Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers with Chickpea Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spiced harissa-marinated shrimp grilled to perfection served alongside a refreshing chickpea salad with fresh herbs and lemon. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chickpea salad by mixing 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1/2 diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 finely diced red onion, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled harissa shrimp skewers over the chickpea salad for a vibrant, flavorful meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers with Chickpea Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 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 Harissa Shrimp Skewers with Chickpea 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 harissa paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Harissa Shrimp Skewers with Chickpea 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 Harissa Shrimp Skewers with Chickpea 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 Harissa Shrimp Skewers with Chickpea Salad?

Mediterranean grilling 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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