Grilled Citrus-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

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

Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in citrus and chili, served with a fresh and tangy cilantro-lime dressing perfect for a light summer meal. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 36 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, 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: 30 min Cook: 6 min Serves 3 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes if using wood. Thread marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp each.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by blending 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers drizzled with the cilantro-lime dressing for a refreshing, vibrant finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 36 minutes (30 min prep + 6 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 Citrus-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

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 Citrus-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

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 Citrus-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Citrus-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

Mexican 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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