Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa
Bright, zesty shrimp marinated in citrus and herbs, served with a sweet-tart mango salsa for a refreshing summer meal. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 33 minutes blends peeled and deveined shrimp, lime juice, chopped cilantro 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, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 cup, diced mango
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk lime juice, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and lime zest in a bowl. Add shrimp and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread shrimp onto soaked skewers, alternating with mango and red bell pepper cubes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: While grilling, mix diced mango, red onion, and remaining cilantro for salsa. Serve skewers immediately with salsa on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Mango 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Mango 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Mango 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa?
Mexican grilling 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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The whole family devoured these at our BBQ.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! The mango salsa added the perfect sweet and tangy contrast to the shrimp.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for weeknights. Took longer to marinate than expected, but the taste made it worth it.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.