If you’re looking for a vibrant, ultra-fresh dish that screams summer from the very first bite, you have to try Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing. Succulent shrimp and buttery avocado are threaded together and kissed with a garlicky, citrusy lime dressing that’s a total flavor bomb. This recipe comes together quickly and delivers a dazzling combination of creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy notes sure to impress at any cookout or weeknight dinner. There’s simply no resisting the color and taste of these skewers—prepare yourself for rave reviews!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing, but each one plays a starring role. From the juicy shrimp to the creamy avocados and bright bursts of lime, these essentials work in harmony to create truly memorable bites.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Choose the biggest, freshest shrimp you can find for juicy, tender bites.
- Ripe avocados (2, cut into 1-inch cubes): Go for avocados that are just soft to the touch so they hold up on the skewers but still offer creamy richness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Acts as the luscious base for the dressing, helping flavors cling to every shrimp and avocado cube.
- Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons): Delivers a zingy freshness that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Lime zest (1 teaspoon): Adds fragrant, super-limey complexity to the dressing.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Brings a boost of savory depth and warmth.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the tang of lime with a touch of mellow sweetness.
- Chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Gives a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the whole skewer.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and tying all the flavors together.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked in water to keep them from burning on the grill.
How to Make Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from charring and helps keep everything intact when flipping. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Make the Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, honey, chili flakes, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. This bright and punchy dressing is the heart of Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing—it’s what takes the flavors from good to absolutely unforgettable. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning; you want a balance of zingy, sweet, and savory.
Step 3: Thread the Skewers
Gently thread the shrimp and avocado cubes onto the skewers, alternating between them for the best flavor and appearance. Try to handle the avocado carefully so it doesn’t break—using just-ripe avocados helps! If yours are very soft, you can always grill the shrimp separately and add the avocado after for perfect texture.
Step 4: Brush with Dressing
Take some of that gorgeous lime dressing and brush it generously over the skewers. This helps the shrimp get flavorful and slightly caramelized when grilling, while the avocado picks up those zingy, garlicky notes, too.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. Arrange the skewers in a single layer and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. The smell alone will have everyone heading to the kitchen!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Carefully remove the skewers from the grill and transfer to a platter. Drizzle the remaining lime dressing over everything just before serving. That final glossy coating is what makes Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing truly pop, both in flavor and appearance!
How to Serve Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished skewers with extra cilantro, fresh lime wedges, or a pinch of flaky sea salt for added burst and brightness. A dusting of chili flakes or a drizzle of more lime dressing works wonders, making the whole plate look and taste even more festive.
Side Dishes
These skewers love to be paired with simple sides: think fluffy jasmine rice, a colorful corn salad, or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also offer warm tortillas or a leafy green salad to soak up the zingy dressing—trust me, you’ll want every drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try standing Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing upright in a tall glass or vase, or lay them over a bed of mixed greens. Or, remove the grilled items from the skewers and serve them as a playful shrimp and avocado salad with extra dressing drizzled on top. However you present them, they’re sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind the avocado may brown a bit, but the lime helps slow that process.
Freezing
While shrimp alone freeze beautifully, avocados can lose their creamy texture when thawed, so freezing these assembled skewers isn’t recommended. If you’d like some make-ahead convenience, freeze the cleaned shrimp and prep everything else right before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the leftover skewers on a microwave-safe plate or gently warm them in a nonstick pan over low heat. Just take care not to overcook the shrimp or the avocado will become mushy—these skewers taste best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to get that golden char and avoid extra moisture on the skewers.
What if my avocados are too soft to skewer?
No worries—grill only the shrimp and then gently toss the avocado cubes with the cooked shrimp and remaining dressing just before serving. It keeps everything delicious and beautifully textured.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add more chili flakes or even a sliced fresh jalapeño to the dressing. You can customize the heat to your liking, making Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing as bold as you wish.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The lime dressing can be whisked up and refrigerated a day in advance. Just give it a quick stir before brushing and drizzling over the skewers.
What’s the best way to keep avocados from browning?
The fresh lime in the dressing does most of the heavy lifting to keep avocados bright. If making ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air contact and keep things looking fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the burst of flavor and breezy ease that comes with making Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing. Every time I serve them, they disappear in a flash, and I can’t recommend them enough if you want something special but totally doable. Invite your friends, fire up the grill, and treat yourself—you’ll fall in love at first bite!
Print
Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with a zesty Lime Dressing are the perfect combination of flavors for a light and refreshing meal. Grilled to perfection, these skewers are a delightful addition to any summer gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 ripe avocados (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Lime Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, honey, chili flakes, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Skewer the Shrimp and Avocado: Thread shrimp and avocado cubes alternately onto skewers, then brush lightly with some of the lime dressing.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat a grill or grill pan, cook skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve: Drizzle with remaining lime dressing before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in half of the dressing for 15 minutes before grilling.
- Serve with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- If avocados are very soft, add them to the skewers after grilling the shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
