Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Juicy, Bright & Flavor-Packed)

Sarah Smith
6 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Grilled shrimp skewers on a white plate, seasoned with herbs and spices. The shrimp are golden and appetizing, set against a blurred background.

These Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers are juicy, zesty, and bursting with fresh coastal flavor. Shrimp are marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs, then quickly grilled until lightly charred and perfectly tender. The result is a light yet satisfying dish that feels fresh, summery, and deeply flavorful without being heavy.

Serve these shrimp skewers with Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki), Creamy Mediterranean Orzo with Spinach & Feta, or warm pita and Tzatziki Sauce for an easy Mediterranean-style meal that’s perfect for weeknights, entertaining, or outdoor grilling season.

Why You’ll Love This

Juicy, flavorful shrimp with bright Mediterranean seasoning
Quick-cooking skewers perfect for grilling or indoor grilling
Light yet satisfying main dish or appetizer
Great for summer meals, entertaining, or easy weeknight dinners

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Marinate Time: 20–30 minutes Cook Time: 6–8 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

Calories: 260–290 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Total Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 1 g
Sodium: 480 mg

Ingredients

1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon wedges

Instructions

Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Marinate shrimp: Add shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (do not marinate longer or the shrimp can become mushy).
Skewer: Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 4–5 shrimp per skewer.
Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill shrimp skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Serve: Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

No grill? Use a grill pan or broil shrimp 2–3 minutes per side.
Extra flavor: Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
Veggie skewers: Alternate shrimp with zucchini, red onion, or cherry tomatoes.
Spicy twist: Add a spoonful of harissa or chili paste to the marinade.

FAQ

Are shrimp skewers Mediterranean Diet–friendly? Yes. Shrimp, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs are all Mediterranean staples.

Can I prep these ahead of time? You can prep the marinade and clean shrimp ahead, but marinate just before grilling.

How do I keep shrimp from overcooking? Cook just until opaque and curled — shrimp cook very fast.

What sauce goes best with shrimp skewers? Tzatziki, lemon yogurt sauce, or garlic hummus all pair beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers are everything you want in a quick, fresh dinner — bright citrus, savory garlic, and juicy shrimp with just the right amount of char. Easy enough for busy nights and impressive enough for guests, they’re a Mediterranean classic you’ll find yourself making again and again.