Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Corn Salad

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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 recipe, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: While corn cools, thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled Cajun shrimp atop the charred corn salad for a refreshing, spicy dish.

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?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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.

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