Looking for a dish that will impress your guests at the next gathering? These Pesto Grilled Shrimp Skewers are the perfect choice! Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also deliver a burst of flavor that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. Pesto shrimp recipes are a favorite for a reason, and this one is no exception. Imagine succulent grilled shrimp marinated in vibrant pesto, ready to be served as grilled shrimp appetizers for a party.
These skewers can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a refreshing salad or shrimp pesto pasta for a complete meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, they can easily be turned into shrimp kabobs with your favorite veggies! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner at home, this versatile recipe is bound to be a hit.
Captivating Pesto Shrimp Flavors
Picture a platter adorned with glistening pesto grilled shrimp skewers, a center stage highlight at any gathering. These vibrant skewers not only deliver an impressive presentation but also burst with a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Marinated in a fresh herby pesto, the shrimp absorbs the essence of garlic, lemon, and aromatic basil, ensuring each bite is a delight.
Served alongside colorful summer vegetables, these grilled shrimp appetizers for parties create an inviting atmosphere that beckons guests to indulge. The addition of a bowl of extra pesto for dipping elevates the experience even further, making for a versatile dish that impresses at any occasion.
Easy Preparation Steps
Creating these delectable pesto grilled shrimp skewers is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
The process starts with a simple grilled shrimp marinade that brings together your choice of homemade or store-bought pesto, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
After marinating the shrimp, simply thread them onto skewers, ready to hit the grill. The result is tender, juicy shrimp that hold onto the marinade’s flavors beautifully.
Grilling to Perfection
Achieving perfectly grilled pesto shrimp is key to unlocking their full potential.
Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, allowing the skewers to cook evenly while acquiring those sought-after grill marks.
Each side only requires 2-3 minutes on the grill, resulting in shrimp that are opaque and succulent. This quick cooking time ensures the shrimp remain juicy and tender, showcasing a lovely smoky flavor that complements the pesto marinade.
A Feast for the Eyes and Palate
What sets these grilled pesto shrimp skewers apart is their aesthetic appeal.
The bright green pesto drizzled over the skewers not only enhances the flavor but also creates a vibrant display that catches the eye.
When arranged on a rustic wooden table, the skewers become a focal point of any festive gathering, paired perfectly with additional colorful vegetables that celebrate the season.
Versatile Serving Suggestions
These skewers can easily transform into a complete meal or remain as a tantalizing appetizer.
Serve them alongside a refreshing salad or mix them into a shrimp pesto pasta for a more filling option.
For those looking to experiment, consider adding your favorite vegetables to the skewers, creating delicious shrimp kabobs. The combinations are endless, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table.
Nutrition and Serving Size
With just 180 calories per serving, these grilled pesto shrimp skewers are a guilt-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Rich in protein and healthy fats, they make for an excellent addition to any gathering.
Each recipe yields approximately four servings, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends while impressively showcasing your culinary skills.
Delicious and Easy Pesto Grilled Shrimp Recipe
These pesto grilled shrimp skewers are bursting with fresh flavors from the pesto marinade. The shrimp are tender, juicy, and have a delightful herby taste that pairs perfectly with the smoky notes from grilling. It’s an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
The marinade works wonders, offering not just flavor but also a beautiful glaze that makes the shrimp visually appealing. You’ll find that these skewers are not just a treat for your palate but also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the pesto, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or extra pesto, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
