Delicious Roasted Shrimp Cocktail: Your Ultimate Healthy Holiday Appetizer with Cranberry Horseradish Chutney
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food! While it might feel like summer just ended, in the world of food blogging, we’re already deep into festive planning. It’s nearly October, and for many of us, that means Thanksgiving is practically around the corner, followed swiftly by Christmas. It’s never too early to start thinking about those mouth-watering holiday meals, especially when you’re aiming to balance indulgence with healthier choices. And what better way to kick off your festive feast than with an appetizer that’s both elegant and surprisingly good for you?
Why Roasted Shrimp Cocktail is the Perfect Holiday Starter
For those mindful of their eating habits, such as participants in the 21 Day Fix program, starting holiday meal planning early is key. The holidays can be a minefield of tempting treats, but with a little foresight, you can enjoy healthy and delicious versions of all your favorite seasonal dishes. This is where our Roasted Shrimp Cocktail shines as the ultimate holiday appetizer. Unlike heavier, calorie-dense starters, this dish is light, protein-packed, and won’t leave you feeling overly full before the main event. It allows you to savor a delightful bite without sacrificing your appetite (or your portion containers, for FIXers!) for the rest of the meal.
This year, I’m thrilled to collaborate with three of my favorite bloggers from the 21 Day Fix community: Stephanie from The Foodie and The Fix, Becca from My Crazy Good Life, and Carrie from Carrie Elle. Together, we’ve curated an array of amazingly yummy, secretly healthy Thanksgiving recipes that are perfect for the entire holiday season. And today, we’re giving you a sneak peek at some of our top picks, starting with my personal go-to appetizer.
Beyond the Boil: The Magic of Roasted Shrimp
Appetizers can often present a dilemma during Thanksgiving. We all want to put something delicious out for guests while the finishing touches are applied to dinner, but who wants to fill up before the main course? While I adore my Cranberry Holiday Salsa and festive bruschetta like my Holiday Bruschetta Appetizers, or even a refreshing Maple Cider Holiday Salad, this roasted shrimp cocktail recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s a dish I make for every holiday, and I’ve been eager to share its simple elegance with you for ages. The holiday collaboration provided the perfect opportunity.
For FIXers, this shrimp cocktail recipe is truly ideal. You’re primarily using a red container (protein) with minimal impact on other categories, leaving you with plenty of colorful containers for the rest of your lavish holiday spread. It’s smart, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Confession: I’m generally not a traditional shrimp cocktail fan. The classic cocktail sauce rarely excites my taste buds, and the thought of watery, boiled shrimp leaves much to be desired. That’s precisely why this Roasted Shrimp Cocktail recipe is such a revelation. Inspired by the legendary Ina Garten, this method transforms humble shrimp into a gourmet delight. By simply tossing the shrimp with a touch of olive oil and kosher or sea salt, then roasting it until perfectly pink and firm, you achieve a depth of flavor and a tender-crisp texture that boiled shrimp can’t match. A final garnish of fresh lemon zest adds a bright, zesty pop and a beautiful touch of color. I’m certain Ina would approve of this elevated take on a classic appetizer.
The Festive Twist: Homemade Cranberry Horseradish Chutney
When it comes to the accompanying sauce, I felt traditional cocktail sauce simply wasn’t living up to its full potential, especially for a special occasion. My Cranberry Horseradish Chutney offers a fun, festive, and incredibly flavorful alternative. I’m a huge enthusiast of sweet and spicy flavor combinations, and this chutney perfectly embodies that balance, making it ideal for the holiday season. While you could blend it into a smoother sauce, I personally adore the chunky, chutney-like consistency. It’s not just for shrimp; I already dream of slathering it on leftover turkey sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving – #dreambig, right?
However, if the idea of a cranberry chutney doesn’t quite make you as giddy as it does me, absolutely feel free to use your favorite store-bought cocktail sauce. The beauty of this recipe is that the roasted shrimp themselves are so incredibly tasty, they’ll be a hit no matter what you dip them into!
How to Make This Easy & Delicious Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
Making roasted shrimp cocktail is incredibly simple and yields fantastic results. Here’s a quick overview of the steps:
- **Preheat Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 200 degrees Celsius). A hot oven ensures a quick roast and a perfect texture.
- **Prepare Shrimp:** Arrange your cleaned, peeled, and deveined shrimp (with tails on for presentation, if desired) on a parchment-lined sheet pan. The parchment paper is a lifesaver for easy cleanup! Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher or sea salt.
- **Roast to Perfection:** Roast the shrimp for just 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; they’re done when they turn a beautiful opaque pink and are firm to the touch. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- **Garnish & Cool:** Once roasted, garnish the shrimp with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of citrusy flavor and visual appeal. Set them aside to cool to room temperature before serving.
- **Serve with Sauce:** Present your perfectly roasted shrimp with either your homemade cranberry horseradish chutney (recipe details below) or a jar of your preferred store-bought cocktail sauce. Enjoy!
Is this Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Allergy-Friendly?
Absolutely! This roasted shrimp cocktail is a fantastic choice for many dietary needs. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it perfect for FIXers and anyone with common food sensitivities. Of course, if you have a shellfish allergy, this particular recipe won’t work for you. In that case, our Cranberry Holiday Salsa would be a wonderful and equally festive alternative.
Are These Just for Thanksgiving?
No way! While it’s a stellar Thanksgiving appetizer, this roasted shrimp cocktail is incredibly versatile. Whip it up for any holiday gathering, a sophisticated dinner party, a leisurely brunch, or even as part of your weekly meal prep for a healthy protein boost. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it suitable for any occasion.
Can Shrimp Cocktail Be Made Ahead for My Holiday Meal?
This is a common question for holiday entertaining! The cranberry horseradish chutney is absolutely perfect for making ahead; in fact, the flavors often deepen and meld beautifully after a day or two in the refrigerator. For the shrimp itself, it’s always best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s roasted for optimal texture and flavor. However, if you have any leftovers, they will be perfectly fine stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days. They make for a great light lunch or snack!
Delicious Holiday Recipes from Our Fit Foodie Crew!
Now that you’re fully immersed in the holiday spirit with visions of perfectly roasted shrimp, let’s explore more drool-worthy, healthy recipes from my amazing collaborators! You won’t believe how delicious and diet-friendly these festive dishes are.
Is there a better reason to talk about Thanksgiving in September than this heavenly Pumpkin Custard Tart with Bourbon Nutmeg Coconut Whip from Stephanie at The Foodie and the Fix? I truly don’t think so! Stephanie is a genius when it comes to FIX-friendly desserts, and her step-by-step instructions for the yummy pecan crust are simply invaluable. This tart offers all the classic fall flavors without the guilt, making it a perfect grand finale to any holiday meal.
And these 21 Day Fix Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes from Carrie Elle are so incredibly addicting, you guys – think “sweet potato crack” but healthy! They offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and are packed with nutrients, too. Fun fact: sweet potato sides are my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner, and Carrie’s recipe makes them unforgettable without derailing your healthy eating goals.
Oh, and don’t forget this delightful Simple Mashed Cauliflower from Becca at My Crazy Good Life. Becca is so clever, using Greek yogurt to achieve an extra creamy texture that mimics traditional mashed potatoes. Since it’s a low-carb option, you can absolutely go for seconds (or even thirds!) without a second thought. This is my kind of side dish – hearty, flavorful, and guilt-free!
Want Even More Healthy Holiday or Thanksgiving Recipes? Check These Out!
If you’re looking for even more inspiration to create a healthy and delicious holiday feast, explore these collections:
- 21 Day Fix and 2B Mindset Thanksgiving Recipes
- 40+ Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes
- 21 Day Fix Appetizers for the Holiday Season
Enjoy the Printable Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Below!
Ready to make this incredible Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Cranberry Horseradish Chutney? This recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday entertaining repertoire. It’s simple, flavorful, and a healthier option that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your guests and savor every bite!
Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 pounds 15- 18 count raw shrimp peeled and deveined with the tail still on
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest from 1 lemon
Cranberry Chutney
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoons horseradish plus more to taste…I added an extra tsp
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
-
Place cleaned shrimp on a sheet pan (I line mine with parchment for easy cleanup) and coat them with the olive oil. Sprinkle shrimp with salt, then roast for 8 to 10 minutes, just until pink and firm and cooked through.
-
Garnish with fresh lemon zest, then set aside to cool.
-
Heat cranberries and water over medium high heat until berries begin to burst, stirring consistently. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients, adjusting horseradish and seasonings to taste. Chill in the fridge before serving with shrimp.
Notes
WW link for personal points: Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
Nutrition
