Aperol-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Salsa
Grilled shrimp marinated in Aperol and herbs, served with a zesty salsa made from fresh citrus and herbs for a vibrant appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends large shrimp, Aperol, fresh basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz large shrimp
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and devein shrimp, then toss with 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp fresh basil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Marinate for 15 minutes while preparing salsa.
- Step 2: Dice 1/2 cup cucumber, 1/4 cup red bell pepper, 1/4 cup red onion, and 2 tbsp cilantro into 1/4-inch pieces. Finely grate zest from 1 lemon and squeeze 1 tbsp juice into the bowl, then mix with 1/4 tsp salt to form salsa.
- Step 3: Thread shrimp onto skewers, then grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred. Serve immediately with salsa spooned over top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Aperol-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Salsa?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
