Healthy Mediterranean Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers are a classic summer staple, but this version takes things up a notch with a flavorful Mediterranean marinade. The shrimp is marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper, giving it a bright, zesty flavor. The skewers are then grilled until the shrimp is cooked through and slightly charred, resulting in a juicy, succulent dish that's perfect for a backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner.

The Mediterranean region has a long and storied culinary history, and its cuisine is known for its use of fresh, flavorful ingredients. This recipe for Mediterranean Shrimp Skewers is inspired by the classic Greek dish of **souvlaki**, which is grilled meat skewers. I've adapted the recipe to use shrimp, which cooks quickly and evenly on the grill. The marinade is a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper, which gives the shrimp a bright, zesty flavor. The skewers are then grilled until the shrimp is cooked through and slightly charred, resulting in a juicy, succulent dish that's perfect for a backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 12 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 12 wooden skewers

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
5. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through.
6. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The marinade helps to tenderize the shrimp and infuses it with flavor.
• Grilling the shrimp on skewers allows for even cooking and prevents the shrimp from overcooking.
• The simple marinade allows the natural flavor of the shrimp to shine through.