Open Prawn Cocktail Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
This open prawn cocktail sandwich is a fresh and vibrant take on a classic favorite. Combining succulent prawns with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner.

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-light mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp reduced-sugar ketchup
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
- 100g pack cooked and peeled North Atlantic prawns
- ½ cucumber, deseeded and diced
- 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, halved
- 20g bag rocket
- 2 slices wholemeal bread
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the extra-light mayonnaise, reduced-sugar ketchup, half of the chopped dill, the juice from 4 lemon wedges, and seasoning to taste. Mix well to create the dressing.
- Step 2: Add the cooked prawns, diced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes to the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Place the slices of wholemeal bread on two plates. Top each slice with a handful of fresh rocket leaves.
- Step 4: Pile the prawn mixture generously on top of the rocket and bread. Sprinkle over the remaining chopped dill for extra flavor.
- Step 5: Serve each sandwich with the remaining lemon wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lemon juice over as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add finely chopped celery to the prawn mixture.
- Swap rocket for baby spinach or watercress if preferred.
- Use rye or sourdough bread instead of wholemeal for a different flavor.
- For a spicier kick, mix a small amount of horseradish into the dressing.
Storage
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing and prawn mixture separate from the bread to avoid sogginess. Reheat is not recommended; serve cold.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh prawns instead of cooked?
It’s best to use cooked prawns for this recipe to save time and ensure food safety. If using fresh raw prawns, they must be thoroughly cooked before adding to the sandwich.
Can I make this sandwich vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, try replacing the prawns with cooked chickpeas or marinated artichoke hearts and use a plant-based mayonnaise alternative.
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Open Prawn Cocktail Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 open sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and light open prawn cocktail sandwich featuring North Atlantic prawns tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and ketchup dressing, served on wholemeal bread with fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, rocket, and a hint of dill. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner with a zesty lemon squeeze.
Ingredients
Dressing & Filling
- 2 tbsp extra-light mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp reduced-sugar ketchup
- 2 tbsp chopped dill (divided)
- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
- 100g pack cooked and peeled North Atlantic prawns
- ½ cucumber, deseeded and diced
- 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, halved
Assembly
- 20g bag rocket
- 2 slices wholemeal bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the extra-light mayonnaise, reduced-sugar ketchup, half of the chopped dill, juice from 4 lemon wedges, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Toss the Prawns and Vegetables: Add the cooked and peeled North Atlantic prawns, deseeded and diced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes into the dressing. Gently toss everything together ensuring the prawns and vegetables are evenly coated with the tangy sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Arrange the two slices of wholemeal bread on separate plates. Top each slice with a handful of fresh rocket leaves. Pile the prawn cocktail mixture generously over the rocket on each slice of bread.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining chopped dill over the prawn topping. Serve each open sandwich with the remaining lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lemon juice over just before eating.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the wholemeal bread slices before assembly.
- Use freshly cooked or high-quality pre-cooked prawns for best flavor.
- You can replace rocket with baby spinach or watercress for a different leafy green option.
- Adjust lemon juice in dressing to taste depending on preference for acidity.
- This recipe is best served fresh to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: open prawn cocktail sandwich, prawn sandwich, no-cook lunch, healthy prawn recipe, quick seafood lunch

