Classic Prawn Cocktail with Avocado

5 from 1 vote

Prawn cocktail, or shrimp cocktail as it’s often called, is a retro classic that never goes out of style.

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Total Time17

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, English

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: people

Calories: 414kcal

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.