If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful seafood dinner, this Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe is a must-try. Juicy shrimp are marinated with garlic, lemon, and olive oil before being grilled to perfection and finished with fragrant basil pesto. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or casual family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with fresh basil, garlic, and lemon flavor.
- Perfect for grilling season.
- Light, healthy, and naturally gluten-free.
- Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, salads, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes.
- Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
- Place the skewers on the hot grill.
- Grill the Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe for 2–3 minutes per side, basting with any remaining marinade as they cook.
- During the last minute of grilling, brush the shrimp generously with basil pesto.
- Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they’re done once they turn pink and opaque.
- Fresh basil pesto delivers the best flavor, but high-quality store-bought pesto works well too.
- Metal skewers eliminate the need for soaking.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Pair with grilled zucchini, asparagus, or corn for a complete meal.
- Leftover shrimp make an excellent topping for salads or pasta.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, High Protein
Notes
- Fresh homemade basil pesto provides the richest flavor.
- For extra citrus flavor, add a little lemon zest to the marinade.
- This recipe also works well with chicken or salmon.
- Serve over pasta, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
How long should shrimp marinate?
About 15–30 minutes is ideal. Longer marinating can affect the texture because of the lemon juice.
Can I cook these without a grill?
Absolutely. A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works beautifully.
What pesto is best?
Traditional basil pesto is the classic choice, but spinach pesto or arugula pesto are delicious alternatives.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate the shrimp up to 30 minutes ahead, then grill just before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave to prevent overcooking.
Similar Recipes
Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes.
- Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
- Place the skewers on the hot grill.
- Grill the Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe for 2–3 minutes per side, basting with any remaining marinade as they cook.
- During the last minute of grilling, brush the shrimp generously with basil pesto.
- Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Fresh homemade basil pesto provides the richest flavor.
- For extra citrus flavor, add a little lemon zest to the marinade.
- This recipe also works well with chicken or salmon.
- Serve over pasta, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
This Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe combines fresh basil pesto, bright lemon, and smoky grilled shrimp into one incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing an easy weeknight dinner or serving guests at your next barbecue, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Serve it alongside your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood meal right at home.