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A stunning Christmas shrimp wreath with a delicious dipping sauce centerpiece

Classic Christmas Shrimp Wreath with Dipping Sauce

This classic Christmas shrimp wreath is a festive and flavorful appetizer, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp and a zesty dipping sauce, ideal for holiday entertaining.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Serving Platter
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp

  • 2 lb Large raw shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail on)
  • 2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Fresh lemon zest (optional)
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Freshly ground black pepper

For the Dipping Sauce

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp Whole-grain mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Horseradish (prepared)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Cayenne pepper A pinch
  • for dipping sauce Salt A pinch

For Garnish (Optional)

  • 1 Tbsp Fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Red bell pepper, thinly sliced into "candy cane" strips
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Toasted slivered almonds or pistachios for crunch

Instructions
 

Cooking the Shrimp

  • Pat the shrimp dry, then toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  • Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and let them cool slightly.

Making the Dipping Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, whole-grain mustard, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Assembling the Wreath

  • Arrange the cooled shrimp in a festive wreath shape on a large round platter or serving board.
  • Place a small bowl of the prepared dipping sauce in the center of the shrimp wreath.
  • Garnish the wreath with fresh chopped chives, red bell pepper strips, fresh parsley or dill, and toasted nuts for added crunch and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

For best results, make sure your shrimp are completely thawed before cooking. Adjust the cayenne pepper in the dipping sauce to your spice preference. This dish can be prepared ahead of time; store the cooked shrimp and dipping sauce separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.