Dilly Appetizers
Delightful shrimp appetizers featuring a zesty dill and lemon-flavored dressing, topped with chilled cooked shrimp on fresh zucchini slices—perfect for entertaining or light snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ketchup, cream cheese, lemon juice, dill, lemon peel, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Cover and chill to blend flavors.
- Spoon a small amount of dressing on each zucchini slice.
- Top with chilled cooked shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream cheese instead of regular. If you don’t have dill weed, fresh dill can be used for a more vibrant flavor. This recipe can also be adapted with crab instead of shrimp for a delicious twist. To add some heat, a dash of hot sauce can be mixed into the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Dilly Appetizers on a platter with a fresh garnish of dill for an appealing presentation. They pair wonderfully with a side of fresh vegetable sticks or crackers. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside a refreshing Tuna Vegetable Supper or Creole Shrimp Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Dilly Appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp may lose some texture upon reheating, so it's best enjoyed cold. If you prefer to reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dilly Appetizers contains roughly 576 calories, with 7g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (31% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared a day ahead of time. Just combine all the ingredients and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure it's well mixed.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If shrimp isn't available, you can substitute with crab meat for a delightful variation. Alternatively, consider using diced cooked chicken or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
How do I ensure the shrimp is fully chilled?
After cooking the shrimp, immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly. This method not only chills the shrimp efficiently but also helps maintain their firm texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).