Citrus-Marinated Shrimp with Avocado and Cucumber Salad

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

Bright citrus-marinated shrimp served over a refreshing avocado and cucumber salad, making a light and Whole30-compliant seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh lime juice, orange 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: 20 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, in a separate bowl, mix 1 diced medium avocado, 1 diced medium English cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade, shaking off excess, and sauté for 2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Transfer shrimp to serving plates and spoon the avocado-cucumber salad alongside. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and optional 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Shrimp with Avocado and Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 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 Citrus-Marinated Shrimp with Avocado and Cucumber Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Shrimp with Avocado and Cucumber Salad?

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 with Avocado and Cucumber Salad 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 Citrus-Marinated Shrimp with Avocado and Cucumber Salad whole30?

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

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