Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers are the perfect summer recipe! Easy to make, healthy and please a crowd. Skewers are for much more than beef and chicken!
This recipe originally appeared on Somewhat Simple.
Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers
Now that it’s grillin’ season, you have to try this simple Grilled Pesto Shrimp recipe! It’s one of our warm weather go-to recipes along with this flavorful Strawberry Balsamic Flatbread. We devour this shrimp every week or so in the summertime. It totally fits with my love of healthy food recipes! I have to admit, it was a little surprising to find out that the kids even like it. Maybe now that they’re older we can move past the chicken nuggets and macaroni! Yay!
If you enjoy making your own pesto great, if not, no worries. We often use a store bought pesto and have similar results – a tasty meal that takes almost no effort at all.
The recipe couldn’t be easier, you simply make the pesto or use your favorite store bought variety, marinate the shrimp, skewer it on sticks and grill it! It’s ready in a flash! We sometime serve the recipe as an appetizer before a meal because it’s light and goes with just about everything. Over salad works too!
Serving Grilled Shrimp with Pesto to a Crowd
Serving these Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers to a crowd? Then place them on a platter over a bed of greens or right on the stick for a fun handheld appetizer. Either way, they’re delicious and nutritious. For a heartier meal, the shrimp are super tasty over pasta too! We also like this recipe when friends come by because it’s low carb and gluten free, so everyone can usually eat it.
Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (, chopped)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts (, toasted (leave out if you want a skinnier recipe))
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs jumbo ((21/25) shrimp, peeled and deveined (weight after peeled))
- salt and fresh pepper to taste
- 7-10 wooden skewers (, or metal skewers)
Instructions
- In a food processor (I use my mini prep) pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.
- Combine raw shrimp with pesto in a medium bowl, mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour or place in fridge overnight. Soak wooden skewers in water at least 20 minutes (or use metal ones to avoid this step - which is what we prefer). Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Heat grill (outdoor or indoor grill pan) over medium heat until hot. Spray lightly with non-stick spray. Place the shrimp on the hot grill and cook until shrimp turns pink on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes; turn and continue cooking until shrimp is opaque and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes more.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for Making Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers
- We find that if we pack the shrimp too tight on the skewers, it takes a bit longer to cook and can easily be overcooked. Better to use more skewers with fewer shrimp on each.
- You can soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes so the shrimp stay moist, or use metal ones to avoid this step.
- Serve with a fresh lemon wedge for enhanced flavor.
Enjoy this healthy grilled pesto shrimp recipe as an easy weeknight meal or for your next cookout, but make sure you make more than you think you’ll need – they’re a family favorite around our house!
Other Summertime Favorites:
chellie says
This looks like the perfect summer meal!! I have a thing for homemade pesto.
Erin says
Homemade pesto is the best.! So fresh and flavorful. Versatile, too. I eat it on shrimp, beef and pasta!
Erlene says
We’ve been grilling everything lately and I would love to try this shrimp recipe. It would be a nice change from the typical burgers and steak.
Erin says
We have too! The boys like beef, but sometimes it’s nice to have something lighter like these shrimp skewers. Thanks for stopping by!
Melissa Griffiths says
These look so easy and so yummy! I love how versatile they are!
Erin says
Totally! Dinner, a lite appetizer or snack, Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers totally work! Who doesn’t love food on a stick? Thanks for stopping by Melissa!
All That I'm Eating says
This is a great idea, they’re perfect to go on the BBQ!
Erin says
Yes, perfect for the grill, and so easy to make! Easy to serve during the week or at a weekend BBQ!
Mike says
I think you should have a grilling party for your loyal followers and supporters, Erin!! LOL (and the fact that those look wildly delicious!)
Erin says
Always appreciate you stopping by, Mike! I make these mouth-watering recipes just for you 🙂 I’d love a grilling party! That’d be great!