Prawn cocktail recipes

Try a lighter, modern version of this ever-popular retro starter

A modern, lighter version of the retro starter, prawn cocktail

Give the classic prawn cocktail a makeover with a boozy twist – you then need to choose whether to shake or stir the martini dressing

Forget boring sandwiches at a picnic – pack these prawn cocktail subs instead. If you're travelling, assemble them when you get there so they're super-fresh (see tip below)

An entertaining favourite with light and fresh flavours - make it a feature of a retro dinner

Try this main meal twist on a seventies classic

Breathe new life into prawn cocktail, a classic Christmas cocktail. With the addition of some Cajun spices, it's a flavour-packed modern twist

This classic retro starter packed with juicy prawns will never go out of fashion

A lighter version of the classic prawn cocktail, treat yourself to this satisfying yet low-fat lunch

Banish the glassware and serve your prawn cocktails in one stylish, bite-size go

This light, spicy Mexican-style starter is great for kick-starting your tastebuds

Bypass bread croutons and a heavy cream dressing and instead serve up a crispy, fruity salad with shellfish

These retro starters can be made an hour in advance and handed round with drinks before dinner

Take the ingredients of the classic cocktail – Tabasco, pepper, tomato and vodka – and use to flavour sizzling shellfish

Give the classic prawn cocktail a twist by pairing crayfish tails with tangy horseradish and creamy avocado in this delicious dinner party starter

King prawns and crabmeat pair beautifully in this Spanish seafood starter, with a zesty mayonnaise dressing

Swap prawn and iceberg lettuce for crabmeat, crunchy raw fennel and avocado, topped with classic Marie Rose sauce

Serve seafood on a sharing platter and let everyone build their own little prawn cocktail bites for a perfect dinner party starter or canapé

A fresh take on a classic seafood and marie rose starter, this version has sweet petit pois and crunchy radish

Try this elaborate looking cocktail which will add a touch of class to your dinner party

Spice up this retro prawn cocktail with spicy nduja and hot sauce. Serve as a nibble with drinks or arrange on a plate for an elegant Christmas starter