Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skillet with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp cooked in a zesty cilantro-lime marinade, served with a refreshing avocado salsa for a Whole30-friendly seafood dish. This whole30-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 21 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin; toss to coat and marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade; cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp cooks, combine 1 medium diced ripe avocado, 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp finely diced red onion, and 1 tsp minced seeded jalapeño in a small bowl; gently mix to create the avocado salsa.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp from heat and serve immediately topped with the fresh avocado salsa.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skillet with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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 Skillet with Avocado 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 Skillet 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skillet 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.

Is Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skillet with Avocado Salsa whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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