Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Herb Marinade

Cuisine: Mediterranean / Coastal Greek-Italian Fusion
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 20 minutes marinating time)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

🫒 Ingredients

For the Shrimp Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on preferred)

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika

  

  Green Olive Dip

• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Grilling:

• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning)

• Olive oil spray or brush for the grill

For Garnish:

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh parsley

• Drizzle of olive oil

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
   Add the shrimp and toss well to coat evenly.
   Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse (don’t marinate longer or the lemon juice can start to cook the shrimp).

   

   Southern Cornbread Dressing

2. Prepare the Grill
   Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
   Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

3. Assemble the Skewers
   Thread the shrimp onto skewers, 4–6 shrimp per stick, curling each shrimp in a “C” shape.
   Discard any remaining marinade.

4. Grill the Shrimp
   Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred around the edges.
   Avoid overcooking — shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long.

5. Serve & Garnish
   Transfer shrimp to a platter, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
   Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

🍋 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Greek salad, tabbouleh, or roasted vegetable couscous.

• Serve over a bed of garlic-herb rice, quinoa, or pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs.

• Make it a full meal by serving with a side of tzatziki or hummus and warm pita bread.

• Perfect for summer grilling, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Swap shrimp for scallops, chicken cubes, or halloumi cheese for a variation on the skewers.

• Add vegetables to the skewers — such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini — for extra color and nutrition.

  

  Chayote Juice: Unlock Natural Support for Joints and Bones

• For a smoky depth, sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika or sumac before grilling.

• To make it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of harissa oil.

• Leftovers can be tossed into Mediterranean pasta salad or wrapped in pita with yogurt sauce.

🌍 Mediterranean Story

Across the sunlit coasts of the Mediterranean — from the Greek islands to Southern Italy — grilled seafood is more than just a dish; it’s a way of life. The scent of shrimp sizzling over open flames, kissed by olive oil and herbs, is a staple of seaside tavernas and family gatherings.

This Lemon-Herb Shrimp Skewer recipe captures that spirit — the freshness of lemon, the depth of garlic and oregano, and the purity of olive oil. In Greece, you might find a version called Garides Souvlaki, while in Italy, it echoes Spiedini di Gamberi.

In the United States, these skewers have become a grilling favorite, often served at barbecues or Mediterranean-themed dinners. They embody everything people love about the Mediterranean diet — light, heart-healthy, and full of bright flavor.

Each bite is juicy, smoky, and refreshing — a perfect balance of sea and sunshine, simplicity and sophistication. 🌊🍋✨