Some recipes have a way of making an ordinary meal feel a little more special, and this Citrus Shrimp Ceviche Jar is one of those dishes. It’s fresh, colorful, full of zesty citrus flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. If you enjoy seafood and love trying light, refreshing meals, this is definitely a recipe worth adding to your kitchen collection.
I have always enjoyed meals that don’t require spending hours in the kitchen but still look and taste wonderful. This shrimp ceviche brings together tender, juicy shrimp, crunchy fresh vegetables, fragrant cilantro, and a delicious combination of lemon and lime juice.
Citrus Shrimp Ceviche Jar Recipe – Healthy, Anti-Inflammatory Seafood Salad
Recipe Description
Citrus Shrimp Ceviche Jar is a refreshing, colorful, and nutritious seafood recipe packed with juicy shrimp, fresh citrus juice, crunchy vegetables, aromatic herbs, and flavorful seasonings.
This healthy shrimp ceviche combines the bright flavors of lemon and lime with fresh cilantro, red onion, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber. Every bite delivers a delicious balance of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
This recipe is also a wonderful addition to an anti-inflammatory diet. It features antioxidant-rich vegetables, vitamin C from citrus fruits, fresh herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil.
Served in a glass mason jar, this shrimp ceviche makes an excellent meal-prep option for healthy lunches, light dinners, summer gatherings, and high-protein seafood snacks.
Preparation and Cooking Time
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Preparation time: 20 minutes
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Cooking time: 5–7 minutes
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Chilling time: 30 minutes
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Total time: Approximately 1 hour
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Servings: 4
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Course: Appetizer, lunch, or light dinner
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Cuisine: Coastal-inspired seafood
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Diet: Gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
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450 g (1 lb) medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the Citrus Ceviche Dressing
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¼ cup fresh lime juice
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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1 garlic clove, finely minced
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½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
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½ teaspoon honey (optional)
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¼ teaspoon ground cumin
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A pinch of chili flakes
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Sea salt and black pepper to taste
For the Vegetables
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½ cup red onion, finely diced
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½ cup red bell pepper, diced
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½ cup orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
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½ cup cucumber, diced
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½ cup fresh tomatoes, diced
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
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1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
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½ avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
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Clean, peel, and devein the shrimp.
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Bring a pot of water to a boil.
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Add shrimp and cook until they turn opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
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Drain thoroughly and cut larger shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
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Set aside to cool.
Important: Traditional ceviche sometimes uses citrus juice to cure raw seafood. However, citrus juice does not reliably eliminate harmful bacteria or parasites. Cooking shrimp before marinating is the safer option.
Step 2: Make the Citrus Marinade
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Add fresh lime juice, lemon juice, and orange juice to a mixing bowl.
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Add olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes.
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Add honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter citrus flavor.
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Season with sea salt and black pepper.
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Whisk everything until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
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Finely dice the red onion, bell peppers, cucumber, and tomatoes.
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Chop the fresh cilantro and green onions.
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Remove the jalapeño seeds if you prefer a milder flavor.
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Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Step 4: Combine Everything
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Add the cooled cooked shrimp to a large mixing bowl.
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Add the chopped vegetables and fresh herbs.
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Pour the citrus dressing over the mixture.
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Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Assemble the Ceviche Jar
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Use clean, dry glass mason jars.
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Add a layer of cucumber and bell peppers.
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Add a layer of shrimp and vegetable mixture.
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Continue layering until the jar is filled.
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Spoon a little citrus dressing over the mixture.
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Add fresh cilantro and diced avocado on top.
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Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Your refreshing Citrus Shrimp Ceviche Jar is ready!
Why This Recipe Is Great for an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
This recipe contains several ingredients commonly included in anti-inflammatory eating patterns.
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Shrimp: Provides lean protein, vitamin B12, selenium, and other essential nutrients.
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Lemon and lime: Rich in vitamin C, which supports normal immune function and collagen production.
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Olive oil: Contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidant compounds.
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Garlic: Contains sulfur compounds and antioxidants.
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Ginger: Contains gingerols, naturally occurring compounds studied for their anti-inflammatory properties.
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Tomatoes: Provide lycopene and other beneficial antioxidants.
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Bell peppers: Supply vitamin C and carotenoids.
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Cilantro: Adds plant compounds and fresh flavor.
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Cucumber: Provides hydration and contributes freshness and crunch.
No single recipe can treat or cure chronic inflammation. However, meals built around vegetables, herbs, healthy fats, and lean proteins can support an overall healthy eating pattern.
Serving Suggestions
Make this shrimp ceviche even more enjoyable with these serving ideas:
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Avocado boats: Serve the ceviche inside halved avocados for a delicious low-carb lunch.
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Lettuce cups: Spoon the shrimp mixture into crisp lettuce leaves.
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Whole-grain crackers: Serve alongside whole-grain crackers for a crunchy appetizer.
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Cauliflower rice: Pair with cauliflower rice for a light, low-carb meal.
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Quinoa bowls: Serve over quinoa for additional fiber and plant-based protein.
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Tortilla chips: Enjoy as a colorful party appetizer.
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Fresh salad: Serve over mixed greens with extra citrus dressing.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Citrus Shrimp Ceviche
Add extra jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes for a spicy seafood salad with a refreshing citrus kick.
2. Avocado Shrimp Ceviche
Add one ripe avocado for extra creaminess and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
3. Tropical Mango Shrimp Ceviche
Add ½ cup diced mango and a little extra lime juice for a sweet and tangy tropical flavor.
4. Mediterranean Shrimp Ceviche
Add chopped olives, fresh parsley, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil for Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
5. Low-Carb Keto Shrimp Ceviche
Skip the honey and serve with cucumber slices, lettuce cups, or avocado instead of crackers.
6. Garlic Ginger Shrimp Ceviche
Increase the garlic and ginger for a more aromatic dressing with additional plant-based antioxidant compounds.
7. Pineapple Citrus Shrimp Ceviche
Add fresh pineapple chunks for a naturally sweet, tropical variation.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
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Store shrimp ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
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For best quality, consume within 1–2 days.
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Keep the avocado separate until serving.
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Do not leave seafood at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C).
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Avoid repeatedly warming and cooling the shrimp.
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Use fresh, properly handled seafood and clean preparation equipment.
For meal prep, divide the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture into individual glass containers. Keep the avocado and any crunchy toppings separate until serving.
Approximate Nutrition Facts
Per serving, based on four servings:
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Nutrient |
Amount |
|---|---|
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Calories |
210 kcal |
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Protein |
25 g |
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Total carbohydrates |
13 g |
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Dietary fiber |
3 g |
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Total fat |
7 g |
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Saturated fat |
1 g |
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Sugar |
5 g |
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Sodium |
450 mg |
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Vitamin C |
45–65 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient brands, shrimp size, dressing quantities, and optional toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is shrimp ceviche healthy?
Yes. Shrimp ceviche can be a nutritious meal because it contains lean protein, fresh vegetables, citrus fruits, and beneficial plant compounds. Its nutritional value depends on the ingredients and portion sizes.
2. Is citrus shrimp ceviche good for an anti-inflammatory diet?
It can fit well into an anti-inflammatory eating pattern. Ingredients such as olive oil, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and fresh vegetables provide antioxidants and beneficial nutrients.
3. Can I make shrimp ceviche without raw shrimp?
Absolutely! This recipe uses fully cooked shrimp, making it a safer alternative to traditional raw seafood ceviche.
4. Can I make shrimp ceviche ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture several hours ahead. Refrigerate promptly and add avocado immediately before serving.
5. Is shrimp ceviche keto-friendly?
Yes. Shrimp is naturally low in carbohydrates. For a keto-friendly version, omit honey and serve with avocado or lettuce cups.
6. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Use commercially frozen shrimp, thaw it safely in the refrigerator, and cook it thoroughly before preparing the ceviche.
7. What citrus fruits work best for shrimp ceviche?
Fresh lime and lemon juice provide the classic tangy flavor. Orange juice adds a mild sweetness that balances the acidity.
8. Can I use this recipe for weight management?
Yes. Shrimp provides protein while vegetables add volume and fiber. This combination can be part of a balanced, calorie-conscious eating plan.
9. How long does shrimp ceviche last in the refrigerator?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy it within 1–2 days when continuously refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
10. Can I make shrimp ceviche without cilantro?
Yes. Substitute fresh parsley or a little fresh mint for a different but equally refreshing flavor.
Related Recipe Ideas
If you enjoy healthy seafood recipes, you may also like:
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Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Salad
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Lemon Ginger Grilled Shrimp
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Avocado Lime Shrimp Salad
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Healthy Mango Shrimp Salsa
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Garlic Herb Salmon Bowls
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Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Salad
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Fresh Lemon Garlic Seafood Salad
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Healthy Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Wraps
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Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
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Citrus Herb Grilled Fish
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Final Thoughts
This Citrus Shrimp Ceviche Jar is a delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood while incorporating colorful vegetables, antioxidant-rich ingredients, and healthy fats into your everyday meals.

