Zesty Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Featured in: Picnic Food

This dish features large shrimp and an assortment of vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and cherry tomatoes, all marinated in a flavorful blend of Cajun spices, olive oil, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. After a brief marinating period, the shrimp and veggies are threaded onto skewers and grilled over medium-high heat until tender and smoky, making it an ideal light yet satisfying meal for warm-weather gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, it delivers a perfect balance of bold, zesty flavors.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:26:00 GMT
Juicy Zesty Cajun Shrimp & Veggie Skewers served with fresh lemon wedges.  Save It
Juicy Zesty Cajun Shrimp & Veggie Skewers served with fresh lemon wedges. | sunnyspoonful.com

Juicy shrimp and colorful vegetables are marinated in a bold Cajun spice blend, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, zesty dish perfect for summer gatherings.

This recipe became a summer favorite because it brings vibrant colors and exciting flavors to the grill with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks, 1 small zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds, 8 oz (225 g) cherry tomatoes
  • Marinade: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Garnish (optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2:
Add shrimp and all prepared vegetables to the bowl. Toss well to coat evenly. Marinate for 10–15 minutes while you preheat the grill.
Step 3:
Preheat the grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
Step 4:
Thread shrimp and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
Step 5:
Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are opaque and vegetables are just tender with light grill marks.
Step 6:
Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Grilled Zesty Cajun Shrimp & Veggie Skewers bursting with vibrant colors and flavors.  Save It
Grilled Zesty Cajun Shrimp & Veggie Skewers bursting with vibrant colors and flavors. | sunnyspoonful.com

This dish always brings the family together on warm evenings, sparking conversations and compliments at every bite.

Required Tools

Grill or grill pan, Mixing bowl, Whisk, Skewers (metal or soaked wooden), Tongs

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp). Double-check Cajun seasoning for potential hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 220, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 10 g, Protein 24 g per serving

Smoky Zesty Cajun Shrimp & Veggie Skewers garnished with parsley, ideal for summer dining. Save It
Smoky Zesty Cajun Shrimp & Veggie Skewers garnished with parsley, ideal for summer dining. | sunnyspoonful.com

Perfect for summertime grilling, this recipe delivers smoky flavor with ease and freshness.

Recipe FAQs

How long should the shrimp and vegetables marinate?

Marinate the shrimp and vegetables for 10–15 minutes to absorb the Cajun spice blend without overpowering their natural flavors.

What vegetables work best on these skewers?

Red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes hold up well on the grill and complement the shrimp’s flavor.

How can I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before threading to reduce burning during grilling.

Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Yes, increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper to the marinade to suit your preferred spice tolerance.

What side dishes pair well with these shrimp skewers?

Grilled shrimp skewers go well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to create a balanced, satisfying meal.

Zesty Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Juicy shrimp and vibrant vegetables marinated in Cajun spices, grilled to smoky perfection.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Duration
30 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Picnic Food

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American (Cajun-inspired)

Recipe Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Dairy-Free, Free From Gluten, Low Carbohydrate

What You'll Need

Seafood

01 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails optional

Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
03 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
04 1 small zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
05 8 oz cherry tomatoes

Marinade

01 3 tbsp olive oil
02 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
03 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
04 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 1/2 tsp salt
07 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
02 Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

Step 01

Prepare marinade: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.

Step 02

Marinate shrimp and vegetables: Add shrimp and all vegetables to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes while preheating the grill.

Step 03

Preheat grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high.

Step 04

Assemble skewers: Thread shrimp and vegetables alternately onto skewers.

Step 05

Grill skewers: Cook skewers 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and vegetables are tender with grill marks.

Step 06

Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with parsley, and offer lemon wedges alongside.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
  • Tongs

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • Verify Cajun seasoning for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 220
  • Fats: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Proteins: 24 grams