Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Corn Salad
Juicy shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices, grilled to perfection and served with a smoky charred corn salad tossed in a tangy lime vinaigrette. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp (peeled and deveined), olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 ears, husked fresh corn on the cob
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 small, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, coating evenly. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place 3 ears of husked corn directly on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until kernels are charred and tender. Remove and let cool.
- Step 3: While corn cools, thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Cut the charred kernels off the cooled corn cobs into a bowl. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 small diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, salt, and black pepper to taste. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
- Step 6: Serve the grilled Cajun shrimp atop the charred corn salad for a refreshing, spicy dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Corn Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Corn Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Corn Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Corn Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Corn Salad?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
