Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty shrimp marinated in chili and lime, grilled to smoky perfection, and served with a fresh avocado salsa bursting with flavor. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 38 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small finely chopped jalapeño, and 1 tsp lime zest in a bowl. Gently mix and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Soak 4 wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers topped with fresh avocado salsa alongside lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (30 min prep + 8 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa?

Mexican 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.

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