Lime-Cilantro Shrimp with Cucumber Salad

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

A refreshing seafood dish with plump shrimp marinated in lime and cilantro, served over a cool cucumber salad for perfect balance. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs shrimp, medium cucumber, lime for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 8 oz shrimp dry. Toss with 1 tbsp avocado oil, juice from 1 lime, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper. Let sit 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, flipping once.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, dice 1 medium cucumber into 1/4-inch pieces. Toss with remaining cilantro and 1/4 tsp lime juice. Serve shrimp over cucumber salad immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lime-Cilantro Shrimp with Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Lime-Cilantro Shrimp with Cucumber Salad?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Cilantro Shrimp with Cucumber Salad?

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 Lime-Cilantro Shrimp with Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lime-Cilantro Shrimp with Cucumber Salad?

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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