Summer Shrimp and Corn Skewers with Mediterranean Dressing

Barbecued shrimp and corn skewers garnished with sweet bell peppers and Mediterranean dressing represent the ideal effortless summer meal, ready in just a few minutes.

Summer Shrimp & Corn Skewers with Mediterranean Dressing

A Summer Meal That Whiffs Like Vacation

There exists a unique type of dinner that exclusively belongs to summer. The kind enjoyed outdoors while the grill sizzles gently in the background and someone wanders barefoot into the grass, bearing a platter of skewers dripping with sauce.

These shrimp and corn skewers encapsulate that experience perfectly.

Sweet summer corn caramelizes at the edges as shrimp curl into delicate pink ribbons over the flames. Red and green peppers soften just enough to turn smoky and silky, while everything is coated with a vivid Mediterranean dressing that seeps into every nook of the veggies and seafood.

They are straightforward in the most excellent way—simple, vibrant, and deeply seasonal. The kind of dish that evokes long evenings and second servings.

And possibly the best part? They grill in mere minutes, making them perfect for easy summer gatherings, beach weekends, backyard barbecues, or those sultry evenings when switching on the oven seems unbearable.

Why These Shrimp and Corn Skewers Are Exceptional

These grilled shrimp skewers boast a harmonious blend of flavor and texture, which explains why they vanish so swiftly from the serving dish.

The corn becomes sweet and slightly charred, providing a smoky kick that harmonizes perfectly with the tender shrimp. Bell peppers contribute freshness and vibrancy, while the Mediterranean dressing serves as both marinade and finishing glaze.

Since the shrimp cook rapidly and the corn is partially boiled ahead of time, everything is ready simultaneously on the grill, ensuring no dry seafood or undercooked vegetables.

This is also a naturally gluten-free summer grilling recipe that feels substantial yet not heavy.

Ingredients for Shrimp and Corn Skewers

Shrimp – Large shrimp turn succulent and lightly smoky on the grill. Peeling and deveining them in advance allows the marinade to attach directly to the seafood for optimal flavor.

Fresh Corn on the Cob – Seasonal corn adds sweetness and texture. Parboiling the corn prior to grilling ensures it becomes tender while still acquiring lovely char marks on the grill.

Red Bell Pepper – Red peppers provide natural sweetness and bold color to the skewers. They caramelize slightly on the grill, complementing the savory shrimp.

Green Bell Pepper – Green peppers contribute freshness and a mild bitterness that prevents the skewers from tasting overly sweet.

Mediterranean Dressing – A Mediterranean-style vinaigrette, my preferred and most commonly used dressing in my kitchen, infuses herbs, acidity, and oil all in one step, simplifying this grilled shrimp marinade without requiring multiple components.

Essential Tools

Metal Skewers – Metal skewers transfer heat efficiently and ensure even cooking of the shrimp while preventing burning, which may occur with wooden skewers.

Large Pot – Used for parboiling the corn to ensure it becomes tender prior to grilling. This step avoids overcooking the shrimp while waiting for the corn to soften.

Outdoor Grill – A charcoal grill imparts the best smoky flavor, although gas grills perform beautifully as well.

Sheet Pan or Baking Tray – Keeps the assembled skewers neatly organized and simplifies transporting them to the grill efficiently and cleanly.

Tongs – Crucial for swiftly flipping the skewers without damaging the shrimp.

Basting Brush – Assists in evenly applying dressing to the skewers during grilling for additional taste and gloss.

How to Prepare Shrimp and Corn Skewers

Step 1: Get the Corn Ready

Remove the husks from the corn and slice each cob into 3 equal segments.

Bring a large pot filled with salted water to a boil. Once boiling, gently add the corn sections and cover the pot. Boil the corn for 10 minutes, then promptly take it out and let it cool.

This phase ensures tender grilled corn while maintaining the shrimp’s juiciness later.

Step 2: Marinade the Shrimp

Remove the shell and vein from the shrimp.

Put them in a bowl with 1/4 cup of the Mediterranean dressing and place in the refrigerator until you are set to assemble. This can be accomplished several hours in advance for enhanced flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Cut the peppers from top to bottom and take out the stems and seeds.

Slice each half into 3 long strips, and then cut each strip diagonally into triangular pieces.

You should obtain approximately 18 pepper pieces per pepper.

How to Construct Shrimp and Corn Skewers

Skewer the ingredients onto 8 metal skewers following this sequence:

• 1 piece of corn
• 1 shrimp
• 1 pepper wedge
• 1 piece of corn
• 1 shrimp
• 1 pepper wedge of a contrasting color

Arrange the prepared skewers on a sheet pan and generously brush both sides with the remaining dressing.

This layered setup ensures every bite includes sweet corn, smoky peppers, and succulent shrimp together.

Any leftover shrimp can be skewered and grilled to be paired with other dishes. Some additional favorites are: Pea Pesto and Shrimp Wonton Cups, Shrimp Quinoa Buddha Bowls, or even more shrimp on sticks with these Shrimp and Grits Kabobs!

How to Barbecue Shrimp and Corn Skewers

Preheat the grill until the coals are a light gray and heated.

Put the skewers directly on the grill grates and cook for 2 minutes on the first side.

Brush the tops with more dressing, then flip and grill for another 2 minutes.

The shrimp should appear bright pink and slightly curled, while the corn attains a gentle char.

Serve promptly while hot, or let them cool slightly and present at room temperature for casual outdoor hosting.

What to Accompany Shrimp and Corn Skewers

These summer shrimp skewers pair splendidly with:

• Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad – brimming with Mediterranean flavors, tomatoes, black olives, herbs, and feta, makes for the ideal side dish!
• Watermelon and feta salad served on a bed of wholesome greens or artistically formed into a quirky Rubik Cube atop basil, with Mediterranean Lemon Herb dressing.
• Simple Homemade Flatbread infused with fresh herbs or dried spices, to enjoy alongside the shrimp and corn skewers, or for the extra shrimp and peppers you grilled on skewers, served between a folded piece of pita flatbread.
• Tzatziki swiftly combined from cucumbers gathered from your summer garden or a nearby farmers market, with all the
• invigorating tastes of lemon, dill or mint along with Greek yogurt.
• Watermelon Mint Beverage or Non-Alcoholic Version, the formula I prepared for The Great American Recipe on PBS, uncomplicated components perfect for warm summer afternoons or a movie location!

They also serve as a superb enhancement to a more extensive backyard seafood grilling spread.

Additional Corn Recipes To Explore

In Maryland where I reside, by mid-summer corn begins to be harvested around the state, a culinary signal that summer is in full effect. Naturally, I possess a collection of Tempting Recipes Relishing The Essence of Sweet Corn.

• Let’s kick off these delectable recipes with Sweet Corn Ice Cream! A ‘Farm To Table’ ice cream recipe derived from sweet, sun-kissed corn fresh from the cob, simmered, pureed and churned just as nature intended.
• Fresh Corn Polenta Muffins – Locally sourced corn, mascarpone, and a sprinkle of fenugreek for a uniquely different version of polenta, in a portable muffin.
• Harvest Thyme Corn Fritters, a splendid display of Autumn’s corn, whisked into a savory fritter, with or without chilies.
• Concluding the summer with these Halloween Spicy Cornbread Skulls, crafted from a buttery rich cornbread mixture, filled with pepper bacon and cheese, and baked to eerie perfection!

FAQs Concerning Shrimp and Corn Skewers

Is it possible to use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Fully thaw and pat dry prior to marinating to avoid excess moisture on the grill.

Can shrimp skewers be prepared in advance?

Yes. Assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.

Is it necessary to boil the corn beforehand?

Yes, parboiling allows the corn to cook uniformly and helps prevent the shrimp from overcooking while waiting for the corn to soften.

How can I prevent shrimp from adhering to the grill?

Ensure the grill is thoroughly preheated and lightly oiled before laying down the skewers.

May I utilize wooden skewers instead?

Yes, but immerse them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning.

If you prepare these Summer Shrimp & Corn Skewers, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you feature them at a cookout, beach dinner, or a quiet evening on the patio? Leave a comment below and share your own cherished summer grilling customs.

And if you captured them sizzling on the grill, tag me on Pinterest or Instagram; charred corn and bright pink shrimp were made for summer light.