Garlic Butter Prawn Cocktail Salad Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for something that feels a little fancy but comes together in a flash, this Garlic Butter Prawn Cocktail Salad Recipe is exactly what you want. I absolutely love how fresh and flavorful it tastes, and it’s so much more exciting than your usual leafy salad. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this combo again and again—it’s like a little celebration in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Prawn Cocktail Salad Recipe comes to life with simple, fresh ingredients that balance richness and brightness beautifully. I always recommend using ripe avocados and good-quality cooked prawns to really make the flavors pop.

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• Frozen jumbo prawns, cooked and peeled: Using frozen cooked prawns saves prep time, and thawing them properly keeps their texture perfect.
• Garlic butter: This adds a fragrant, rich layer of flavor that caramelizes the prawns beautifully in just a couple of minutes.
• Avocados: Choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure—ripe but not mushy—for the creamiest texture.
• Cos lettuce: Its crisp leaves provide a nice fresh crunch without overpowering the salad.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing, bringing richness and smoothness.
• Tomato sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the Marie Rose dressing.
• Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the salad and balances the richness perfectly.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a hint to deepen the dressing’s flavor complexity.
• Paprika: Adds gentle smoky warmth and a beautiful color to the sauce.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Garlic Butter Prawn Cocktail Salad Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve played around with a few tweaks—feel free to adapt based on what you have or your dietary needs!

• Extra spice: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the garlic butter—it gives the prawns a nice kick and jazzes up the overall dish.
• Dairy-free option: Use a vegan mayo alternative and substitute garlic butter with olive oil and fresh garlic to keep it just as delicious.
• Adding crunch: Toasted breadcrumbs or finely chopped nuts sprinkled on top add a wonderful texture contrast.
• Leafy swaps: If you don’t have cos lettuce, baby spinach or crisp romaine works fantastic here too.

How to Make Garlic Butter Prawn Cocktail Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the salad base

First, give your cos lettuce a good wash and spin it dry—wet leaves will water down the salad and the dressing won’t stick as well. Slice the lettuce thinly and arrange it evenly on your serving platter. Then, carefully slice the avocados and layer them neatly on top of the lettuce. I always try to keep the avocado slices intact for a pretty, inviting look.

Step 2: Mix the Marie Rose sauce

Now let’s talk sauce. Combine mayonnaise, tomato sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika in a bowl. Stir it well until smooth, then pop it into the fridge to chill. This tangy, creamy sauce is the magic that brings all the elements together.

Step 3: Cook the prawns in garlic butter

Heat your garlic butter in a frying pan until it’s sizzling—don’t skip this step because it’s key for flavor. Fry the thawed prawns on each side for about one minute until they’re nicely coated and heated through. This quick sear gives them a lovely garlicky aroma and a bit of a caramelized crust. Just be careful not to overcook, or they’ll turn rubbery.

Step 4: Assemble and serve

Arrange those flavorful prawns right over your avocado and lettuce bed. Drizzle the chilled Marie Rose sauce generously over the top and garnish with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds that fresh zing that makes every bite feel bright and balanced. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Prawn Cocktail Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this salad with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or a little finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A few lime wedges on the side never hurt either—they’re perfect for squeezing more zing just before eating!

Side Dishes

Because this salad is filling and flavorful, I like pairing it with light sides like crusty garlic bread or a simple cucumber salad. On lazy weekends, some herby quinoa or steamed new potatoes round it out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the prawns in rings around individual avocado halves or served this in elegant cocktail glasses layered beautifully—so cool when you want to impress without extra fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find this salad tastes best fresh, but if you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them separately: prawns, salad base, and dressing. When kept chilled, this way they hold up well for up to 24 hours.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this Garlic Butter Prawn Cocktail Salad Recipe because the avocado and lettuce get watery and mushy. If you do freeze prawns ahead of cooking, make sure to thaw and cook them fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat prawns gently in a pan over medium heat just long enough to warm them through—about a minute each side. Avoid the microwave, which can overcook and toughen them. Dress the salad and assemble fresh after reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Prawn Cocktail Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but really couldn’t be simpler to make. I love how it turns a handful of humble ingredients into something vibrant and indulgent that my whole family goes crazy for. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive get-together, this salad always earns compliments. So, give it a try—you’ll enjoy the ease, the flavor, and the bright smiles around your table.

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