Sam When the weather heats up and the grill is calling, there’s nothing more satisfying—or more impressive—than a plate of grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers. These vibrant kabobs combine the smoky char of the grill with juicy, sweet pineapple and plump, tender shrimp. Threaded together with bell peppers and brushed with a zesty citrus glaze, this dish offers a fresh, tropical twist on classic BBQ that’s both healthy and crave-worthy.
Imagine this: golden shrimp kissed by flame, tangy lime, and sweet honey clinging to the edges, nestled next to slightly caramelized pineapple chunks that melt in your mouth. The contrast is incredible—bright citrus acidity, natural fruit sweetness, and the savory depth of garlicky shrimp. Add in the color and crunch of red and yellow bell peppers, and you’ve got yourself a kabob that looks just as good as it tastes.
What I love most is how fast these shrimp pineapple BBQ skewers come together. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, nutritious meal that feels fancy enough for guests but is easy enough for weeknights. Plus, they’re packed with protein, naturally gluten-free, and low in carbs—making them ideal for a wide range of healthy eating lifestyles.
Whether you’re looking for easy shrimp and pineapple skewer dinners, a unique take on summer grilling, or a fun dish to liven up your weekend cookout, these kabobs are the ticket. They’re simple, colorful, and loaded with bright, balanced flavors that feel like a mini vacation on a stick.
Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers – Sweet, Smoky, and Tropical BBQ Perfection
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on or off
- 1 fresh pineapple cut into chunks
- 2 bell peppers red, orange, or yellow, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers soaked if wooden
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the MarinadeIn a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice and zest, honey, garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Marinate the ShrimpPlace shrimp in a bowl or resealable bag. Pour in the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 15–20 minutes.
- Step 3: Assemble the SkewersThread shrimp, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers alternately on skewers.
- Step 4: Grill to PerfectionPreheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 5: Serve and GarnishPlate with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Notes
Secret Tips for Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
- Double Skewer Trick: Use two skewers per kabob to keep ingredients from rotating when flipping. This helps everything cook evenly and makes turning them on the grill a breeze.
- Dry the Shrimp Thoroughly: After thawing or rinsing, pat the shrimp completely dry before marinating. Too much moisture will dilute the marinade and prevent a good sear.
- Light Brush of Oil on Pineapple: Before grilling, brush the pineapple chunks with a tiny bit of oil. This helps them caramelize without sticking—and enhances those beautiful charred grill marks.
- Zest Matters: Don’t skip the lime zest in the marinade! It intensifies the citrus aroma without adding more acidity, which can “cook” the shrimp if left too long.
- Grill on High Heat, Fast: Shrimp are delicate and cook in minutes. Grill over high direct heat to sear the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Layer for Flavor: Alternate shrimp and pineapple so the juices mingle—the sweetness of the pineapple enhances the shrimp flavor as they cook side-by-side.
- Serve with Citrus Salt: Mix sea salt with lime zest and a pinch of chili powder for a finishing sprinkle. It adds a punch of flavor that elevates the dish.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers rest for 2 minutes off the heat before serving. This keeps the juices in the shrimp instead of running out when cut or bitten into.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Course: Main Dish / Dinner
- Cuisine: Tropical Fusion / American BBQ
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and antioxidants like astaxanthin. According to WebMD, it’s also low in calories and rich in selenium, B12, and omega-3s.
Budget Breakdown
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): ~$8.00
- Pineapple (1 fresh): ~$3.00
- Bell peppers (2): ~$2.00
- Marinade ingredients (lime, honey, oil, garlic): ~$1.50
- Skewers & spices: ~$0.50
Total Cost: ~$15.00
Cost Per Serving: ~$3.75
Grilling doesn’t have to break the bank. For more healthy meals on a budget, visit EatRight.org.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe was born from a craving for something light, flavorful, and reminiscent of tropical vacations. It all started after a trip to Hawaii, where I had a simple but unforgettable shrimp and pineapple combo grilled over open flame. I loved the way the sweetness of the fruit balanced the brininess of the shrimp, and I knew I had to recreate it with my own spin.
At home, I added a quick honey lime shrimp marinade for a touch of heat and citrus brightness. I threaded in red and orange bell peppers for crunch and color. The marinade not only infuses the shrimp with flavor but also helps the fruit and veggies caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Since then, these shrimp and pineapple kabobs have become a summer go-to for our family. They’re fun to assemble, cook quickly, and work great for both casual backyard dinners and small gatherings. I’ve served them with everything from rice bowls to tropical slaws—and they’re always the first thing to disappear.
They’re also incredibly flexible: use frozen shrimp in a pinch, switch up the fruit, or toss the cooked skewers over salad for a lighter take. The vibrant flavors and easy prep keep this recipe on repeat all season long.
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs
- Packed with lean protein and tropical flavor
- Quick to marinate and even quicker to grill
- Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
- Visually stunning and perfect for entertaining
- Balanced with sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory notes
Perfect For
- Healthy summer grilling recipes
- Quick weeknight shrimp dinners
- Gluten-free BBQ options
- Outdoor meals with vibrant flavors
- Light, low-carb tropical dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on or off)
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Shrimp: A lean protein rich in selenium, B12, and iodine. See more from Healthline.
- Pineapple: Loaded with vitamin C and bromelain, a digestion-aiding enzyme.
- Bell Peppers: Add fiber, antioxidants, and crunch.
- Lime and Garlic: Add acidity and depth to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice and zest, honey, garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place shrimp in a bowl or resealable bag. Pour in the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread shrimp, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers alternately on skewers.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use large shrimp (16/20 size) to avoid overcooking
- Don’t marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes—acidic marinades can “cook” them
- Cut pineapple and peppers into similar-sized chunks for even cooking
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
- Baste with leftover marinade during grilling for extra glaze
Easy Variations
- Spicy Honey Lime Glaze: Add 1 tsp sriracha to the marinade
- Teriyaki Twist: Use a teriyaki-based sauce instead of honey lime
- Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Bowls: Serve skewers over coconut rice
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for tofu or halloumi cheese
Storage & Reheat Tips
- Fridge: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Freezer: Not recommended for shrimp once grilled
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet or microwave until just warmed through
🍽️ Make It a Meal
Pair your shrimp skewers with these ReadyPrepMeals favorites:
Also explore our Summer Grilling Recipes, Seafood Recipe, and Light Lunch Recipes tags for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use large shrimp and grill over medium-high heat for just 2–4 minutes per side. Remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat dry before marinating.
Absolutely. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and packed with fresh produce. Pineapple offers vitamin C, while shrimp is a great lean protein source.
Yes. Broil in the oven for 4–5 minutes per side or use a grill pan on the stovetop.
Add chili flakes, cayenne, or sriracha to your marinade for extra heat.
Try cilantro lime dressing, creamy avocado sauce, or even a light yogurt dip.
Yes! You can marinate the shrimp and chop the ingredients in advance. Assemble the skewers right before grilling.
Cut into 1-inch chunks. Too small and they fall apart; too big and they take longer to cook than shrimp.
For best flavor, marinate for 15–20 minutes. Avoid longer than 30 minutes or the acid will start to “cook” the shrimp.
Mango, peaches, or even watermelon work well for a grilled fruit twist.
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if substituting.
Absolutely. Double the recipe and set up a skewer station where guests can build their own.
Final Thoughts
Grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of summer on a stick. With minimal prep, maximum flavor, and bright, vibrant ingredients, they offer a light and healthy option that’s anything but boring.
The combination of citrus-marinated shrimp, caramelized pineapple, and colorful bell peppers makes this dish stand out on the grill and on the plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to something fresh and delicious, this is a recipe that checks every box.
If you’re looking for a quick grilled shrimp and pineapple dinner that’s gluten-free, protein-packed, and full of island flavor, this is the one to try. From meal prep to party plates, it’s bound to become a favorite in your rotation.
So fire up the grill, skewer some sunshine, and savor the sweet and smoky taste of summer. You deserve it.
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Sweet, smoky, and loaded with tropical flavor—these quick-grilled shrimp and pineapple kabobs are perfect for healthy dinners and weekend BBQs!
