Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Mango Avocado Salsa
Juicy shrimp coated in a smoky Cajun spice blend grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing mango and avocado salsa. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 28 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning 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 210 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 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 medium, diced mango
- 1 medium, diced avocado
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare salsa by combining 1 medium diced mango, 1 medium diced avocado, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Gently stir to combine and set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque with light grill marks.
- Step 5: Plate grilled shrimp and spoon generous amounts of mango avocado salsa over the top. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Mango Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Mango 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 Mango 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 Mango 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 Mango Avocado 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.