Tender, buttery, flavor-packed grilled scallops will take just 5 minute on your grill pan or outdoor grill! Served over my Mediterranean fresh tomato salsa, these scallops are easy to make for a quick dinner that feels even fancier than your favorite restaurant. Watch the video and check out my tips for how to grill scallops perfectly every time!

A plate of scallops over Mediterranean-style salsa

Grill your own scallops at home!

If you believe that scallops are a fancy dinner reserved only for dining out, this homemade grilled scallops recipe begs to differ! Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth tender grilled scallops – just like you’d expect at your favorite restaurant – take only 5 minutes on your grill pan or outdoor grill!

In this recipe, large wild-caught scallops are seasoned very simply with Kosher salt and pepper, brushed with a little extra-virgin olive oil, then quickly grilled in a grill pan (or outdoor grill). Then they’re served over fresh Mediterranean-style tomato salsa to make a simple dinner that is brimming with flavor and feels extra special.

Serve these up for date night, to impress your guests or on any night that just needs a little extra flare or that fancy feeling.

What are scallops?

If you’re not too familiar, scallops are a shellfish with an edible adductor muscle. They’re round, tender muscles that are sweet, somewhat briny and delicate. Most supermarkets will sell two kinds of scallops–sea scallops and bay scallops. Sea scallops are larger (some can even be as big as 2 inches in diameter).

A plate of scallops over salsa

Fresh vs. frozen scallops

Depending on where you are, frozen scallops are likely easier to find and more affordable. They may actually be fresher than “fresh” scallops, as fresh scallops can sit in the seafood counter for days while frozen scallops are frozen at peak freshness. When buying frozen scallops, look for wild-caught scallops.

If you do live near the water and have access to good fresh scallops, look for ones with a firm texture, not shiny or too wet. Avoid them if they have a fishy or strong smell. Freshly caught scallops will smell a bit like seaweed or saltwater.

A tip from my fishmonger: female scallops have a bit of a pinkish flesh, and they tend to be a bit sweeter.

What’s the best way to cook them?

Scallops can be cooked in a variety of ways: battered and fried, pan-seared, baked, or grilled (as we do in this recipe).

With sea scallops especially, because they tend to have a chewier texture, it’s best to quickly sear or grill them to create a nice crispy exterior. Either way, they will cook in about 5 to 6 minutes, you’ll want to watch to make sure not to over-cook them.

Ingredients needed to make Mediterranean-style salsa and grilled scallops

What you’ll need to make this recipe

Aside from your scallops and olive oil, you’ll need a few simple ingredients to make this special scallops dinner:

  • Sea Scallops – If they are not already cleaned and ready for use, clean them by rinsing under cool water and patting dry with a paper towel before starting the recipe. If using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them first. Simply place the sealed bag of scallops in a bowl with cold water to defrost. It will take about 15 minutes or so, flip the bag over halfway through.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – You can see my favorite olive oils for cooking here. Try
  • Salt and pepper – Besides the salsa, salt and pepper are the only seasonings these scallops need.
  • Lemons – Lemons are grilled alongside the scallops and squeezed over them at the end for the perfect bright finish.
  • Mediterranean-Style Fresh Tomato Salsa to serve along! A mixture of sweet cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Mediterranean-style salsa with tomatoes and fresh herbs

How to grill scallops

Though the end result appears fancy, these grilled scallops are super easy to make. Prepare the Mediterranean salsa first, then tend to your scallops. There are two ways to grill the scallops:

  • On an indoor griddle or grill pan (as I do in the video below): Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat and brush the cooking surface with olive oil. Pat the scallops dry and brush with extra virgin olive oil and season on both sides with Kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange the scallops in one single layer on your cooking surface and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

    Scallops in a grill pan
  • On an outdoor gas grill: Heat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Season the scallops with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides and thread them through skewers (they are easier to cook on the grill this way so you don’t loose any between the grates). Brush the scallops on both sides with extra virgin olive oil and arrange them on your heated grill in one single layer. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

How do you know when scallops are done on the grill?

Like shrimp, scallops can get dry and rubbery if you don’t cook them properly. Over medium-high heat, your scallops will take 2 minutes or so per side. After they cook for 2 minutes on the first side, and you see some char marks on the bottom, you can turn them over. They should release easily from the grill surface, but if not, give them a few more seconds and try again. They are ready when they release easily from your grill.

Aerial view of grilled scallops over salsa with a grilled lemon

Serve with

Scallops are best served immediately, so it’s a good idea to prepare any sides or salads you’re serving along ahead of time. I love pairing these grilled scallops over my Mediterranean fresh tomato salsa, which is a mixture of tomatoes, olives, shallots and herbs. You can also pair these scallops with any number of salads or vegetable sides like: white bean salad, avocado salad, zucchini boats, or sautéed asparagus. If you like, you can also add couscous or lemon rice for a little grain.

How long will they keep?

Scallops are best enjoyed immediately on the day you cook them. But if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for a day or two.

Reheating scallops is not recommended as they turn rubbery, so it’s best to enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature (you can turn them into a seafood salad).

More seafood recipes to try:

Browse all Mediterranean recipes. Visit Our Shop.

4.89 from 18 votes

Grilled Scallops with Mediterranean-Style Tomato Salsa

Suzy Karadsheh
Grilled scallops served over Mediterranean-style salsa
These Grilled Scallops with Mediterranean-style tomato salsa are easy to make at home for a quick dinner that feels even fancier than your favorite restaurant. Perfect for guests, date night, or any special occasion! Make the salsa or any sides ahead of time, the scallops will take no more than 5 minutes to cook.
Prep – 15 minutes
Cook – 5 minutes
Total – 20 minutes
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Serves – 4 servings
Course:
Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large sea scallops, cleaned (about 12 to 13 scallops)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2 large lemons, halved

For the Fresh Tomato Salsa

Instructions
 

  • Make the Mediterranean-Style Homemade Salsa according to this recipe. Set aside for now.
  • Heat a grill pan or outdoor gas grill to medium-high heat and brush the cooking surface with olive oil.
  • Pat the scallops dry and brush with extra virgin olive oil and season on both sides with Kosher salt and black pepper.
  • When ready, assemble the scallops on the hot cooking surface and grill for 2 minutes on each side (you should see grill marks). Meanwhile, grill the lemon halves, flesh side down until you see grill marks.
  • Remove the scallops from the heat and immediately squeeze a half lemon all over.
  • Transfer the salsa to serving plates and top with the grilled scallops. Add the remaining grilled lemon to the side. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Tip for grilled scallops on the outdoor grill: before you arrange the scallops on your outdoor grill, thread them on skewers. The skewers will make them more manageable to turn and will prevent any precious scallops from falling in between the grates.  
  • Leftovers and storage: Scallops are best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. Do not reheat them as they will turn rubbery.
  • Nutrition information is a best estimate for the scallops only.
  • Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils and spices. 

Nutrition

Calories: 124.8kcalCarbohydrates: 8.6gProtein: 14.3gFat: 4.2gSaturated Fat: 0.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 27.2mgSodium: 736.4mgPotassium: 307.1mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 1.4gVitamin A: 15.3IUVitamin C: 28.6mgCalcium: 21.1mgIron: 0.8mg
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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.89 from 18 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Mimo says:

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe. I just brought some HUGE sea scallops that I’m throwing on my charcoal grill along with a huge New York strip steak. I’m definitely going to try the Mediterranean salsa. Thanks for this amazing recipe.

  2. Craig W says:

    5 stars
    Have used a couple of your recipes … all good!

  3. Leslie says:

    5 stars
    Thank you, Suzy for your always delicious recipes. Unrelated question to the amazing scallops but I adore the fork pattern in the photo. Would you share where you got them if they aren’t vintage please?!

    1. Suzy says:

      Hi, Leslie. That does happen to be a vintage piece I picked up locally, otherwise I’d totally share.

  4. Alisha says:

    5 stars
    Scallops aren’t usually easy for me, but you made this simple enough for me to try again. So glad you shared this.

    1. Suzy says:

      Glad to hear it, Alisha! Thank you!

  5. Jessica Rugerio says:

    5 stars
    This was way better than you could ever get a restaurant! We loved this!

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks, Jessica!

  6. Hanna says:

    5 stars
    I grew up inland and don’t eat much fish. I’m leaning into it and this looks divine! I can’t wait to try it!

  7. April says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Easy, and such fresh flavors!

  8. Taryn says:

    5 stars
    These were great! I had never grilled scallops before and they came out perfect.

    1. Suzy says:

      Awesome! Thanks, Taryn!

  9. Mary says:

    5 stars
    I made this tonight, and I am still dreaming about it! I pulled the mint and jalapeno from my garden which made this even more refreshing. Im a big fan of your recipes and I share your site with my friends and Mediterranean diet forums all the time.

    1. Suzy says:

      Thanks so much, Mary. Much appreciated!

  10. Karen Frame says:

    I made this tonight , even using my own tomatoes (❤️) the salsas fabulous ! Did use the jalapeño
    Didn’t grill the scallops and I’m sure that would have been even better but a wonderful meal
    Light , filling , delicious ! Served with sautéed asparagus ! My husband thinks I’m a genius 😂

    1. Suzy says:

      Yay! Thanks for giving this new one a try. Love hearing it was a hit!

  11. Paul Gawry says:

    Perfect!! Your last recipe I tried the shrimp with Mediterranean vegetables, worked perfect as a new dish for our diet. My wife and I are on The Fast Metabolism Diet and the shrimp recipe plus this one work great for Ph 3 of the diet! Keep it up> By the way do you have a recipe for Cod?

  12. Kate says:

    5 stars
    Really quick and scrumptious! Loved the addition of the Mediterranean salsa. Can’t wait to make this one again!

    1. Suzy says:

      So glad!