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pesto grilled shrimp recipe

Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Rebecca
I have to tell you, the Pesto Grilled Shrimp recipe is pure magic. A couple of weeks ago, I made it for a small backyard gathering, and it was a hit! The combination of juicy, grilled shrimp coated in the herby, garlicky goodness of basil pesto is such a treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Course Main Course
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Basil pesto
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic minced
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Start by tossing the shrimp in a mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated. Marinating for at least 15 minutes lets the flavors soak in and work their magic.
  • While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to ensure they don’t burn. A well-prepped grill and skewers make all the difference!
  • Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, making sure they’re secure. This step helps with easy flipping and keeps your shrimp neatly arranged on the grill.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp cook fast, so don’t blink! Baste the shrimp with any leftover marinade while grilling to lock in the flavors.
  • Just before the shrimp are done, generously brush them with basil pesto. The pesto will warm up on the shrimp, releasing all its flavors. It’s the secret step to making every bite deliciously herby and fragrant.
  • Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and serve with lemon wedges. A quick squeeze of lemon on top? Heavenly!

Notes

  • Serve the shrimp skewers on a platter and sprinkle with extra basil for contrast.
  • Pair them with sides like garlic bread, wild rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
  • If serving as an appetizer, add a small bowl of pesto mixed with Greek yogurt as a dipping sauce.
Keyword Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe