Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing offers a celebration of bright, fresh flavors that capture the sunny spirit of summer in every bite. Juicy shrimp and creamy avocado mingle with colorful bell peppers, all kissed by the grill and finished with a zesty, honey-lime drizzle. This dish is quick to prepare and packs a punch of taste, making it my go-to for easy entertaining or a weeknight treat. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both vibrant and satisfying, look no further than Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing is that each ingredient shines and plays a vital role in the final dish. With just a handful of fresh, simple items, you’ll create a combination of juicy, creamy, and crisp textures, all brought together by a tangy dressing that ties it all together beautifully.
- Shrimp: Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for maximum juiciness and easy skewering.
- Avocado: Go for a ripe but firm avocado so it holds its shape on the skewer and delivers creamy bites.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of sweet flavor and vibrant color that makes the skewers extra eye-catching.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Brings a slightly different sweetness and a sunny hue, creating a beautiful contrast.
- Olive Oil: Used both for marinating and in the dressing, it adds richness and helps everything grill perfectly.
- Lime Juice: The star of the dressing, lime juice brings a fresh, tangy brightness that wakes up all the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the marinade and dressing, enhancing every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite that balances the sweetness of the honey and peppers.
- Honey: Just a touch in the dressing adds a mellow sweetness that pairs perfectly with the lime and shrimp.
How to Make Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing
Step 1: Assemble the Skewers
Start by threading the shrimp, avocado cubes, and bell pepper pieces onto your skewers, alternating colors and textures for a beautiful presentation. This not only looks stunning but also ensures each skewer is loaded with all the signature flavors of Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing.
Step 2: Marinate the Skewers
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Gently toss the assembled skewers in this simple marinade, coating them well. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes—this quick soak infuses the shrimp and veggies with flavor and keeps everything juicy on the grill.
Step 3: Make the Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This vibrant lime dressing is the finishing touch that elevates the skewers, balancing savory, sweet, and tangy notes in every drizzle.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the vegetables are lightly charred and tender. The grill marks not only look gorgeous but add a smoky flavor that takes Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing to the next level.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Once off the grill, arrange the skewers on a platter and generously drizzle with the lime dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of warm, grilled seafood and veggies with the cool, tangy kick of the dressing.
How to Serve Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley adds a burst of color and a herbal lift that complements the lime dressing. For extra flair, add a few lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze a little more zing onto their skewer.
Side Dishes
Pair Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing with fluffy jasmine rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. The freshness of the skewers makes them a natural match for lighter sides that soak up the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the skewers upright in a tall glass or jar lined with fresh herbs. Or, lay them over a bed of mixed greens and let the dressing double as a salad topper. However you present them, Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing always steal the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The avocado might soften a bit, but the flavors will continue to meld and deepen, making the leftovers just as tempting.
Freezing
While shrimp and peppers freeze well, avocado can become mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, remove the avocado before storing and add fresh avocado when reheating and serving your Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 7 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the avocado too soft. Add a fresh drizzle of lime dressing before serving to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick and ensures a juicy, flavorful result on the grill.
What type Appetizer/Main Course
Either metal or soaked wooden skewers will work. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
Can I substitute other vegetables in these skewers?
Definitely! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or red onion make great additions or substitutions, depending on what you have on hand. Feel free to mix and match your favorites to personalize your Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing.
Is it possible to make Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing indoors?
Yes, if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan or broiler will work just fine. You’ll still get those lovely charred edges and delicious smoky notes.
How do I keep the avocado from falling off the skewers?
Choose a just-ripe avocado that’s still firm to the touch. Cut the pieces slightly larger than the shrimp, and thread them carefully so they’re snug between the shrimp and peppers, which helps keep everything securely in place.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. They’re quick, versatile, and always a hit—give them a try and enjoy a little taste of sunshine at your next meal!
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Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 30 minutes marinating
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing are a vibrant and fresh dish perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Juicy grilled shrimp paired with creamy avocado and colorful bell peppers marinated in a zesty lime and olive oil blend, then topped with a sweet and tangy lime dressing. This recipe brings together refreshing flavors and simple ingredients for a delightful appetizer or light main course.
Ingredients
For the Skewers
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Lime Dressing
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: Thread the shrimp, avocado cubes, red bell pepper pieces, and yellow bell pepper pieces onto skewers in an alternating pattern to ensure even cooking and a colorful presentation.
- Marinate the Skewers: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Coat the assembled skewers with this marinade, ensuring every piece is well covered. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Make the Lime Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This dressing will add a sweet and tangy finishing touch.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, and the bell peppers become tender but still crisp.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle generously with the prepared lime dressing. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- To prevent the avocado from browning, keep it chilled until ready to assemble and marinate briefly to maintain its texture.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to avoid burning.
- You can substitute bell peppers with cherry tomatoes or pineapple chunks for variation.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade or dressing.
- Serve these skewers with a side of cilantro lime rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 skewer)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
