Pioneer Woman Shrimp Dip is stupid-easy, ridiculously creamy, and weirdly addictive. It’s the kind of retro appetizer you make once for a party and then keep making just because. It’s tangy. It’s salty. It’s seafood-y without being… fishy. No oven. No weird tools. You mix, chill, slather with sauce, and pretend you didn’t already eat half with a spoon.
Jump to RecipeIngredients Needed
- 2 (8 oz.) blocks cream cheese: softened or you’re gonna hate your life trying to mix it.
- 1/4 cup mayo: makes it spreadable, plus gives it that tang.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: brightens it up. Optional but worth it.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: cuts the richness, balances the whole thing.
- 1/2 tsp salt: basic seasoning. Might need more depending on the cocktail sauce.
- 3 green onions, sliced: adds freshness, a little crunch.
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley: plus more for garnish if you’re feeling fancy.
- 8 oz cooked shrimp, chopped: peeled, de-tailed — the work’s gotta be done already. Don’t make this harder.
- 1 cup cocktail sauce: goes on top, not mixed in. Trust.
- Crackers: for serving. Or celery sticks. Or honestly just a spoon.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Shrimp Dip
Make the base:
Toss your cream cheese, mayo, lemon zest + juice, and salt into a bowl. Use a mixer if you have one. Beat it till smooth — like one minute tops. Scrape the sides if it clumps.
Add the green bits:
Stir in green onion and parsley. Don’t overdo it — you still want this to taste like shrimp, not salad.
Prep the shrimp:
If it’s not already cooked, that’s a whole other issue. But assuming it’s done — chop it up. Not too fine. You want bites, not mush.
Fold it in:
Use a spatula, gently fold in the shrimp. Don’t stir like you’re making cake batter. Just enough so it’s spread through the mixture.
Chill:
Scoop it into a serving dish. Smooth it out a bit, cling wrap it, and toss it in the fridge for at least an hour. Overnight is fine too. The flavors blend better.
Sauce + serve:
Right before serving, pour the cocktail sauce over the top like icing on a cake. Sprinkle more parsley if you want it to look impressive. Surround it with crackers and act like you didn’t just taste test it with a tortilla chip.

Recipe Tips
- Room temp cream cheese = smooth dip. Cold blocks are a nightmare.
- Don’t chop the shrimp too small — tiny bits disappear. Keep some texture.
- Chill before serving — makes it less gloopy and more “dip-like”.
- Use decent cocktail sauce. It’s half the flavor. Watery store brand ruins it.
How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Nope. Cream cheese and shrimp don’t freeze well together.
- Reheat: If you must, microwave in 10-second bursts. But cold is honestly better.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Carbs: 5g
- Fibre: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — make the base and chill it overnight. Add the cocktail sauce just before serving.
Can I use canned shrimp?
Ehh. You can. But fresh or frozen-cooked is way better in flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of cocktail sauce?
Try chili sauce + a squirt of lemon juice and horseradish. Not exact, but it works in a pinch.
Is it supposed to be served cold?
Yep. Like cream cheese dips at every 90s holiday party. Straight from the fridge is best.
Can I skip the parsley or onions?
Sure. It’s still good without them, just less “fresh-tasting.”
Pioneer Woman Shrimp Dip Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes200
kcalCreamy, cold shrimp dip topped with cocktail sauce — salty, tangy, and dangerously scoopable with crackers.
Ingredients
2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
8 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup cocktail sauce
Crackers, for serving
Directions
- Beat cream cheese, mayo, lemon zest + juice, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in green onions and parsley.
- Fold in chopped shrimp gently.
- Transfer to serving dish, smooth top. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Just before serving, spread cocktail sauce over the top.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve with crackers.
Notes
- Cream cheese must be softened or the dip will stay lumpy.
- Fresh shrimp tastes way better than canned.
- Don’t mix the cocktail sauce into the dip — it’s meant to sit on top.
- Cold serving is best, but can be gently warmed if needed.