If you’re looking for the perfect recipe that screams easy summer entertaining, these Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers) are truly love at first bite! Tender jumbo shrimp soak up a garlicky, citrusy marinade with a hint of jalapeno heat and a splash of tequila, while colorful veggies and juicy pineapple roast on the grill beside them. Each skewer is bursting with fresh flavor, vibrant color, and just the right balance of smoky char and sweetness that makes every bite irresistible. This is the kind of dish you’ll crave at every backyard cookout!

Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers) is probably already in your kitchen, and every ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here’s why each item matters and a tip for making the most of it:

Cilantro (¼ cup finely chopped): Delivers a fresh, herbal punch that brightens everything up.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds warmth and a little mellow bite that plays perfectly with citrus and seafood.
Jalapenos (2 small, finely minced): Give just enough kick; leave in the seeds for more heat or scrape them out for a milder vibe.
Tequila (2 tablespoons): Offers a subtle earthiness; you can sub with orange juice for a zero-proof version with a hint more sweetness.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the spice and acid, and you can swap for agave or brown sugar if you prefer.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle smokiness that makes these skewers taste like they came straight off wood coals.
Salt (½ teaspoon) & Pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors and keeps the balance just right.
Lime zest (from 1 medium lime): Intensifies the citrusy aroma and vibrancy—don’t skip this little detail!
Lime juice (from 1½ medium limes): Adds the zingy tang that shrimp and veggies love.
Jumbo shrimp (1 pound, 16-20 count): Choose large, peeled, deveined shrimp for plump, juicy bites; tails on make them easy to eat!
Neutral oil (2 tablespoons): Helps prevent sticking and ensures even charring.
Red bell peppers (2 large, cut into ½” cubes): Add sweetness, crunch, and a bold pop of color.
Zucchinis (2 large, cut into ½” rounds): Stay tender yet toothsome after grilling—perfect for skewering.
Pineapple (½, in ½” cubes): Caramelizes beautifully on the grill and brings a burst of juiciness.
Oil (1 tablespoon): Lightly coats the veggies and pineapple so they don’t dry out or stick.
Lime wedges: For the final zingy squeeze right before serving.
Fresh cilantro (roughly chopped): Gives that last touch of color and brightness.
Salt and pepper (extra, to taste): Always handy for sprinkling on at the end just before serving.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers)

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by gathering your marinade ingredients—cilantro, minced garlic, jalapeno, tequila, honey, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lime zest, and lime juice. Toss everything into a medium bowl with the shrimp, making sure each piece gets a luxurious coating. Press plastic wrap directly onto the shrimp so every bite soaks up that good marinade, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the vegetables and pineapple. This quick marination gives the shrimp fantastic flavor without turning them mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggie-Pineapple Skewers

While the shrimp rests, it’s time to show some love to your veggie crew. In a large bowl, toss your chopped bell peppers, zucchini rounds, and pineapple chunks with oil, salt, and pepper. This ensures every piece roasts up juicy and seasoned, not bland or dry. Thread the veggies and pineapple onto metal skewers, alternating for color and fun. Set them aside—they’re ready to hit the grill when you are!

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Fire up your grill or grill pan to high heat, brushing the grates or pan with a little neutral oil. A hot grill is what gives those beautiful, crave-worthy grill marks and a quick sear that keeps everything tender and juicy inside.

Step 4: Skewer and Grill the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the marinade and let any excess drip off (don’t worry if a little cilantro or jalapeno clings on; it’s flavor!). Thread shrimp onto skewers, keeping them snug but not squished, then grill them for about 3 to 5 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they go from translucent to opaque and have a gently charred edge. Optional: brush the shrimp with extra marinade while grilling for even bolder flavor—just be sure not to use it after the shrimp are cooked.

Step 5: Grill Veggie-Pineapple Skewers

Grill the veggie-pineapple skewers first to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Place them on the hot grill and cook for roughly 5 minutes per side, until lightly charred and the colors pop. The caramelized pineapple makes these skewers extra special—as soon as you smell it, you’ll know this was the right choice!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers) on a gorgeous platter. Sprinkle with extra cilantro, add lime wedges for a fresh squeeze, and season with a final dash of salt and pepper. Get ready for everyone to reach for seconds!

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers)

Garnishes

A simple handful of roughly chopped cilantro adds the freshest aroma, while lime wedges invite everyone to give their skewers an invigorating squeeze. You can also finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a little upscale flair—every garnish here makes your Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers) look as lively as they taste.

Side Dishes

These skewers are so versatile when it comes to pairing! Serve over steamed rice to soak up all the zesty juices, grill some sweet corn on the cob, or prepare a crunchy slaw for extra texture. They are delicious tucked into warm tortillas for taco night, or perched atop a green salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at your next gathering, alternate shrimp with veggie and pineapple chunks on the same skewer for a rainbow effect. Or, display each type of skewer separately on a wooden cutting board with little ramekins of salsa, guacamole, or chipotle crema on the side. Don’t be afraid to add edible flowers or extra lime halves to the platter for a true summer festival look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers), simply remove everything from the skewers and store in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to two days, ready for quick lunches or to redesign as a power bowl the next day.

Freezing

While shrimp freeze beautifully, the grilled veggies and pineapple can get a little soft and watery after thawing. If you want to freeze just the shrimp, wrap them tightly and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the shrimp and veggies in a hot skillet for a few minutes just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you have an air fryer, that’s a speedy way to restore a little char and crispness, too!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers)?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick and ensures your shrimp cook evenly on the grill.

What’s a good substitute for tequila in the marinade?

If you’d prefer these skewers alcohol-free, orange juice is a great swap. It gives the same subtle sweetness and acidity without the boozy kick, making the dish family-friendly.

How do I prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill?

Preheat your grill and lightly brush it with oil right before adding the skewers. This keeps everything from sticking and makes flipping a breeze. Make sure your grill is good and hot—shrimp loves the heat!

Can I make Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers) indoors?

Yes, a grill pan or even a high-heat broiler in your oven works wonders if you don’t have an outdoor grill. The smokiness may be milder, but the flavors still shine bright and delicious.

Could I use other vegetables or fruits?

Certainly! Red onion, cherry tomatoes, or chunks of mango are all wonderful alternatives or additions. Get inspired by what’s in season or what you have on hand—these skewers are all about making the most of fresh, colorful produce.

Final Thoughts

Whenever you want to bring a little celebration to your table, these Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers) are the way to do it. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough for entertaining—and sure to have everyone insisting on seconds. Fire up that grill and enjoy every flavorful skewer!

Grilled Shrimp Skewers (with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers) Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Veggie-Pineapple Skewers. Perfect for a summer BBQ or any time you’re craving a flavorful seafood dish.

Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine cilantro, garlic, jalapenos, tequila, honey, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and shrimp. Toss to coat and marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Assemble Veggie-Pineapple Skewers: Toss veggies and fruit with oil, salt, and pepper. Skewer and set aside.
Grill: Preheat grill, skewer shrimp, and grill veggies and fruit first. Grill shrimp until opaque and slightly charred.
Serve: Enjoy the skewers with your favorite sides. Garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, salt, and pepper.