Grilled Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in fresh cilantro and lime, grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing avocado salsa perfect for a Whole30-approved meal. This mexican-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 28 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 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: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare avocado salsa by mixing 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1 minced jalapeño (seeded), and 1 tsp fresh lime zest in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of sea salt.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled shrimp topped with fresh avocado salsa for a bright, Whole30-friendly dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with 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.

Is Grilled Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa gluten free?

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

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