Classic Prawn Cocktail Salad

Name: Prawn Cocktail Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 200 ml thickened cream; 2 tbs tomato sauce; 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbs lemon juice; 1 tsp Tabasco sauce; salt and pepper (to season); 1/2 iceberg lettuce (finely sliced (approx 3-4 cups)); 2 avocados (sliced); 650 g - 1kg large fresh cooked prawns (see notes)

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This classic Prawn Cocktail Salad with juicy prawns in a tangy cocktail sauce, served with creamy avocado and crunchy lettuce, makes a delicious light lunch or appetiser.

On the table in just 10 minutes, this is the perfect easy recipe for entertaining!

Prawn cocktail salad on a white serving plate.

Just like caesar salad, this prawn cocktail salad with creamy avocado is one of those classic salad recipes that never goes out of style.

The homemade cocktail sauce - also known as Marie Rose sauce - is made with 5 simple ingredients, and is SO delicious with prawns!

Taking just 10 minutes to make, this is such an easy and delicious salad that is sure to impress, and is perfect for any occasion; from Christmas celebrations to family get-togethers, laid back summer BBQs to dinner parties.

Enjoy as a light lunch, or serve as an appetiser.

Close up of prawn salad served on serving platter.

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

Quick recipe - this classic prawn cocktail salad is on the table in just 10 minutes, no cooking required!
Simple to make - just mix, chop, and assemble! Perfect for both self-assured cooks and those not so confident in the kitchen.
Perfect combination of flavours and textures - with sweet juicy prawns, creamy avocado, crunchy lettuce and a tangy dressing, this salad has it all and is definitely far from boring!
Homemade cocktail sauce - also known as Marie Rose sauce, this zingy sauce is so much tastier than any seafood sauce you can buy, and takes just minutes to make!

What You Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this retro prawn cocktail salad.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Thickened cream - also known as heavy cream.
Tomato sauce - or tomato ketchup.
Worcestershire sauce - this zingy, slightly spicy sauce gives the dressing extra depth of flavour. I prefer to use Lea and Perrin's Worcestershire sauce however you can use your favourite brand.
Lemon juice - freshly squeezed lemon juice or bottled lemon juice.
Tabasco sauce - this hot pepper sauce adds a kick to the cocktail sauce.
Salt and pepper - to season.
Iceberg lettuce - finely sliced. You will need approx. 3-4 cups of shredded lettuce.
Avocados - 2 avocados, make sure they are ripe.
Prawns - large fresh cooked and peeled prawns.

Equipment Required

You don't need any fancy equipment to make this prawn avocado salad!

Small ramekin / bowl - for mixing and serving the cocktail sauce.
Serving platter or large bowl - for serving.

Step By Step Instructions

This prawn salad with avocado and homemade cocktail sauce could not be easier to make: mix the sauce, assemble, and serve!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Make The Cocktail Sauce

In a small deep ramekin or bowl, combine the thickened cream, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Tabasco, salt and pepper.

The cream, tomato ketchup, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice in a small bowl.

Mix well, then taste, adding extra Tabasco or lemon juice if you want a little extra kick.

The mixed cocktail sauce in a small bowl.

Step 2 - Assemble The Salad

Place the ramekin into the centre of a larger bowl or a serving platter.

Place the shredded lettuce around the outside of the ramekin.

Top the lettuce with the sliced avocado.

The ramekin of cocktail sauce placed on a serving platter surrounded by shredded lettuce and sliced avocado.

Place the prawns over the side of the ramekin.

Prawns arranged around the dip on the serving platter.

Serve prawn cocktail salad immediately.

A small plate with a serving of prawn cocktail salad, the ain serving dish just visible behind.

Expert Tips

Making the cocktail sauce - after mixing the cocktail sauce ingredients, taste and then add extra Tabasco and lemon juice if you prefer a little extra kick.
Prawns - you’ll need 650g of peeled prawns or approximately 1kg of unpeeled prawns for this recipe.
Keep the prawns chilled until just before serving.
Serving idea - I like to arrange the prawns over the side of the ramekin or bowl (refer to the photo above) as it gives an extra impressive look to your salad. However you can simply place the prawns on top of the lettuce and avocado.
Serve the salad immediately and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I freeze prawn cocktail salad?

No. This recipe is not suitable to freeze.

Can I serve this salad as a main course?

Absolutely! I definitely recommend serving it with some fresh crunchy bread on the side when serving as a main course.

Can I use bought seafood sauce to make this prawn cocktail salad?

Yes, you can use a store bought seafood sauce, although the cocktail sauce recipe is so quick and easy that I do recommend you try making it from scratch - it is so delicious!