Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Avocado and Papaya Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp marinated in fresh citrus juices, grilled on skewers, and served with a vibrant salsa of avocado, papaya, and red onion. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice 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: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the salsa by combining 1 cup diced papaya, 1 medium diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro in a small bowl. Gently mix and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with light grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Serve the shrimp skewers topped with the avocado and papaya salsa for a fresh, tropical contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Avocado and Papaya Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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 Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Avocado and Papaya 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 Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Avocado and Papaya 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 Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Avocado and Papaya 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 Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Avocado and Papaya Salsa?

Caribbean 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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