Cucumber baskets with avocado, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and apple

To start, you will need a few fresh cucumbers, preferably the long and thin variety. Look for firm and healthy specimens without any blemishes or soft spots. Rinse and dry the cucumbers and cut them into thick slices, about one inch in thickness. Then, using a melon baller or a sharp knife, scoop out most of the flesh inside the cucumber slices, leaving only a thick ring of skin and a small bottom to form a basket.

Next, prepare the filling by dicing some ripe avocado, thawing some precooked and peeled shrimp, slicing some sweet cherry tomatoes, and cubing some crispy apples. You can adjust the quantities to your liking and add some herbs or spices if you wish. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss them gently with some lime juice, salt, and pepper. The lime juice will add a tangy and fresh flavor to the filling and prevent the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown.

Now, it’s time to assemble the cucumber baskets. Place each cucumber slice on a serving plate or a platter, and fill them with the shrimp and avocado mixture. Use a spoon or your fingers to press the filling gently inside the cucumber rings, making sure to leave some space on top. You can also garnish the baskets with some fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley, and sprinkle some black sesame seeds or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

These cucumber baskets with avocado, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and apple are not only tasty but also healthy and low in calories. Cucumbers are rich in water and fiber, which can help you stay hydrated and satisfied. Avocado is a source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, which can benefit your skin, heart, and immune system. Shrimp is a lean protein source that contains essential amino acids and antioxidants. Cherry tomatoes are a sweet and juicy fruit that provides vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Finally, apples are a crunchy and tasty fruit that can offer fiber, vitamin C, and quercetin, a flavonoid that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

In conclusion, these cucumber baskets with avocado, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and apple are a perfect summer snack or appetizer that combines freshness, flavor, and nutrition. You can serve them as they are or with some dipping sauce of your choice, such as a spicy mayo, a honey mustard, or a cilantro lime dressing. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as tuna, crab, mango, or cucumber, and let your imagination run wild. Bon appetit!