Grilled Garlic-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in garlic and lime, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh avocado salsa bursting with citrus and cilantro. This latin american-inspired vietnamese ready in about 40 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, 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 220 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: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb shrimp, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the salsa by mixing 1 diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 finely chopped jalapeño in a bowl; season with a pinch of salt and gently toss. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers topped with the avocado salsa for a bright, fresh finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Garlic-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Garlic-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 Garlic-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 Garlic-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.

What goes well with Grilled Garlic-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa?

Latin American vietnamese 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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