Grilled Pineapple and Avocado Skewers with Cilantro Lime
Sweet pineapple and creamy avocado grilled with a zesty cilantro lime glaze, served on skewers for a vibrant summer appetizer. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs lime juice, olive oil, finely chopped fresh cilantro 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes large pineapple
- 2, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick half-moons ripe avocados
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes bamboo skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Thread 1 large pineapple peeled and cubed into 1-inch cubes and 2 ripe avocados peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick half-moons alternately onto soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 3: Brush the skewers generously with the cilantro lime glaze, then grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until the pineapple is slightly caramelized and the avocado is warmed through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pineapple and Avocado Skewers with Cilantro Lime take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Pineapple and Avocado Skewers with Cilantro Lime?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple and Avocado Skewers with Cilantro Lime?
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 Pineapple and Avocado Skewers with Cilantro Lime 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 Pineapple and Avocado Skewers with Cilantro Lime?
Caribbean grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many grilling recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.