fresh lime juice if desired. Serve warm with the avocado ranch dressing.

How to make avocado ranch dressing

The avocado ranch dressing is quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with the spicy shrimp. Avocado creates a creamy texture without mayonnaise or sour cream.

Pro tip: Make the dressing up to a day ahead and refrigerate.

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, buttermilk, dill, chives, parsley, salt and pepper.
2. Process until smooth, adding additional buttermilk to reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.

FAQs

Serving suggestions

Blackened shrimp works beautifully as an appetizer, but it’s also great in many other ways:

• Toss over mixed greens and vegetables, then drizzle with avocado ranch for a vibrant salad.
• Use the shrimp as a taco filling topped with pineapple salsa or pico de gallo.
• Serve over cilantro-lime rice in bowls with guacamole and roasted vegetables.
• Pair as a weeknight main alongside a corn and tomato salad or classic coleslaw.

Recipe notes

• Prep tip: Make the blackened seasoning and avocado ranch up to a day in advance. Purchasing peeled and deveined shrimp saves time.
• Use a homemade or preferred store-bought blackened seasoning and adjust the amount to control spiciness.
• To make dairy-free buttermilk, add 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup non-dairy milk; stir and let stand 10 minutes.
• Leftovers of shrimp and avocado ranch will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More shrimp recipes you’ll love:

• Spicy lime grilled shrimp
• Orange garlic shrimp
• Pineapple shrimp skewers
• Shrimp ceviche with mango and avocado
• Shrimp Louie salad

Did you try this recipe? If so, leave a review below and tag @flavorthemoments on social media to share your photos.

This post was originally published in January 2018. Step-by-step photos have been added and the text updated for clarity and more recipe information.