Greek Salad and Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Summer is the season for vibrant, fresh flavors and outdoor dining! Why not shake things up at your next barbecue with a delicious Greek Salad served alongside succulent grilled shrimp skewers? This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a splash of color to your table. Are you ready to impress your guests and delight in every bite?
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Greek Salad
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 2 red bell peppers
- 12 black olives
- ½ block of feta cheese
- A pinch of oregano
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4.5 fresh basil leaves
For the Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- 24 shrimp
- 2 red bell peppers (cut into pieces)
Instructions
- Peel the cucumber, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
- Place it in a colander with a pinch of salt and let it drain for about 1 hour.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters.
- Thinly slice the red onion using a mandoline slicer.
- Cube the feta cheese.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, feta, onion, drained cucumbers, oregano, spices, olive oil, and vinegar. Toss gently to mix.
- Cut the red bell peppers into halves, then lay them flat and slice each half into thirds to create skewering pieces.
- On skewers, alternate threading a shrimp and a piece of red bell pepper until you have six shrimp per skewer.
- Grill the skewers on a barbecue or in a skillet until the shrimp are cooked through and have nice grill marks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the grilled shrimp alongside the Greek salad, and consider pairing it with Greek pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
This dish is best served fresh. If you need to prepare in advance, keep the salad and the shrimp separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Recipe Tips
- To enhance the flavor of the shrimp, marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Feel free to add any additional vegetables you enjoy, such as cucumbers or zucchini to the salad.
- Adjust the herbs according to your preference; dill or parsley can be great substitutes for basil.
Nutritional Information
Approximately 300 calories per serving, high in protein and healthy fats.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.
- What can I substitute for feta cheese?
- Goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative can be used.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your additional ingredients (like any pasta) are gluten-free as well.
- Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
- Absolutely! Ingredients like avocados, artichokes, or even grilled chicken can add more depth to your dish.
- What drink pairs well with this meal?
- A crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade complements the flavors wonderfully.