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.
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:
- Corn On The Cobb
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Tomato Salad
- Corn Tomato Avocado Salad
- Grilled Zucchini
- Orzo Salad
- Red Potato Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Pasta Salad
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
More Shrimp Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Drunken Shrimp
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Oreganata
- Harissa Shrimp and Chickpeas
- Creamy Shrimp Salad
- Air Fryer Shrimp Fried Shrimp Sandwich
Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
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.
