Shrimp and Avocado Garlic Bread

For a delightful and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress, try this Shrimp and Avocado Garlic Bread. Combining crispy garlic bread with juicy shrimp and creamy avocado salad, this dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat at home. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Bread:

• 1 loaf ciabatta or sourdough bread, sliced into 1cm pieces
• 1/3 cup garlic butter

For the Garlic Shrimp:

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• Juice of half a lemon (1-2 tablespoons)
• 1 pound (500g) shrimp, peeled and deveined, no tail
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Avocado Salad:

• Cooked shrimp (from above)
• 1 avocado, cubed
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• Juice of half a lemon (1-2 tablespoons)
• Salt to season

Directions:

Prepare the Garlic Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to a medium-high grill/broil setting.
2. Prepare the Bread:
   • Arrange the bread slices on a baking tray lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Spread garlic butter on each slice.
3. Grill the Bread:
   • Grill/broil the bread until golden brown, then remove from the oven and set aside.

For the Garlic Shrimp:

1. Marinate the Shrimp:
   • In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, sweet paprika, lemon juice, and shrimp. Season with salt to taste.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 3 minutes on each side until they are no longer opaque. Remove from heat, stir in the chopped parsley, and set aside to cool slightly.

For the Avocado Salad:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine the cubed avocado, halved tomatoes, lemon juice, and salt. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Top the Garlic Bread:
   • Spoon the shrimp and avocado mixture onto the toasted garlic bread slices.
2. Serve:
   • Serve the Shrimp and Avocado Garlic Bread warm or slightly cooled.

Additional Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

This Shrimp and Avocado Garlic Bread is a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crispiness of the garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the succulent shrimp and creamy avocado, while the tangy lemon juice and sweet paprika add a delightful zing. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a gourmet snack, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this elegant and delicious appetizer with family and friends!