Nothing says summer like Grilled Seafood Skewers sizzling over a hot grill. These skewers combine shrimp, scallops, and fresh vegetables with a flavorful marinade, delivering a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and bright citrus notes.

Quick to prepare and visually impressive, these skewers are ideal for summer BBQs, alfresco dinners, or a healthy weeknight treat. Grilling intensifies the natural sweetness of seafood while adding subtle charred flavor that elevates every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in 20–25 minutes.
Healthy and light: Lean protein and fresh veggies.
Customizable: Mix shrimp, scallops, fish, or vegetables as desired.
Perfect for entertaining: Eye-catching and easy to serve.
Versatile: Grill, broil, or pan-sear.

Ingredients

– For the Marinade

¼ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste

– For the Skewers

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 sea scallops, cleaned
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the Seafood

Add shrimp and scallops to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly and let rest for 15–20 minutes while preparing the vegetables.

3. Assemble the Skewers

Thread shrimp, scallops, and vegetables alternately onto skewers. Leave a small space between pieces to ensure even cooking.

4. Grill the Skewers

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque, scallops are firm, and vegetables are tender with grill marks.

5. Serve and Garnish

Remove skewers from the grill and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a light quinoa salad or couscous.
Serve with a lemon-garlic aioli for dipping.
Add a side of grilled corn or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

Pre-soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Do not overcook seafood — shrimp and scallops cook very quickly.
Mix veggies — cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus work beautifully.
Use metal skewers for faster and more even cooking.
Marinate ahead — prepare seafood 1–2 hours in advance for deeper flavor.