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Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers

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These easy Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers are made with homemade light basil pesto, you’ll want to make them all summer long!

These easy Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers are made with homemade basil pesto, you'll want to make them all summer long!

Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers

These pesto shrimp skewers are a perfect dinner for a light, healthy meal and as an added bonus, these are low-carb, gluten-free and delicious! For some more Italian shrimp recipes, try my Shrimp Fra Diavolo and Shrimp Scampi with Broccoli Orzo.

These easy Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers are made with homemade basil pesto, you'll want to make them all summer long!

The inspiration behind this recipe comes from a dish served at my sister in law’s garden baby shower. It is so simple and delicious, I knew just had to make them myself.

How to make Pesto

Adding fresh pesto to grilled shrimp is an easy way to get incredible flavor with clean ingredients. To keep it light, I use less oil and prefer to omit the nuts. I used basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. This keeps the fat content down and everyone always loves it. I also love swapping out some of the basil for fresh spinach and arugula, a great way to get more greens in your meal!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH PESTO SHRIMP

You can serve this as skewers so you can hold them in your hand or simply over a bed of greens. This shrimp would also be excellent over your favorite pasta, like orzo, spaghetti or even zoodles for dinner. Or make them at your next BBQ with Grilled Flank Steak, Broccoli and Orzo, Grilled Corn Feta Salad, to name a few summer favorites!

More Side Dish Ideas for Pesto Shrimp:

Note:

Keep in mind that when you remove the shell from the shrimp it will weigh less. For instance, I started with about 2 lbs of shrimp to get 1 1/2 lbs after I peel them. Depending on the size of your shrimp you will get different amounts.

How To Make Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers

Seafood and steak on a platter on a table.
Grilled pesto shrimp skewers

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Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers

5 from 15 votes
3
Cals:180
Protein:25.5
Carbs:0.5
Fat:8.5
Homemade pesto with basil from my garden makes a scrumptious addition to shrimp. Serve these for dinner or make them at your next BBQ!
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
These easy Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers are made with homemade basil pesto, you'll want to make them all summer long!
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Yield: 7 servings
Serving Size: 1 skewer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (weight after peeled)
  • kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 7 wooden skewers

Instructions

  • In a food processor pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth.
  • Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.
  • Combine raw shrimp with pesto and marinate a few hours in a bowl.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water at least 20 minutes (or use metal ones to avoid this step). Thread shrimp onto 7 skewers.
  • Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-low heat until hot. Be sure the grates are clean and spray lightly with oil.
  • 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 3-4 minutes.

Last Step:

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Nutrition

Serving: 1 skewer, Calories: 180 kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.5 g, Protein: 25.5 g, Fat: 8.5 g, Sodium: 292 mg, Fiber: 0.5 g

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