Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa

Posted by Keni July 4, 2025
shrimp tostadas with guacamole and fresh salsa
shrimp tostadas with guacamole and fresh salsa

If you’re anything like me, you love a meal that’s equal parts fresh, flavorful, and fast. That’s where these shrimp tostadas with guacamole and fresh salsa come in. They’re the kind of meal that looks impressive but takes very little time to throw together. Crisp, golden tostadas are layered with creamy guacamole, juicy grilled shrimp, and a vibrant, zesty pico de gallo. It’s a party on a plate and perfect for warm weather dining, weeknight dinners, or your next backyard get-together.

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Ingredients

For the shrimp:

  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lime

For the guacamole:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • Salt, to taste

For the fresh salsa (pico de gallo):

  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Salt, to taste

To assemble:

  • 6 small corn tostadas (store-bought or homemade)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Extra cilantro, for garnish

Servings

Serves 3 (2 tostadas per person)

Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Shrimp
    In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Set aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Make the Guacamole
    In a separate bowl, mash avocados with lime juice until smooth but still slightly chunky. Fold in chopped onion, cilantro, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Prepare the Fresh Salsa
    In another bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and let it sit so the flavors can meld.
  4. Cook the Shrimp
    Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred.
  5. Assemble the Tostadas
    Spread a generous layer of guacamole on each tostada. Top with grilled shrimp and a spoonful of fresh salsa. Garnish with more cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Tostadas

  • Dry your shrimp with paper towels before seasoning them. It helps them sear better.
  • Use ripe avocados for the guacamole — they should yield slightly to pressure when squeezed.
  • Don’t overload the tostadas. A good balance of toppings keeps them from getting soggy or breaking.
  • If you like a kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to your guac.

Variations

  • Swap proteins: Use grilled chicken, steak strips, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Add cheese: A sprinkle of cotija cheese or a little shredded pepper jack can add creaminess and flavor.
  • Make it tropical: Add diced mango or pineapple to your salsa for a sweet twist.
  • Use lettuce wraps instead of tostadas for a low-carb version.

Related Post: Tomato Basil Bruschetta on Toasted Crostini

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the guacamole, salsa, and marinate the shrimp ahead of time. Just cook the shrimp and assemble right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.

How do I store leftovers?
Store the components separately in the fridge. Assembled tostadas don’t keep well because the tortillas will get soggy.

Are store-bought tostadas okay?
Absolutely. They save time and still taste great. But if you’re feeling ambitious, you can fry or bake your own using corn tortillas.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as your tostadas and spices are gluten-free (check the labels), the recipe is naturally gluten-free.