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Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail

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Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail is a festive and elegant twist on the classic appetizer, featuring chilled shrimp served with a vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry and fresh basil dipping sauce. It’s perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want to serve something special.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or 1/2 cup cranberry sauce)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
  • 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: water or citrus juice to thin the sauce
  • Optional for serving: fresh basil leaves, lemon slices, cocktail sauce

Instructions

  1. If shrimp are not already cooked, boil or steam until pink and firm, about 5–7 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine cranberries (or cranberry sauce), basil, lime or lemon juice, optional honey/maple syrup, and garlic if using. Blend until smooth.
  3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a splash of water or extra citrus juice to thin if needed.
  4. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes.
  5. Arrange chilled shrimp around a serving bowl of cranberry basil sauce or spoon sauce over shrimp just before serving.
  6. Garnish with basil leaves or lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use thawed frozen shrimp for convenience—just cook and chill before serving.
  • Cranberry sauce works in place of fresh cranberries if needed.
  • Make the sauce ahead and chill to save prep time.
  • Add chili flakes or hot sauce to make the dip spicy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cranberry-basil-shrimp-cocktail/