If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a perfect balance of creamy and tangy, then you must try this Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe. It’s a delightful combination where juicy grilled shrimp meet buttery avocado and crisp bell peppers, all elevated by a zesty lime dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a quick but impressive meal, these skewers are bound to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe are refreshingly simple but each plays a crucial role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture profile. From the fresh shrimp to the creamy avocado and the bright bell peppers, every element is essential.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that grills quickly to juicy perfection.
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes: Adds a rich, creamy contrast to the charred shrimp and vegetables.
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces: Provides sweetness and a pop of bright red color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds a sunny hue and a subtle crunch.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Essential for marinating and grilling to keep ingredients tender and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the marinade with citrusy zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
- 1/4 cup lime juice (for dressing): The base of the sharp, refreshing lime dressing.
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing): Balances the acidity and gives a smooth finish.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Brings a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for dressing): Brings harmony between sweet and sour notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for dressing): A subtle spice to keep the dressing lively.
How to Make Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Skewers
Start by threading the shrimp, avocado cubes, and colorful bell pepper pieces onto skewers. Alternate each ingredient for a beautiful presentation and balanced bite every time. This step isn’t just about looks though—combining different textures on one skewer makes every mouthful exciting.
Step 2: Marinate the Skewers
In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss the assembled skewers in this mixture to coat well. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—this gives the shrimp a wonderful citrusy brightness and helps infuse the bell peppers with subtle flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Lime Dressing
While the skewers marinate, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This dressing perfectly balances tartness with a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall dish once drizzled on top.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on and grill for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You want the shrimp cooked through and slightly charred, with the bell peppers tender but still crisp. The grilling adds a smoky edge that complements the fresh ingredients brilliantly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once off the grill, generously drizzle your lime dressing over the shrimp and avocado skewers. Serve them immediately to enjoy the full contrast of warm, grilled seafood and cool, creamy avocado with a light zing from the dressing.
How to Serve Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges alongside can elevate your experience. The fresh herbs contribute an herbal brightness that complements the tang of the lime dressing, and a squeeze more lime juice personalizes each bite.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides like a quinoa salad, coconut rice, or a crisp green salad. The lightness of these options complements the rich avocado and shrimp without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress at your next gathering, try serving these skewers on a large platter layered with fresh lettuce leaves or edible flowers. You can also place them atop tortilla chips for a fun appetizer twist, or cut the skewers and toss the ingredients into a vibrant salad for a relaxed meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the skewers without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to prevent the avocado from browning too much.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe since avocado texture changes considerably once frozen and thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skewers gently on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until the shrimp are just warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve the creamy texture of the avocado and to keep the shrimp tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before marinating and grilling. This helps the shrimp grill nicely instead of steaming.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the skewers on a grill pan over the stove or even broil them in the oven, turning once, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
How ripe should the avocado be?
Use an avocado that is just ripe—soft enough to yield to gentle pressure but still firm enough to hold its shape on the skewer. This ensures it won’t fall apart during grilling.
Can I make the lime dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be mixed up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before drizzling over the skewers.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Definitely, this dish is low in carbs and packed with protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe truly brings a celebration of fresh flavors and effortless cooking to your table. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but striking enough to wow guests. I encourage you to try making it soon—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Shrimp and Avocado Skewers with Lime Dressing offer a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish perfect for grilling season. Succulent shrimp and creamy avocado are paired with colorful bell peppers and coated in a zesty lime marinade, then finished with a sweet and tangy lime dressing. Quick to prepare and full of bright flavors, these skewers are ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
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
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the shrimp, avocado cubes, and pieces of red and yellow bell peppers alternately onto skewers, ensuring even distribution of ingredients for balanced grilling.
- Marinate Skewers: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss the assembled skewers in this marinade to coat them well, then cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Prepare 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 until emulsified to create a bright, sweet and tangy dressing.
- Grill Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning carefully until the shrimp is fully cooked and opaque, and the vegetables are perfectly tender yet slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, drizzle generously with the prepared lime dressing, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best grilling results, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to assembling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for variation.
- Adjust the honey quantity in the dressing to taste if you prefer it more or less sweet.
- This recipe can also be cooked under a broiler if a grill is unavailable.
