Herbed Shrimp & Cucumber Canapés
This delectable appetizer combines marinated shrimp with creamy sour cream and crisp cucumber, presenting a refreshing bite that’s sure to impress your guests. Inspired by a cherished recipe from a culinary mentor, these canapés are perfect for festive gatherings, especially around Christmas. Their vibrant flavors and elegant presentation make them a standout choice for any dinner party, ensuring that your hosting skills shine brightly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked medium shrimp
1 lb (frozen, pre-cooked)
Italian salad dressing
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
sour cream
1/2 pint (plain)
large cucumber
1-2 (peeled and sliced)
garlic melba rounds
1 box (store-bought)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the cooked medium shrimp in a bowl, and pour the Italian salad dressing over them. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
2
Once the shrimp are adequately marinated, drain off the excess dressing. Set aside.
3
Prepare the cucumbers by washing them thoroughly. Slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
4
On each cucumber slice, arrange a few pieces of the marinated shrimp, stacking them neatly.
5
Place each topped cucumber slice on a garlic Melba round. This will add a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creaminess of the toppings.
6
Using a small spoon or piping bag, add a delicate dollop of sour cream on top of each shrimp-topped cucumber.
7
Arrange the assembled canapés on a beautiful serving platter. For enhanced flavor, you may optionally garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
8
Cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve, preserving their freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herbed Shrimp & Cucumber Canapés?
They are a refreshing and elegant appetizer that combines marinated shrimp with creamy sour cream and crisp cucumber on a crunchy garlic Melba round base.
What type of shrimp is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of cooked medium shrimp, which can be purchased frozen and pre-cooked for convenience.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should marinate in the Italian salad dressing for approximately one hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
What dressing is used to marinate the shrimp?
One cup of Italian salad dressing is used, which can be either store-bought or homemade.
How thick should I slice the cucumber?
The cucumbers should be sliced into rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Yes, the ingredient list specifies that the large cucumbers should be peeled and sliced.
What serves as the base of the canapé?
A garlic Melba round is used as the base, providing a satisfying crunch and a hint of garlic flavor.
When should I add the sour cream?
A delicate dollop of sour cream should be added on top of the shrimp after they have been placed on the cucumber and Melba round.
What are some suggested garnishes for this appetizer?
You can optionally garnish the canapés with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Is this a good recipe for holiday parties?
Yes, these canapés are specifically noted as being perfect for festive gatherings, especially around Christmas.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the canapés, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them until you are ready to serve.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are five main ingredients: cooked medium shrimp, Italian salad dressing, sour cream, large cucumber, and garlic Melba rounds.
What is the best way to apply the sour cream dollop?
You can use either a small spoon or a piping bag to add a delicate dollop of sour cream to each canapé.
Should I drain the shrimp after marinating?
Yes, once the shrimp are marinated, you should drain off the excess dressing before assembling the appetizers.
How many cucumbers do I need?
The recipe requires one to two large cucumbers.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dish offers a balance of savory marinated seafood, tangy sour cream, refreshing cucumber, and a crunchy garlic base.
Can I use different types of shrimp?
While medium shrimp are recommended for their size, you can use other sizes as long as they fit neatly on the cucumber rounds.
Is this recipe categorized as easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it involves simple assembly and pre-cooked ingredients.
What type of sour cream should I use?
The recipe calls for one-half pint of plain sour cream.
Are these canapés considered finger food?
Yes, they are designed as bite-sized finger foods perfect for cocktail parties and gatherings.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished dish from a culinary mentor of the creator.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
While the recipe calls for sour cream, plain Greek yogurt could be used as a substitute for a similar texture and tang.
How should I arrange them for serving?
The assembled canapés should be arranged on a beautiful serving platter to showcase their elegant presentation.
Does this recipe require cooking?
No actual cooking is required if you use pre-cooked shrimp, making it a great no-heat appetizer.
Is the Melba round essential?
The Melba round provides the necessary structural crunch, though you could substitute with a similar sturdy cracker if needed.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include shrimp, appetizers, canapés, party food, holiday recipes, cucumber, and seafood.
Can I use a different dressing?
While Italian dressing is specified for its herb profile, you could experiment with other oil-and-vinegar based dressings.
How do I keep the canapés fresh?
Keep them covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated until the moment you serve them to ensure the cucumbers stay crisp.
What size Melba rounds should I get?
A standard box of garlic Melba rounds is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp as long as they are cooked and cooled before you begin the marinating process.