Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Mexican Salsa and Asian Sesame-Glazed Carrots

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled Mediterranean shrimp skewers served with spicy Mexican salsa and sweet Asian sesame-glazed carrots. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes blends shrimp, grilled vegetables, salsa into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.7 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 310 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thread 1 lb shrimp and 1 cup grilled vegetables (cut into 1-inch pieces) onto 8 skewers, alternating shrimp and vegetables to ensure even cooking. Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating occasionally, until shrimp turn opaque and pink, and vegetables are charred in spots. Tip: Avoid moving skewers during the first 2 minutes to allow shrimp to sear properly.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup carrots (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch sticks) and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp honey, stirring to coat the carrots evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce reduces to a glossy glaze and carrots are tender-crisp. Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 tbsp water to adjust consistency.
  5. Step 5: Assemble skewers on plates, drizzle with 1/2 cup salsa (chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice), and serve immediately with the glazed carrots on the side. Tip: Let salsa sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Mexican Salsa and Asian Sesame-Glazed Carrots take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Mexican Salsa and Asian Sesame-Glazed Carrots?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Mexican Salsa and Asian Sesame-Glazed Carrots?

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 Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Mexican Salsa and Asian Sesame-Glazed Carrots 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.

Is Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Mexican Salsa and Asian Sesame-Glazed Carrots gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes