• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cooking Gorgeous
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact Us
    • Media Mentions
  • Recipe Index
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Cozy Soups
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Cozy Soups
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Cooking Gorgeous » Recipes » Appetizers

    Classic Prawn Cocktail with Avocado

    Published: Nov 21, 2024 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Prawn cocktail, or shrimp cocktail as it’s often called, is a retro classic that never goes out of style. It’s all about simplicity: chilled, juicy prawns served with a creamy, tangy cocktail sauce, usually on a bed of crisp lettuce, with avocado adding an extra twist.

    prawn cocktail with avocado served in a glass

    This refreshing, fuss-free appetizer looks fancy but takes almost no effort to prepare. Perfect for parties or just treating yourself, it’s proof that the simplest dishes are often the best.

    Jump to:
    • What is Prawn Cocktail?
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • How to Make Classic Prawn Cocktail with Avocado?
    • Pairing Suggestions
    • Storing and Prepping Ahead
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Classic Prawn Cocktail with Avocado

    What is Prawn Cocktail?

    A prawn cocktail is a classic appetizer made with cold, cooked prawns (or shrimp) served in a creamy, tangy sauce, often on a bed of lettuce. The sauce, known as Marie Rose or cocktail sauce, is usually a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and sometimes a touch of hot sauce or brandy.

    It’s typically presented in a fancy glass or bowl, making it a retro favorite that’s still loved at parties and special dinners. Simple, refreshing, and satisfying, it’s a dish that’s been a go-to starter since the 1960s!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

    labelled picture of ingredients for classic prawn cocktail
    • Prawns - They are the star ingredients of this recipe, so quality matters. Opt for large prawns, peeled and deveined, as they’re easier to prepare and look fantastic when served. Also, make sure they’re firm and have a slight sheen.
    • Avocado - It adds a luxurious, buttery component to the shrimp cocktail. Ripe avocados are key—look for ones that give slightly when pressed but aren’t mushy.
    • Lettuce - Baby gem lettuce is my favorite but any crisp lettuce would work perfectly with prawn cocktail.
    • Cocktail sauce - My version includes a combination of ketchup, mayonnaise, tabasco, lemon juice, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce.

    How to Make Classic Prawn Cocktail with Avocado?

    Making this retro classic prawn cocktail recipe at home is very easy and straightforward. However, you need to follow a few simple steps and tips to achieve the best results:

    I like to cut my prawns in half lengthwise because it looks nicer, but you can also chop them into chunks if that’s easier. I keep 4 whole prawns for garnishing the prawn cocktail.

    If you’re using raw prawns, boil them in a pot of salted water until they turn a vibrant pink, which usually takes 1–2 minutes depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can result in rubbery prawns. Keep a close eye on the pot!

    After cooking, transfer the prawns to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain their delicate texture.

    cooked and cooled prawns on a colander

    Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Dice it into small cubes for an easy-to-eat addition. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves before shredding them.

    shredded lettuce is the base of shrimp cocktail

    To make the cocktail sauce, mix together, mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco, Worcester sauce, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.

    cocktail sauce ingredients are placed in a bowl

    Add prawns into the cocktail sauce and mix well until all covered with sauce. Set them aside.

    prawns are tossed in cocktail sauce

    To assemble the prawn cocktail, arrange a bed of shredded gem lettuce in a clear glass or shallow bowl. Layer the diced avocado on top of the greens for a pop of green and creamy texture.

    diced avocado is placed on top of lettuce

    Arrange the shrimp neatly on top of the greens. Spoon the cocktail sauce left in the bowl over the shrimp and avocado. Garnish with a slice of lemon and avocado, and sprinkle on fresh chives or dill.

    Pairing Suggestions

    This shrimp cocktail shines on its own, but you can pair it with complementary dishes to elevate your spread.

    Chilled Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine, a sparkling water with lime, or even a light beer for a refreshing contrast.

    Crispy Crackers or Toast Points: Serve alongside for scooping up the shrimp and avocado.

    Fresh Salad: A simple Rocket and Parmesan Salad or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the cocktail without overshadowing it.

    Storing and Prepping Ahead

    This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare some elements ahead of time to save stress on the day of serving.

    Cocktail Sauce: Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge in a covered jar.

    Shrimp: Cook and chill the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    Avocado: Cut just before serving to avoid browning.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

    Yes, pre-cooked shrimp works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure to chill it properly and adjust the seasoning to taste.

    What’s the best way to store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the shrimp separate from the avocado to maintain freshness.

    How do I prevent shrimp from being rubbery?

    Cook shrimp until just pink and opaque. An ice bath immediately after cooking helps lock in the perfect texture.

    Related Recipes

    For more delicious festive appetizer recipes fit for special occasions why not try:

    • Baked Brie With Jam
    • Best Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Avocado Deviled Eggs Without Mayo
    • chicken liver pate served on a slice of brioche
      Chicken Liver Parfait - Pate

    Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

    I hope you enjoy the process of making this elegant and delicious Classic Prawn Cocktail with Avocado as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂 

    Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Save Recipe

    By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Cooking Gorgeous

    Classic Prawn Cocktail with Avocado

    Ayla Clulee
    Prawn cocktail, or shrimp cocktail as it’s often called, is a retro classic that never goes out of style.
    5 from 1 vote
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 17 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American, English
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 318 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 kitchen scale
    • 1 measuring spoons
    • 1 Sharp knife

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 330 g king prawns (raw or cooked)
    • 2 heads baby gem lettuce
    • 1 small avocado
    • 100 g mayonnaise
    • 50 g ketchup
    • tabasco (to taste)
    • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne

    Instructions
     

    • I like to cut my prawns in half lengthwise because it looks nicer, but you can also chop them into chunks if that’s easier. I keep 4 whole prawns for garnishing the prawn cocktail.
    • If you’re using raw prawns, boil them in a pot of salted water until they turn a vibrant pink, which usually takes 1–2 minutes depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can result in rubbery prawns. Keep a close eye on the pot!
    • After cooking, transfer the prawns to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain their delicate texture.
    • Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Dice it into small cubes for an easy-to-eat addition.
    • To make the cocktail sauce, mix together, mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco, Worcester sauce, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
    • To assemble the prawn cocktail, arrange a bed of shredded gem lettuce in a clear glass or shallow bowl.
    • Add prawns into the cocktail sauce and mix well until all covered with sauce. Set them aside.
    • Layer the diced avocado on top of the greens for a pop of green and creamy texture.
    • Arrange the shrimp neatly on top of the greens. Spoon the cocktail sauce left in the bowl over the shrimp and avocado.
    • Garnish with a slice of lemon and avocado, and sprinkle on fresh chives or dill.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 318kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 5gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 456mgPotassium: 1071mgFiber: 10gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 27470IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 115mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookingorgeous or tag #cookingorgeous!
    « Easy Homemade Meatball Recipes
    Delicious Pasta Recipes for Dinner »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lynne

      January 21, 2025 at 5:18 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is really good! Definitely doing this every time!

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        January 21, 2025 at 5:20 am

        Thank you Lynn, I am so happy to hear that!

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

    Soup Recipes

    • Greek Chicken Lemon Soup - Avgolemono
    • Arpa Şehriye Çorbası - Turkish Orzo Soup
    • Turkish Tarhana Soup - Tarhana Çorbası
    • Homemade Turkish Tarhana Powder Recipe
    • Moroccan Harira Lamb and Chickpeas Soup
    • chicken and dumpling soup served in a bowl
      Easy Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • FAQs

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Cooking Gorgeous

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.