Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo are the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a casual family dinner. These tostadas combine the bold flavors of grilled shrimp with creamy guacamole and fresh pico de gallo, making them a delicious and satisfying meal. Their vibrant presentation and delightful crunch make them a standout choice for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices on the shrimp, paired with the freshness of guacamole and pico de gallo, creates an explosion of taste.
- Versatile Meal Option: These tostadas can be served as appetizers or as a main course, making them perfect for any setting.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and healthy fats from avocado, this dish is nutritious and satisfying.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Using corn tostada shells makes this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

Tools and Preparation
To make Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for an efficient cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the shrimp, enhancing flavor.
- Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients easily for marinating the shrimp.
- Spatula: Useful for flipping shrimp on the grill without losing any delicious seasoning.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss together the large shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
1. Place the marinated shrimp on the grill.
2. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque.
Step 3: Prepare the Tostadas
While the shrimp are grilling:
1. Lay out your tostada shells on a serving platter.
2. Evenly spread guacamole over each shell.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tostadas
Top each guacamole-covered tostada with grilled shrimp.
1. Add a generous spoonful of pico de gallo on top of the shrimp.
2. Sprinkle shredded lettuce over everything.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve your grilled shrimp tostadas with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over before enjoying!
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
Serving grilled shrimp tostadas is a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures. These tostadas are perfect for gatherings or a casual dinner. Here are some creative ways to present them.
Create a Colorful Platter
- Arrange several tostadas on a large platter and garnish them with lime wedges for a vibrant display.
Pair with Refreshing Drinks
- Serve your grilled shrimp tostadas with cold beverages like iced tea, margaritas, or a citrus-infused sparkling water.
Add Extra Toppings
- Offer additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, cotija cheese, or fresh cilantro for guests to customize their tostadas.
Use as an Appetizer
- Cut the tostadas into smaller pieces and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at parties.
Complement with Dips
- Place small bowls of salsa or extra guacamole alongside the tostadas for dipping options.
How to Perfect Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
To ensure your grilled shrimp tostadas turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Using fresh shrimp enhances the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Marinate Longer: For tastier shrimp, marinate them in olive oil and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot enough to achieve a nice char on the shrimp.
- Watch Cooking Time: Grill the shrimp just until they are opaque; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh guacamole and pico de gallo to elevate the overall taste of your tostadas.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor in your shrimp marinade.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
Pairing side dishes with grilled shrimp tostadas can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Mexican Street Corn: Charred corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder makes a delicious complement.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds protein and flavor.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This light and zesty rice pairs well with seafood dishes and offers a great texture contrast.
- Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with spices bring a hearty touch to your meal.
- Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with zesty salsa provide an easy appetizer before enjoying the main dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with veggies can be both filling and nutritious.
- Avocado Salad: A simple avocado salad dressed in lime juice complements the creamy guacamole beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; grilling for too long makes it rubbery. Aim for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink.
- Skipping seasoning: Without proper seasoning, your dish may taste bland. Ensure you season the shrimp well with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Using stale tostada shells: Stale shells can ruin the texture of your tostadas. Use fresh tostada shells for a crisp bite.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using old or low-quality guacamole and pico de gallo will affect flavor. Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2 days for best quality.
Freezing Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
- Not recommended to freeze assembled tostadas.
- You can freeze grilled shrimp separately for up to 1 month.
Reheating Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.
What can I serve with Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo?
These tostadas pair well with a fresh salad or Mexican rice.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add cheese, jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the toppings to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo are a vibrant and flavorful dish that elevates any meal. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, these tostadas bring together juicy, seasoned shrimp, creamy guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo atop crispy corn shells. Their delightful crunch and colorful presentation make them not only delicious but also visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 tostadas each) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp in olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- While the shrimp cook, arrange tostada shells on a platter and spread guacamole on each.
- Top each tostada with grilled shrimp, a spoonful of pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tostadas (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
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