Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Tzatziki

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Tzatziki bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coast directly to your dinner table. Succulent shrimp are marinated in a bright mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection until they develop a beautiful char and smoky flavor. The result is tender, juicy shrimp with a delightful contrast between the caramelized exterior and the sweet, delicate interior. The accompanying homemade tzatziki sauce is a classic Greek condiment that perfectly complements the grilled shrimp. Made with thick Greek yogurt, crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and a hint of garlic, this cooling sauce provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the smoky shrimp. The combination is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, featuring lean protein from the shrimp and probiotics from the yogurt. This dish embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine: simple, fresh ingredients prepared with minimal fuss to let their natural flavors shine. It's a perfect example of how the Mediterranean diet emphasizes seafood, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these shrimp skewers are impressive enough for guests yet easy enough for any day of the week. Serve these skewers alongside a fresh Greek salad, warm pita bread, or over a bed of herbed rice for a complete Mediterranean feast. The bright, fresh flavors and light yet satisfying nature of this dish make it ideal for warm weather dining, though it's delicious any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbslarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbspolive oil, divided
• 2 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 3 clovesgarlic, minced, divided
• 1 tspdried oregano
• 1 tspsalt, divided
• 1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground, divided
• 1 cupGreek yogurt, full-fat or 2%
• 1 mediumcucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 tbspfresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsplemon zest
• 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped optional
• 4 wedgeslemon wedges, for serving optional

Method

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. 0:05
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until well combined. 0:05
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the tzatziki. 0:05
4. For the tzatziki, grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly to remove as much excess water as possible. 0:06
5. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, chopped dill, minced garlic (1 clove), 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir well to combine. 0:05
6. Cover the tzatziki and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together. 0:04
7. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the grates with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. 0:04
8. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, placing 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Thread them through both the tail and head ends so they lay flat. 0:06
9. Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until the shrimp turn pink and develop grill marks. 0:05
10. Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. 0:04
11. Serve the grilled shrimp skewers immediately with the tzatziki sauce on the side and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. 0:05

Featured in Low FODMAP dinners: grilled proteins that satisfy