Grilled Pesto Shrimp
Juicy shrimp marinated in homemade basil pesto, then grilled to perfection! This easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or light and healthy lunches. Serve it with rice, pasta, or grilled veggies for a meal that feels restaurant worthy but takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-large 26/30 or jumbo shrimp, peeled (tails left on) and deveined, thawed if frozen
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 large garlic cloves roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 1 lemon cut into wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers if desired, especially if they’re smaller and could slip through the grill grates.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine olive oil, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, Parmesan, and walnuts. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate: Set aside 2 tablespoons of the pesto in a large bowl for later. Pour the remaining pesto over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates using tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
- Grill shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink, plump, and lightly charred.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer grilled shrimp to the bowl with the reserved pesto and toss to coat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves and good-quality olive oil.
- Swap walnuts with pine nuts, almonds, or cashews if preferred.
- If you don’t have a grill, cook the shrimp in a hot skillet or grill pan indoors.
- Make the pesto up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Serve over buttered noodles, rice, or grilled vegetables.
- Make shrimp wraps or tacos with fresh greens and a drizzle of extra pesto.
- Pair with a glass of white wine for a light, elegant dinner.