Grilled Chile-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in zesty chile and lime, grilled to perfection, and served with a fresh cilantro-pineapple salsa that balances heat with sweetness. This Latin American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, mix 1 cup finely diced pineapple, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp lime zest in a bowl. Refrigerate salsa until serving.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque with slight char marks. Remove from grill.
  5. Step 5: Serve shrimp skewers topped with the cilantro-pineapple salsa, spooning generous amounts over each skewer for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chile-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Chile-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Pineapple Salsa?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chile-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Pineapple 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 Chile-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Pineapple 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 Chile-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Pineapple Salsa?

Latin American 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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