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Easy Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail

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Shrimp cocktail can be made with so much more than plain cocktail sauce! This cranberry basil shrimp cocktail is made with the BEST homemade cocktail sauce! It’s a refreshing and healthy appetizer that’s gluten free, paleo, low carb and easy to make.

Shrimp cocktail can be made with so much more than plain cocktail sauce! This cranberry basil shrimp cocktail is made with the BEST homemade cocktail sauce! It's a refreshing and healthy appetizer that's gluten free, paleo, low carb and easy to make. #seafood #paleo #appetizer #lowcarb

Cranberry Shrimp Cocktail

So here we are. End of the year almost new year! This is one of my most FAVORITE appetizer recipes using leftover cranberries and herbs. And it requires no cooking if you buy the shrimp pre cooked. Just thaw and serve for a festive Cranberry Shrimp Cocktail platter! Yep yep, easy as 1-2-3, Do-Re-Mi!

Okay putting the recipe talk and Jackson 5 song lyrics aside for a moment. You see, personally, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can finally break from a very FULL (fulfilling) year and get my thoughts and personal goals organized for the New Year!  Tell me you know that feeling?  When you give yourself a break from trying to EXCEED at everything and just focus on the one thing that makes you your best.

For some reason, the odd off times between holidays and new years leaves me more refreshed, despite the fact it’s suppose to be the craziest time of year.

Which leads me here. Refreshing old content that is what made me (Cotter Crunch), me! The recipes that are near and dear to my heart, despite how old they are. Like whoa…  this shrimp cocktail was first made in 2014 – gasp! But I digress.

Point being, I’m inviting you to sit and eat at my table as we ponder the end of year!  Whatever that may look like. Yes, corny, but that’s me.

Now, about that recipe… it’s unique and SIMPLE to a T! And some might ask…

How do you make the best shrimp cocktail sauce?

I use fresh basil in the cranberry basil shrimp cocktail because it can bring in the medicinal properties we all need during and after a holiday season of eating.

There are several types of basil plants, all which contain essential oils and phytochemicals. Plus it has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-microbial properties, which can help remedy headaches, fever, anxiety, nausea and more. I’ll cheers to that after a month of holidays!

 

cranberry cocktail sauce with shrimp cranberry basil cocktail sauce

 

How long do you cook shrimp cocktail?

Good question! You can easily buy frozen shrimp (precooked) and thaw them out. OR you can cook shrimp to serve fresh in no time. And in no time I mean about 5 minutes!

Just boil for about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large ones. Drain and cool to room temperature.

Cranberry basil shrimp cocktail appetizer (paleo)

And with that cooking tip note, I think we better jump to the full recipe! Mmm k?

 

 

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shrimp cocktail with cranberry cocktail sauce

Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 5
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
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Description

Easy Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail with the best homemade cocktail sauce. Paleo and low carb!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 pound medium wild caught shrimp (preferably peeled). See notes for no cook option
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 bunch basil leaves chopped
  • 1/2 to 2/3 c Gluten free cocktail sauce (We love this brand) or you can make your own, see notes.
  • Pinch of sea salt
  •  2 tsp Lemon or lime juice juice
  • 1 tsp of honey or agave
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for more creaminess)
  • Pinch of black pepper and/or peppercorns for garnishing.
  • Note: want is spicy? add in 1 tbsp fresh tabasco or chili sauce.

Instructions

  1. First, boil your shrimp. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large ones. Drain the water and then cool the shrimp to room temperature. Devien and place in ice.
  2. Next make your sauce. In blender, combine your, cranberries, basil, and cocktail sauce. Blend then add in 1- 2 tsp of lemon juice, sea salt, and optional honey. Blend until smooth. If it’s not creamy enough for your liking, blend on low and slow add in 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil..For extra spicy, mix in 1-2 tsp tabasco sauce.
  3. Spoon sauce into bowl and garnish pepper, extra cranberries, and herbs.
  4. Place shrimp and veggies around the bowl and garnish platter with extra basil. Squeeze fresh lemon on top of shrimp before serving.
  5.  Make sure to keep your shrimp on ice to keep cold. Shrimp are safe at room temperature for 2 hours but need ice to maintain freshness if left out longer.
  6. See notes for other uses of sauce!

Notes

  • If you don’t want to cook the shrimp for shrimp cocktail, simply buy frozen precooked shrimp and thaw in bowl in refrigerator overnight. Squeeze fresh lemon on top before serving.
  • For QUICK HOMEMADE COCKTAIL SAUCE simply mix together 1/2 cup of corn syrup free ketchup, 2 tablespoons fresh grated horseradish, gluten free Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice, pinch of sea salt and black pepper each.
  • I also like serving this cocktail sauce with cheese platters and gluten free crackers or veggie platter.
  • Nutrition below included shrimp and sauce (2 tbsp)
  • Category: appetizer
  • Method: blend
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cocktail sauce, cranberry, paleo, appetizer, shrimp, healthy appetizer

Oh and one last corny but true recipe fact. because, why not?!

Did you know that this cranberry basil shrimp cocktail is a LUCKY recipe? So it’s perfect for the New Year too! Fruit and Fish (or Seafood) are supposedly eaten at the first of the year to bring “abundance” and luck. Winning!!

shrimp cocktail Platter

 

Alright friends, tell me how are you enjoying this Holiday season?  Are you striving to take better care of yourself? Maybe you should entertain friends and family and reflect on the ABUNDANCE of sweet moments from this past year. While you’re at it, dish up this cranberry shrimp cocktail … just sayin.

More refresher recipes to come!

Cheers,

LC

Related Posts

Photo of Lindsay Cotter of Cotter CrunchHi, I’m Lindsay!  Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of Nourishing Superfood Bowls, and meal plan guru! I’d love to know you more! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and drop a comment below.

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  2. Liz S. says

    January 2, 2015 at 6:04 AM

    “Keep it simple and choose wisely.” LOVE THAT. Definitely something to internalize everyday.

    Ooh, love the combination of shrimp and cranberries. Never tried that before, and now I need to 😀

    Here’s to an amazing 2015 for all of us!

    Reply

  4. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    January 2, 2015 at 7:09 AM

    lindsay! I love the new look. Now I’m itching to refresh my blog. Hmmm…but seriously. What you said about a huge weight lifted off your shoulders? Yes. Absofreakinglutely me too. I’m with you on keeping it simple and choosing wisely. Perfect way to focus. Xo

    Reply

  33. Jody - Fit at 56 says

    January 2, 2015 at 1:46 PM

    Oh you know how much I love this for you!!!! New beginnings that are healthier physically AND emotionally & spiritually!!! I am all for it!!!! I am with you for sure! Working on saving money so I can have somebody help me redo the site! 🙂 LOVE THE NEW LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thankful for you!

    Reply

  34. Missy says

    January 2, 2015 at 3:19 PM

    LOVE the new look and feel here!

    And this recipe has me so fulll of curiosity.
    I’m always eating shrimp and have cranberrys in my freezer so I have to try this.

    Reply

  35. jobo says

    January 2, 2015 at 4:05 PM

    LOVE the new design on your blog and your refreshed voice in 2015, you sound excited and happy and I love to hear that friend. I can’t wait to hear more about the changes, and I LOVE this recipe, it looks delish xoxo

    Reply

  36. Katie says

    January 2, 2015 at 4:10 PM

    This new blog layout…WOOF 😉 Plus your new picture, you look beautiful! Favorite food to start off the year…Nut butter, obviously!

    Reply

  39. Katie says

    January 2, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    I’m usually not a fan of cocktail sauce with my shrimp, but this seriously sounds fantastic! I’m planting some basil this weekend, but I don’t think I can wait. I’ll just have to make a trial batch of this with dried basil and try to make it last.

    Seriously, basil and cranberries and shrimp are always on the top of my list, especially in these cold months.

    Reply

  49. Sarah says

    January 2, 2015 at 10:33 PM

    LOVE the new look Lindsay! Happy healthy New Year! I am going to be following extra close as I need to balance and relax this year. I have the fitness and nutrition down but need to cut down on my stress and learn how to say no. Haha I even told my husband it is the year of no and taking time for me and he said he couldn’t agree more and laughed and said I hope you follow through.

    As for Whole Foods… you know what else they have besides whole food? Vega MOCHA!! Yep exclusive to Whole Foods Market! Sorry a little excited.

    P.S. That shrimp looks amazing and I love cranberries, adding this to the list to make!

    Reply

  51. Jennifer FIsher says

    January 3, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    That dish is so deliciously colorful, the site is so clean and crisp, and to answer the prompt, my food to eat at the beginning of the new year — of course, black eye’d peas

    Reply

  52. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    January 3, 2015 at 11:18 PM

    Love the new space and you. It’s fabulous and you even snuck in the ingredient picture. Heart.

    I am all about moving a little bit and eating lots of whole foods. It does a body good, and as such, I’m signed up for a little yoga tomorrow. I can’t wait.

    Reply

  60. Bryan says

    November 24, 2018 at 3:24 PM

    I had shrimp alfredo the other day and since then I’ve been wanting MORE shrimp! I’ve been looking for good recipes to try out, I think this will be the first one! I know my wife would love it too, thanks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  62. Jennifer Blake says

    November 27, 2018 at 12:35 PM

    I so enjoy a shrimp cocktail and haven’t had it in ages. This twist on the typical cocktail sauce is perfect for this holiday season!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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