Grilled Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa

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

Bright and zesty shrimp skewers grilled to perfection, served with a fresh avocado salsa for a Whole30-compliant, refreshing seafood dish. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe (whole30, gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, lime juice, freshly squeezed, cilantro, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 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 the avocado salsa by mixing 1 diced medium avocado, 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, and 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turns opaque and has nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp from grill and serve immediately topped with the avocado salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Skewers with Avocado 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 Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Skewers with Avocado 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 Lime-Cilantro 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 Lime-Cilantro 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 Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa whole30?

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

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