For a light, flavorful alternative to traditional bruschetta, some chefs toss diced shrimp with chopped garlic, onions, tomatoes, oil, and herbs such as basil or tarragon. The mixture is most often served on small slices of crusty bread or crackers, as an appetizer or snack. Those looking for a non-traditional use for shrimp bruschetta may add the topping to a salad, or serve it over cooked pasta. The fresh flavors of shrimp and vegetables also complement Mexican-style dishes, so the bruschetta may be served in quesadillas, tacos, and burritos, or scooped onto tortilla chips.
Shrimp bruschetta is frequently presented in the same fashion as traditional tomato bruschetta. In other words, the prepared appetizer is served in a bowl along with sliced, crusty french bread that may be toasted and buttered. Some chefs exclude oil from the bruschetta recipe, opting to drizzle it over the topped bread slices immediately before eating. Crackers or tortilla chips may be used instead of bread, as the crisp textures complement the tangy flavor of the seasoned shrimp.
Bruschetta made with seafood may also be incorporated into a salad or main course. Greens, like lettuce and arugula, complement shrimp bruschetta well, so some chefs toss these ingredients, along with shredded or cubed cheese, for a healthy, satisfying salad. A quick, easy pasta salad can also be prepared by combining shrimp bruschetta with cooked pasta, and then covering and chilling it before service. For a hot pasta dish, the bruschetta may be heated and served over cooked noodles that have been tossed with a small amount of olive oil or butter. Those who enjoy cooking outdoors may spoon shrimp bruschetta over grilled hamburgers before serving them in buns, to add the sophisticated flavor of seafood to traditional tailgate or picnic fare.
Diced cilantro, fresh squeezed lime juice, or a dash of hot pepper sauce can give shrimp bruschetta a kick that makes it an ideal element in many Mexican-inspired dishes. The mixture may be sandwiched between tortillas along with cheese, which are then fried or grilled to make quesadillas. Bruschetta with large pieces of shrimp may also be offered as a filling for hard or soft shell tacos or burritos.
Whether served as an appetizer, accompaniment, or main course, the shrimp in the recipe is generally complemented with white wine, such as chardonnay or chablis. Non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade, lemon-lime soda, or sparking water are also refreshing companions to seafood dishes. Most bruschetta recipes that contain shrimp should be prepared within 2 hours of service to keep the ingredients from becoming too soggy. The mixture should also be kept chilled until it is served, to avoid spoilage.