This recipe for perfectly Grilled Scallops is simple to prepare and ready in mere minutes. Featuring juicy, plump grilled sea scallops with fresh avocado corn salsa and a flavorful honey lime vinaigrette, you’ll fall in love with this incredibly delicious summer dinner!
Featured comment: Just made these tonight and they were a HIT! I will be adding this to my regular rotation!” -Joy
This simple scallop recipe makes the perfect easy dinner, or can be served as entertaining-worthy appetizer that is sure to impress! Continue to read on for helpful tips on purchasing scallops, plus learn step by step how to perfectly grill scallops every single time!
Hi, friends! How was your weekend? I hope it was glorious and filled with lots of laughter, relaxation and fantastic food!
Our weekend was fine and dandy with a touch of productivity! I tested, developed and finally photographed my last summer recipe! While it feels good to be finished with all the fresh summer recipes, it feels a little strange to be moving on to fall flavored foods. My brain just doesn’t want to think about pumpkins, apples or heavy casseroles. And, I may have forgotten how to operate an oven – because, hello summer grill life! I’m thinking a very slow transition from sweltering summer recipes to cozy fall foods will be necessary.
Anyways, enough chit-chat about autumn! Right now it’s still hotter than a firecracker on the fourth of July and Labor day is right around the corner! So, today we are firing up the grill! And, today’s recipe just so happens to be one of my all time favorite summer recipes, ever.
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About this recipe for grilled scallops
You guys, I’m not joking when I say that I have made (and devoured) these scallops seven times (possibly 9 or 10, but who’s counting) in the last three weeks. I am beyond obsessed. Seriously, if I could wax poetic I would be writing all the eloquent sonnets and haikus about this insanely delicious dish.
First of all – scallops! But, not those teeny, tiny bay scallops. Big, beautiful U-10 scallops! They are my spirit animal. Tender, juicy, succulent, jumbo scallops with a bit of smoky char from the grill. They’re so good I could die.
Second – salsa! Juicy scallops just beg for a bright, fresh salsa to accompany them, and this salsa has it all! It’s a bright mix of creamy avocado, pops of sweet grilled corn, hints of spicy jalapeno, bites of pungent red onion and specks of herbaceous cilantro. Honestly, this salsa is the stuff dreams are made of!
Last, but oh my goodness, certainly not least – a honey lime vinaigrette. A sultry, silky dressing that’s tart, luscious, sweet and perfectly smooth. I may have bathed in this stuff it’s so darn good!
This dish is just nirvana! Juicy, tender grilled scallops on a bed of fresh avocado corn salsa with a generous drizzle of honey lime vinaigrette! You absolutely need to get these grilled scallops in your life! Even my persnickety other half who despises scallops gave this dish two raving thumbs up. And, if that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does.
FAQs: scallops
What is a scallop?
Scallops are a type of marine bivalve mollusk of the Pectinidae family – meaning, the interior muscle is surrounded by two shells. Scallops are semi-related to oysters, clams and mussels.
There are many varieties of scallops, but the two most common are sea scallops and bay scallops. Both varieties of scallops are delicate and tender when cooked with a sweet flavor and briny, salty taste.
- The sea scallop is larger (as big as two inches), and primarily harvested in the Atlantic Ocean from Eastern Canada to North Carolina. Sea scallops are available year-round.
- The bay scallop is much smaller than sea scallops (about the size of a dime), and considered to be sweeter and more succulent. Bay scallops are typically harvested from the shallow waters of bays and estuaries along the East Coast of the United States. Sold fresh, bay scallops are a seasonal specialty, with a peak season during the fall and early winter.
How are scallops harvested?
Scallops are harvested either by trawling or diving. Trawling is done by scraping and dredging the ocean floor and pulling up the scallops with nets. Unfortunately, trawling can cause damage to the ocean floor. Diving is a more environmentally friendly method, however it is much more labor intensive and expensive. Divers go down and harvest mature scallops by hand. These scallops are known as diver scallops.
How to buy scallops?
Shopping for scallops can be confusing. Below are a few tips to ensure you’re purchasing the best scallops from the grocery store, every time.
- Know the sizes. You can buy both bay and sea scallops by the pound. The smaller the number, the bigger each scallop. The packaging of scallops is marked with the letter U (for “under”) and a number or range of numbers indicating how many scallops there are per pound. For example, “U-10” means you’re getting under 10 scallops per pound, while “U20” means there are under 20 scallops in a pound. Bay scallops are tiny, numbering upward of 100 per pound.
- Shop with your eyes and nose. Fresh scallops should be pale pink or light beige in color and appear moist, but not milky. Avoid any scallops with a feathery white surface, this is a sign of freezer burn. And, avoid any with darkened edges, as it’s a sign of age. Scallops should smell like the ocean – somewhat briny, but not offensive or like iodine.
- Make sure you are getting what you pay for – avoid fake scallops. All real scallops should vary slightly in size – they shouldn’t be perfectly cylindrical. Like all animals and humans, no two are exactly alike! Fake scallops are typically made of shark meat or cheaper pieces of fish. They will look identical and appear cookie-cutter in shape. They will also have a dense, solid appearance.
How to store fresh scallops?
It is best to cook scallops on the day you purchase them, if possible. If not, you can store them for up to two days in the refrigerator.
To store scallops, place them in a resealable bag and place the bag in a large bowl of ice (don’t let the scallops come in contact with the ice). Store the scallops in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
How to perfectly grill scallops?
Scallops are one of my absolute favorite things to throw on the grill during summer. They are incredibly fast and easy to prepare! When properly grilled, they are sweet, succulent and absolutely delicious!
However, there are a few rules to keep in mind when grilling scallops. Below are a few easy tips and tricks to obtain perfectly grilled scallops every single time!
Tips for scallops on the grill
- Purchase dry-pack scallops and opt for large (15 count per pound) or jumbo (u10) scallops. Smaller scallops are very easy to overcook and can turn rubbery quickly, while larger scallops are more forgiving on the grill.
- Keep your scallops cold until ready to grill, and make sure you blot your scallops as dry as possible before grilling! To prevent them from sticking to the grill, make sure your grill grates are as clean as possible and wipe the grates with a neutral, high-smoke point oil, such as canola.
- Use a brush to clean the grates of your grill prior to cooking scallops. This will ensure the scallops don’t pick up any flavors from food you have previously grilled. Use a paper towel soaked in a neutral oil with a high smoke point (canola, peanut, avocado or grapeseed) and brush the grill grates to keep the scallops from sticking.
- Get the grill hot. You don’t want to overcook scallops, so you need a really hot grill! Scallops cook best fast over hot heat.
- Pat scallops dry. Make sure you pat the outside of your scallops thoroughly dry prior to cooking on the grill.
- Season right before grilling. Always season your scallops generously with salt and pepper just before grilling! Do not salt them too far in advance as the salt will draw out moisture.
- Don’t peak. Grill the scallops without moving or flipping them until you have a nice char! Messing with them will prevent a good sear. It’s better to grill the scallops all the way through on the first side and let the second side barely cook on the grill.
FAQs: grilling scallops
Are dry or wet scallops best for grilling?
Ask the fishmonger for “dry-pack” or “dry” scallops. Dry scallops are packaged without any additives. Both dry and wet scallops are shucked on the boat after being harvested; however, that’s where the similarities end. Dry scallops go directly into a container without any water or preservatives. The flavor of dry scallops is more pure and concentrated. On the other hand, wet scallops go directly into a container filled with a solution of chemical salts and water (sodium tripolyphosphate, or STP) to plump the scallops and keep them fresher for longer. Unfortunately, with wet scallops you are paying for the extra water and purchasing an inferior product. The wet soaking diminishes the scallop’s natural sweet, fresh taste, alters the texture of the meat and makes it hard to get a good sear.
Can I grill frozen scallops?
Don’t dismiss frozen scallops. If you live near the coast and have a great fresh seafood market, fresh scallops are the obvious choice. But, if you are inland and don’t have access to fresh, high-quality frozen scallops are a great option! If you’re using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them prior. To thaw, place scallops in a single layer on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Transfer baking sheet to the fridge and thaw overnight.
How long to grill a scallop?
Scallops are extremely quick cooking! They take just around five to six minutes to cook on the grill — that’s it! Scallops are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. If you do not have a reliable instant read thermometer, you can use your sight to tell when scallops are done cooking. Grill scallops until they are just opaque. Never overcook them as they can get tough and chewy very quickly.
Are grilled scallop recipes healthy?
Like other shellfish, scallops are incredibly nutritious and good for you! Scallops are a power food as they’re low in calories and fat, while being full of beneficial vitamins and minerals!
- High levels of protein: Scallops are about 80 percent protein. A 3-ounce serving of has approximately 19.5 grams of protein.
- Rich in fatty acids: They are a good source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. One serving has approximately 333 milligrams.
- Excellent source of selenium: Scallops are rich in selenium, which promotes proper thyroid function and a healthy immune system.
- Good source of vitamins and minerals: They are high in zinc, copper and vitamin B12, all of which aid in brain development. Plus, they are a good source of magnesium and potassium, which are both important for heart and brain health.
Serving scallops grilled
What to pair with scallops?
This scallops corn recipe is incredibly light and flavorful! This seafood dish is extremely versatile and pair well with a wide variety of sides – from simple salads and roasted potatoes to fruit salads or fruit cobblers!
Side dishes to pair with scallops
- Warm fruit salsa
- Grilled Watermelon
- Fresh Veggies
- Marinated Tomato Salad
- Best Coleslaw Recipe
- Corn Succotash
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice
- Coconut Rice
Whether you like or loathe seafood you are going to LOVE these Grilled Scallops with Avocado & Corn Salsa! Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s do this!
Cheyanne
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More seafood recipes!
If you love these scallops on the grill, try one of these delicious fish recipes next:
Seafood on the grill
Fresh seafood recipes
- Champagne Risotto with Scallops
- Honey Sriracha Spicy Salmon recipe
- Easy White Fish Taco Bowls
- The Best Fish Ceviche Recipe
- Salmon Quinoa Fried Rice
How to make cook scallops on the grill (with avocado corn salsa!) 👇
Grilled Scallops with Avocado Corn Salsa
Equipment
- Grill or Grill-pan
- Mixing bowls (2)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Large Sea Scallops - side muscle removed & patted dry
- Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper , to taste
SALSA:
- 1 Hass Avocado – pitted, peeled & small dice
- 2 Ears Corn - shucked
- ¼ Red Onion – finely diced
- 1 Jalapeno – seeded and finely diced
- 1 TBS Cilantro Leaves – roughly chopped
- 1 Lime – juice
- Dash Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
VINAIGRETTE: (yield about 2/3 cup)
- 2 Limes – juiced (about ¼ cup)
- 3 TBS Honey
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- ¼ Heaping tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ Heaping tsp Cumin
- 1/8 tsp Coriander
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/8 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ Cup Good Olive Oil
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the dressing. Whisk well until completely emulsified and combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Make sure you whisk the dressing well before using.
- Make the salsa: In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the salsa, except the corn. Season with a scant ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Set aside.
- Heat grill to medium-high (425°F to 450°F). Place corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and corn is cooked through, about 10 minutes total. Remove corn from grill and let cool slightly. Slice kernels off cob and transfer to bowl with salsa and gently stir to combine. Taste salsa and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Grill scallops: Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Place scallops on grill and close the lid. Grill for 4 minutes or until the scallops are charred on the bottom side. Open the grill and use a thin fish spatula to flip the scallops. Close the lid and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes or until scallops have reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- To Serve: Transfer scallops to a serving platter. Drizzle scallops with the dressing and serve with salsa and any remaining vinaigrette on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- Please refer to the post for tips on purchasing scallops and tricks for perfectly grilled scallops!
- Dressing will keep up to 5 days, covered in the refrigerator.
- Salsa will keep up to 2 days, covered in the refrigerator.
Just made these tonight and they were a HIT! I will be adding this to my regular rotation!
Hi Joy,
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the scallops!! They are one of my personal favorites! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how it went over!! Cheers!
Ok, I have no idea what you just said…. #FeelingOld 😉 We all have our guilty pleasures of trashy TV. I absolutely hate to admit it and always feel like my IQ drops a few points every time I watch it, but I have been known to watch the Kardashians from time-to-time. In any event, scallops are one of my favorite dishes! They’re like little sweet gems from the sea – seriously can’t get enough! And that salsa to bout… out of this world!
We love love scallops – how have we never grilled them!? Genius – especially when it’s too hot to crank up the oven. And I’m loving the salsa – so many favorite flavors.
p.s. no pumpkin talk yet! 😉
Oh my gawsh – Cheyanne – your post is so enlightening! Now I know how I can thwart my daughter’s remarks about me trying but not actually being hip – I need to stay home the rest of this week and binge watch Basketball Wives so I can edumacate myself on the hip and trendy slang that’s around!
And gawrsh – you made this for me right?! I adore scallops – like I’d rather stay home with a bowl of scallops than go on a date – unless the date brings scallops … hmm…that would be a keeper…anyhoot…back to this dish – I’d make this 21 times in 3 weeks and devour it – so good! Loving that fresh corn and avocado salsa too!
These scallops looks so delicate on all that delicious fresh corn salsa. This is a perfect summer dish….and so glad you aren’t done with summer yet….it still has a ways to go!
The Avo corn salsa is so yummy! I absolutely loved the recipe.
What a beautiful, healthy recipe Cheyanne! So many delicious ingredients and flavours! The vinaigrette sounds incredible! Yummmmm! Such a great summer recipe. Thank you for sharing! <3
Basketball wives?? I’ll keep my opinion to myself on that one! hahahahaha! I’ll eat all the scallops and not leave any for anyone (that’s how much I love scallops…p.s. they are also J’s favorite too). We have the best sea scallops and fresh sweet corn up here in New England so this dish is too perfect for us 😉 Picking up corn from the farm this Friday and will stop by grocery store on way home for scallops. Good eats are headed my way! Woohoo!
You are the queen of seafood and salsas! I love this corn salsa. Weirdo that he is, my husband doesn’t eat corn, so I’ll have to make this one when he’s out of town 😉
I’m all about the grill lately too, dear friend! These scallops have my name written all over them! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Sharing now. <3 XOXO
My weekend perhaps wasn’t glorious but absolutely relaxing and lovely because we happened to have a long weekend (dancing). Now we’re having a short business week which is a nice bonus too (singing):) Every time I see scallops, they remind me Hell’s Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay. Although this show has been on TV many years, every season there are few falks (or sometimes a whole team) screwing up scallops over and over (well some of the individuals do that throughout all episodes). I always ask this question to myself: haven’t those people seen the previous seasons to avoid the same mistakes, eh? Chey, I’m not an expert (I’ve cooked scallops only few times), but I think Gordon would have been satisfied with your performance – lovely caramelization and appetizing appearance! Well done!
Cheyanne, you just made me realize why we love grilling so much in the summer! it’s too dang hot to turn on the oven and heat up the entire house so we grill outside and then are able to come back into a cool house .. also, the grill marks .. and dishes like this one! LOVE your grilled scallops!!!!
I will not discuss summer coming to an end! I want to keep grilling and eating fresh produce forever. Love jumbo scallops and this looks like a super tasty combo!
Haha I was hooked on Mistresses. I’m embarrassed to say that in public 😀 My husband is still making a joke with me! So, it’s ok Cheyanne, you’re not alone /grouphug 😉
Scallops looks sooo delicious, and salsa, omg, yes you’re right… Just HOLD ME! The whole plate looks just amazing. Love it! Sharing this. Have a great week friend 😉
Back in the day, I used to get SO MUCH hate on Twitter because my handle was @susie and allegedly, there was a Basketball Wife of the same name who was pretty disliked. Haha! This summertime dish looks like one of the very best 🙂
I hear you! I am almost done my September recipes so my first can of pumpkin is long gone. Also, how have I never heard of basketball wives?! I am all for some good solid entertainment!
These scallops looks so gorgeous. What a flavorful recipe. Thank you so much for sharing this 🙂
I need this dish in my life ASAP! I’m having a love affair with scallops right now, and who doesn’t love corn and avocado in any context?! Meals on the grill are the best and I totally need to soak it up now since fall will be here before you know it! I really can’t even think about fall right now, though blehhh. Enjoy the rest of your week, Cheyanne! 🙂 Pinned!
I’ve never seen Basketball Wives, I just watch lots of basketball, which clearly doesn’t count. 🙂 This dish is so summery and elegant, and I’m all about that salsa — my FAVE!
Girl, you have me swooning over this avocado corn salsa! I love avocados, and this looks like such a vibrant fresh dish for summer. YUM! I’d love to eat this for dinner <3
I love scallops, the honey lime vinaigrette sounds equally compelling and beautiful!
Lol, I have a reality show or two I watch in secret, all that drama can be addicting and so entertaining. This dish is everything summer! You’re going out on a high note in regards to this being your last summer dish! I absolutely love scallops on the grill and this corn salsa and vinnaigarette pairing is making my mouth water. Take care.
Haha your weekend sounded awesome! You can’t beat trashy TV while getting to cross-off your last summer recipe same time! And this meal is all kinds of amazing!! I LOVE scallops and those grill marks, girl!! Totally on point!!
I’ve never seen that show, but I will never judge. I love TV so much. I need a saga to get involved with!
And this looks beautiful. The colors alone…WOW.
Love your summer dishes and these scallops look incredible! The salsa looks amazing, too! Need to watch that show, never seen it! Not ready for fall, but excited about fall recipes!
You crack me up with the BW drama and trash commentary. Sometimes the mindless shows like that is all you need to feel better or just not have to think too much for a few, right?
Fall dishes already? Well I guess I live in the endless Summer area of the U.S., but Fall will have to hang on for a few more for me. You are so organized Chey, kudos to you. I’m all in with the grill time, it’s hot as Hades here too and these scallops look relish. Plus as an avid corn eater I’d gobble up this salad in a heartbeat. Cheers!
Hey Chey – Guess what — you and I be channeling. For real. We were at the Cape this past week and went to Megansett Beach at low tide. We found all kinds of critters. Horse shoe crabs, big ones. Regular crabs. Mussels. Oysters. And scallops. Yep scallops. So cool. And while everyone else in my family was mesmerized with the sea creatures, all I could think was DINNER. Seriously. Your recipe looks fab. If I only I could go back in time, rescue those scallops from their banal existence in the tides, and give them a wonderful way to give back to society….on my dinner plate!!! Ha ha. I love the grilling and that wonderful and flavorful salsa you created. Delish! Hope you’re having a great week my friend! XO
I am starting to think about fall dishes and it’s so weird! Well, more like transitional dishes but still. So odd to be a blogger sometimes! 🙂 Our weekend was way too busy – yours sounds fantastic! I need some quality time with my favorite bad tv shows!! haha Loving the sound of this dish! That salsa and vinaigrette??
I haven’t seen that show, but I hear you! And these grilled scallops are definitely the perfect way to start August, Cheyanne! It’s been real warm here, so all I want some grilled food. And that avocado corn salsa is such a great idea. And the flavor sounds fantastic, too! So refreshing and perfect for summer!
Hiya friend!!! 🙂 Good to hear you had a dandy weekend. Plus, you used the word dandy. How could I not be all happy after that? 😉 Good job on schooling Boy on important phrases such as “throwing shade.” Also, I am SO not one to judge anything you watch! Whatever makes you happy, cupcake! 🙂 Life is way too short to only enjoy serious entertainment. What is serious entertainment anywho? 😉 LAST summer dish?? No!! It’s almost time to say farewell to summer, isn’t it? 😉 Meanwhile, I know you’re gonna point out that I can’t eat this dish. However, I do see that you made me a nice, big ol’ bowl full of corn, avo, onions and jalapenos! So thank you for that. 😉 <–oh, let me have that!! Haha. Have a great week, my friend. Muah!
Wow, this is totally my kind of dinner for summer Cheyanne! So flavorful and so nice and light and healthy! Tom will LOVE this one too! I can’t wait to try it!! I’ll be getting it on our menu soon! Have a great week!
the salsa sounds absolutely wonderful Cheyanne! And oh I am so not ready for fall, although I love it but I don’t want to let go of summer, not yet!
I have not watched BW but I may need to check it out – you’re right we all need a guilty pleasure and I could always use a few new slang words. This dish looks delicious – love the corn and avocado salsa – perfect for summer. And I’m with you on not turning on the oven – putting that off until at least September (even though it’s not that cool here in LA in September either!).
Yes, I think I will have this dish. The entire dish. All to myself. Wonderful job!
Love this dish! I haven’t had scallops in ages, but I’m going to put this on the menu this week. Love all the summer flavours. And I have a ton of guilty pleasure television favourites 🙂
Hahah! I haven’t seen that show but I hear you…the last guilty pleasure show my daughters and I were into was Real Housewives of Jersey…couldn’t get enough for a little while. We’re over it now but I’m sure something new will take its place soon! 😉 So, how’d you know I’ve been craving scallops?! These look divine. Loving the grill marks and the bed of salsa! Geeeeez! You know the deal with salsa, my friend! I know it’s too early – but – I did get butterflies when you mentioned boot and sweater coziness! Have a great Monday, Chey! Cheers! xoxo
Grilled scallops now your talking my favorite.
I’ve never heard of that show, but certainly sounds like something fun to watch and turn your mind off for a bit! I do love ‘Married At First Sight.’ Just started again and I’m delighted! Lots of drama in that one too as the seasons progress.
I can’t believe boy didn’t like scallops, but happy he saw the light. How could he not with this delicious recipe? Although, maybe it would have been better if he had of not liked them ’cause now ya gotta share. Good thing you reminded him he doesn’t like them, lol 😀
Love that avocado corn salsa…could probably get a big bowl of this and call it dinner! Pinned, of course!
Have a great week! xoxo
P.S. Your talking of Fall has me all excited. Woo hoo!! High Five!
I haven’t seen Basketball Wives, but I do love my share of trashy TV, and I’m not afraid to admit it! We all have a guilty pleasure, right? 🙂 Now onto this dish…LOVE! Scallops are my favorite seafood. I always order them when we go out and end up devouring every single one. I’ve never thought to make my own, though! This grilled version sounds amazing, Cheyanne! And with an avocado corn salsa? Brilliant! I definitely have to try this soon. Pinned, of course! 🙂
Scallops are the Southern husband’s FAVORITE of all, so you know I will be making him a big old dish of these. And, I can’t even think about fall yet. Not ready for pumpkins…I’m still all about the the blueberries and tomatoes and corn! Happy week my friend – xoxo!
These scallops look incredibly delicious, Cheyanne! I’m so looking forward for Autumn to kick in, it’s my favourite season! Plus, Autumn baking! 😉
Sigh, it is August now which does seem to indicate that summer will be coming to an end sooner rather than later. But for now, we can ignore that and focus on these scallops! I’ve never grilled scallops before but now I simply must. I can see why you’ve been eating this on repeat – and not sharing! 🙂 Can’t wait to give them a try! And don’t think I’ll be watching Basketball Wives anytime soon, so I expect you to pass along all the cool words and slang I need to know, OK? Have a wonderful week! XO
Although I am already slipping in to Autumn mode (it’s my favourite season), I still have a lot of love for summer recipes like this and I just want to face plant in to that avocado and corn salsa. I want to put it on tacos!
Scallops are one of our favourite types of seafood to eat – they are just so delicious! Great as a light main course in the summer or great as a starter too. Can’t believe that it is already August and that this is your last summer dish! It looks beautiful though! Thank’s for sharing!
The scallops, salsa and honey mustard dressing…everything I love dearly in one dish…magnificent!!! The grilled marks on those succulent scallops are just gorgeous.