Who doesn’t love a shrimp cocktail? It’s a classic. It’s easy. And it’s a little bit fancy! If you don’t like cocktail sauce, or just want to liven up your app game this holiday season, try this recipe for simple and healthy Shrimp Cocktail with zippy dip. It’s only 5 ingredients!

Zippy Dip Ingredients

Step aside cocktail sauce, this is a Greek yogurt based dip. Besides the shrimp, you only need 4 ingredients for this zippy dip.

• Greek Yogurt
• Pickled Peperoncini Peppers (or Banana Peppers)
• Lemon Juice
• Garlic

You are in control of the heat level. Like it spicy? Get a jar of hot peperoncinis. Like it more mild? Get a jar of mild banana peppers. Both of these peppers are pretty close to the same. Banana Peppers tend to be more mild.

Looking for another dish to control the heat on? Check out this Salsa Verde Chicken Soup.

What Shrimp to Buy?

Size Matters

Shrimp come in a variety of sizes, from tiny to colossal. The number associated with shrimp is how many shrimp are in a pound. For example, it may say 26/30. This means there are 26 to 30 shrimp in a pound. This size is considered extra large, and is the size I prefer for this recipe.

However, if you have a little more money to spend, or want a WOW factor for your appetizer, use a larger size shrimp. Here is a break down of the typical shrimp sizes you will see at the seafood counter:

• Colossal (15 or less)
• Extra Jumbo (16/20)
• Jumbo (21/25)
• Extra Large (26/30)
• Large (31/40)
• Medium (41/50)
• Small (51/60)
• Tiny (61/70)

Raw or Cooked

For the ease factor, go with already cooked de-veined, tail on. However, it’s pretty easy to cook up shrimp for this appetizer by poaching it. Poaching is so simple and keeps the shrimp from over-cooking and turning rubbery. Here’s how:

1. Boil water with a lemon cut in half, teaspoon of salt, and peppercorns (optional)
2. Once boiling remove from heat and add shrimp
3. Let shrimp cook in hot water for 3-5 minutes until opaque
4. Using a slotted spoon remove shrimp from hot water and put in a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.

Sustainable Shrimp

When shopping for shrimp, look for the MSC blue fish label. This means it is certified sustainable and can be traced back to a well-managed fishery. MSC stands for Marine Stewardship Council. If you would like to find out more about the shrimp you are buying, go to Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.

Health Benefits

Consuming sustainable shrimp is a great source of protein! Since this is an appetizer, eating a protein rich app will fill you up, causing you to eat less during your meal. According to this article on OrganicFacts.com, written by Meenakshi Nagdeve shrimp have several benefits. “Shrimp has anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties that can help to reduce the risk of various health ailments.”

A few other notable benefits:

• Zero carbs, and very low in calories
• High in Zinc, which may prevent hair loss
• Shrimp contains calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium which may improve bone health
• High in Iron, which may help with brain health

How to Serve Shrimp Cocktail with Zippy Dip

There are a few ways to serve this Shrimp Cocktail with Zippy Dip appetizer. You can use martini glasses for a fancy, elegant look. Or in a larger bowl to feed a crowd. Either way, put the dip in the glass or bowl, and hang the shrimp on the rim of the glass or bowl. For style points, put a few chopped peperoncinis in the center.

Looking for more appetizers? Here are a few other recipes you can find at Freckle Face Foodie:

• Bite-Size Goat Cheese Balls
• Prosciutto wrapped pears stuffed with moody blue cheese
• Lox and Cream Pinwheels encrusted in Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Goat Cheese and Basil Crackers

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