Barbecued Prawn Cocktail with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Sweet barbecued prawns paired with a zesty avocado dressing make for a fresh and flavorful Australian-style appetizer. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes brings together peeled and deveined large raw prawns, olive oil, smoked paprika for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12, peeled and deveined large raw prawns
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill or barbecue to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). In a bowl, toss 12 peeled and deveined large raw prawns with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Thread the prawns onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred, turning once.
- Step 3: While prawns cook, blend 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Arrange 4 cups mixed salad greens and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes on serving plates. Place grilled prawns on top and drizzle with the creamy avocado dressing before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Barbecued Prawn Cocktail with Creamy Avocado Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Barbecued Prawn Cocktail with Creamy Avocado Dressing?
Refrigerate any leftover barbecued prawn cocktail with creamy avocado dressing in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Barbecued Prawn Cocktail with Creamy Avocado Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Barbecued Prawn Cocktail with Creamy Avocado Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Barbecued Prawn Cocktail with Creamy Avocado Dressing?
Australian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Related recipes
Sustainable Seafood Stew
Slow-Cooked Barramundi with Finger Lime and Lemon Myrtle Butter
Barramundi Baked in Paper with Finger Lime and Macadamia Crust
Grilled Hoki Fillets with Lemon Myrtle Butter
Macadamia-Crusted Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Beurre Blanc
Tasmanian Salmon with Lemon Myrtle Beurre Blanc
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
