Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Fresh Avocado Salsa
Quick grilled shrimp coated in bold Cajun spices paired with a refreshing avocado salsa, perfect for a light and flavorful summer dish. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 16 minutes blends pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, Cajun seasoning, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced ripe avocado
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl; gently mix to create salsa.
- Step 4: Serve grilled shrimp topped with fresh avocado salsa for a bright and spicy contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Fresh Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Fresh 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Fresh 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Fresh 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Fresh Avocado Salsa?
American 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.
