Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Citrus Spinach Salad
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers paired with a refreshing Citrus Spinach Salad. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, combining the heat of Jamaican jerk spices with the zesty brightness of lime and orange. The addition of creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese elevates the dish, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Serve alongside warm, crusty homemade bread for a truly satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds dancing!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Jamaican jerk spice (or Mexican seasoning)
2 tablespoons (None)
Lime juice
2 tablespoons (None)
Large shrimp
1 lb (Peeled and deveined)
Baby spinach
4 cups (Fresh, washed)
Orange
1 (Peeled and cut into small quarters)
Orange zest
1/2 teaspoon (Grated fine)
Red bell pepper
1 (Chopped)
Avocado
1 (Peeled and chopped)
Green onions
2 (Sliced)
Goat cheese
3 tablespoons (Crumbled)
Balsamic vinaigrette
1/4 cup (None)
Wooden skewers
10 (Soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
1
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the extra virgin olive oil, Jamaican jerk spice (or Mexican seasoning), lime juice, and peeled shrimp. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Meanwhile, prepare the salad. Place the baby spinach in a large mixing bowl.
3
Using a knife, carefully peel the orange, ensuring very little of the white pith remains. Slice the orange into segments and then into small quarters. Add the orange pieces to the spinach.
4
Include the chopped red bell pepper, diced avocado, and sliced green onions in the spinach bowl.
5
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
6
Prepare the grill for medium-high heat. Thread 2 shrimp onto each soaked wooden skewer, securing them well.
7
Grill the shrimp skewers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and opaque.
8
To serve, place a generous portion of the spinach salad on each plate. Sprinkle with orange zest and crumbled goat cheese.
9
Top the salad with the grilled shrimp skewers. For an extra touch, drizzle with additional balsamic vinaigrette if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
The dish features a vibrant mix of heat from Jamaican jerk spices balanced by the zesty brightness of lime and orange, along with creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors of the olive oil, jerk spice, and lime juice to meld.
What can I use if I do not have Jamaican jerk spice?
You can use Mexican seasoning as a substitute for the Jamaican jerk spice in the shrimp marinade.
How do I prepare the wooden skewers before grilling?
Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.
How many shrimp should be placed on each skewer?
Thread 2 shrimp onto each soaked wooden skewer, ensuring they are secured well for grilling.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be prepared for medium-high heat.
How long does it take to grill the shrimp?
Grill the shrimp skewers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and opaque.
What ingredients are in the Citrus Spinach Salad?
The salad consists of baby spinach, orange segments, red bell pepper, avocado, green onions, and balsamic vinaigrette.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of crumbled goat cheese to be sprinkled over the salad.
How should the orange be prepared for the salad?
The orange should be peeled with very little white pith remaining, then sliced into segments and finally into small quarters.
What type of spinach is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 4 cups of fresh, washed baby spinach.
What kind of dressing is used for the salad?
A 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette is used to coat the salad ingredients.
Is orange zest used in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest is sprinkled over the salad before serving.
What side dish is recommended to serve with this meal?
This dish is best served alongside warm, crusty homemade bread.
How much shrimp is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
What vegetables are chopped for the salad?
One red bell pepper is chopped and one avocado is peeled and chopped for the salad.
Are there onions in the recipe?
Yes, two sliced green onions are included in the spinach salad.
What liquid is used in the shrimp marinade?
The marinade consists of 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
Can I add more dressing at the end?
Yes, for an extra touch, you can drizzle additional balsamic vinaigrette over the final plate if desired.
How should the shrimp be prepared before marinating?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the marinade bag.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Yes, outdoor cooking is one of the tags for this recipe, making it perfect for grilling outside.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as 'healthy' and features fresh spinach, fruit, and lean protein.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is placing the baby spinach in a large mixing bowl while the shrimp is marinating.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the wooden skewers.
How should the salad be tossed?
The salad should be tossed gently after drizzling the balsamic vinaigrette until all ingredients are well coated.
What is the purpose of the lime juice in the marinade?
The lime juice provides zesty brightness and helps flavor the shrimp during the marination process.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, 'appetizer' is one of the designated tags for this recipe.
How do you plate the final dish?
Place a portion of salad on each plate, sprinkle with zest and cheese, and top with the grilled shrimp skewers.
Does the recipe use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used in the shrimp marinade.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal,' though you must account for the 4-hour marinating time.