Name: Shrimp Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489385H51M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tsp. lemon zest; 1 Tbsp. lemon juice; 1/2 tsp. salt; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley, plus more to serve; 8 oz. cooked shrimp; 1 cup cocktail sauce; Crackers, to serve

If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly creamy and flavorful appetizer, then you absolutely have to try this Shrimp Dip Recipe. I first made this for a casual get-together, and my family went crazy for it—it’s that good! You’ll find that it’s so easy to whip up, and it hits all the right notes with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and that classic shrimp bite. Stick around because this is one dip your guests will be begging you for again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Quick: You can mix most ingredients in one bowl—great for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.
Fresh Flavor Punch: The lemon zest and juice brighten the rich cream cheese and shrimp beautifully.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It pairs perfectly with crackers, veggies, or even toasted bread for toppings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, which lets the flavors meld wonderfully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this shrimp dip recipe plays a key role in creating its iconic creamy texture and refreshing taste. I always make sure my cream cheese is softened for easy mixing, and opting for fresh herbs—especially green onions and parsley—makes a big flavor difference.

Flat lay of plump cooked shrimp, fresh green onions sliced thin, bright lemon zest and wedges of fresh lemon, vibrant chopped parsley, creamy softened cream cheese dollops, smooth mayonnaise swirl, and a small pool of rich red cocktail sauce, all beautifully arranged with scattered parsley leaves and lemon slices for color contrast, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Dip, Shrimp Dip Recipe, Easy Shrimp Dip, Creamy Shrimp Appetizer, Seafood Dip

Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and softened; it gives the dip its luscious creaminess.
Mayonnaise: Adds a little tang and thins the cream cheese for the perfect dip consistency.
Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: These brighten up the whole dip with fresh citrus notes.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Green Onions: Thinly sliced, they bring a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
Parsley: Fresh and chopped, it adds a lovely pop of green and herby freshness.
Cooked Shrimp: Chopped into bite-size pieces, this is the star that makes it special.
Cocktail Sauce: A zesty topping that doubles as a garnish and flavor boost.
Crackers: For serving—and trust me, you’ll want something sturdy to scoop up every last bit.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this shrimp dip recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own and don’t hesitate to experiment with different mix-ins or toppings.

Smoked Salmon Variation: Swap cooked shrimp for chopped smoked salmon—I first tried this one morning for a bagel party, and it was a hit!
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños for a zesty twist that wakes up your palate.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese and mayo with dairy-free alternatives to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
Extra Crunch: Mix in finely diced celery or bell peppers for texture contrasts.

How to Make Shrimp Dip Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Start by placing the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Beat them together on medium speed for about a minute until the mixture is velvety smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula so everything blends evenly. This step sets the stage for a perfectly smooth dip with balanced flavors.

Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs and Onions

Next, toss in the thinly sliced green onions and the chopped parsley, then switch the mixer to low speed for just a few seconds to combine them without losing their fresh texture. The green onions add a subtle sharpness, and the parsley brings brightness—together they lift the whole dip.

Step 3: Prep Your Shrimp

If your shrimp still have shells or tails, peel them off now. Then chop the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces. I like to keep my shrimp pieces small so every scoop of dip has just the right amount packed inside. It’s way better than huge chunks getting in the way, trust me.

Step 4: Fold Shrimp Gently into the Dip

Use a rubber spatula to carefully fold the chopped shrimp into the cream cheese mixture. Folding is key here—you want to mix everything well without breaking down the shrimp too much. After folding, transfer the dip to a shallow, wide serving bowl and smooth the surface with your spatula.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling time is where the magic happens; the flavors meld, and the dip firms up just enough for scooping with crackers. When you’re ready, give it a little flourish by topping with cocktail sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite crackers and watch everyone dig in.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Dip Recipe

Always Soften Your Cream Cheese: I’ve learned this makes mixing way easier and guarantees a lump-free dip.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor—trust me on this one.
Chill for Maximum Flavor: I used to serve it right away, but once I chilled it, the layers of flavor became way more noticeable.
Don’t Overmix the Shrimp: Folding gently keeps the shrimp texture intact so you get those perfect little seafood bites.

How to Serve Shrimp Dip Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the dip with just a dollop of cocktail sauce and a fresh sprinkle of parsley—it adds color and a little extra zing that makes it pop visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I add a few whole shrimp on top for a fancy finishing touch when guests are coming over.

Side Dishes

This shrimp dip shines with classic buttery crackers, but I also serve it with crisp veggie sticks like cucumbers and bell peppers for a refreshing crunch. On occasion, I spread it on toasted baguette slices or bagel chips for a more substantial snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged the shrimp dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl and surrounded it with a vibrant platter of fresh veggies and crackers—made it the centerpiece for a birthday party! Another time, I layered the dip in small glass jars to create individual servings for a picnic, which was such a fun and easy way to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I store leftover shrimp dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to refresh the texture and flavors.

Freezing

Freezing this dip isn’t usually my go-to because cream cheese textures can change, but if you do freeze it, make sure to thaw in the fridge overnight and stir gently. It might be better right after making it fresh.

Reheating

I don’t typically reheat shrimp dip since it’s meant to be a cold appetizer, but if you need to warm it slightly, do it gently at very low heat and stir often to avoid curdling.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp in this shrimp dip recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked shrimp to keep things quick and safe. If you want to use raw shrimp, make sure to cook them thoroughly before chopping and folding into the dip.
What crackers work best with shrimp dip?

Sturdy, buttery crackers work best because they hold up to the creamy texture without breaking. I personally love plain water crackers or oyster crackers, but don’t be afraid to use pita chips or crostini for variety.
Can I prepare shrimp dip recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the dip for an hour or more helps the flavors meld beautifully. You can even make it the day before a party for stress-free entertaining.
How long does shrimp dip last in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container, shrimp dip lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. Always check for freshness before serving leftovers.

Final Thoughts

This shrimp dip recipe is one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether I’m hosting a casual family night or a big celebration. It’s straightforward to make, full of lively flavors, and has just the right amount of texture without being chunky. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s truly become a staple in my kitchen and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try for your next gathering; I promise you’ll be glad you did!