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 pairs large shrimp, Aperol, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Salsa?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
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.
