Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before applying the pesto. Excess moisture can prevent the pesto from adhering properly and result in a diluted flavor.

What's the best way to devein shrimp?

Use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp, then lift out the dark vein with the tip of your knife. For an easier option, many stores sell shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely! A grill pan works wonderfully, or you can sauté the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side until they're pink and opaque.

What can I serve with pesto shrimp to make a complete meal?

Pesto shrimp pairs beautifully with many sides—try it with lemon risotto, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a crusty piece of bread to soak up any extra pesto sauce.

Grilled Pesto Shrimp Recipe

Name: Grilled Pesto Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped fresh basil; ½ lime, juiced; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off (about 20 shrimp)

This Grilled Pesto Shrimp Recipe is a true game-changer for seafood lovers looking for a quick yet impressive meal. Plump, juicy shrimp are coated in a vibrant homemade basil pesto and quickly grilled to perfection, creating a dish that’s bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in 15 minutes flat—perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Fresh Flavors: The homemade pesto delivers an explosion of basil, garlic, and Parmesan that perfectly complements the sweet, tender shrimp.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for pasta or salad.
Impressive Yet Simple: Looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when it actually requires minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: The star of the show! Look for large or jumbo shrimp for the best results. They should be plump and firm. Whether you leave the tails on or off is purely personal preference—tails on make for a nice presentation if serving as an appetizer.
Fresh Basil: The foundation of our pesto, providing that unmistakable aromatic quality. Always use fresh for the brightest flavor.
Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the olive oil and cheese while enhancing the seafood flavor.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in your pesto.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is vastly superior to pre-grated for both texture and flavor. It adds a salty, umami component to the pesto.
Garlic: Provides that essential pungent kick that makes pesto irresistible. Adjust the amount based on your love for garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mediterranean Style

Add some sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to the pesto for a Mediterranean twist.

Spicy Kick

Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into your pesto for a hint of heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the shrimp.

Nutty Version

Traditional pesto often includes pine nuts—try adding a handful to your pesto for additional texture and a subtle nutty flavor.

Herb Swap

Replace half the basil with fresh mint or cilantro for an interesting flavor variation that still complements the shrimp beautifully.

How to Make Grilled Pesto Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium heat (350-450°F). While it’s heating up, thread about 5 shrimp onto each skewer. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 2: Make the Pesto

In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil, lime juice, olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until you have a smooth, vibrant green sauce. The texture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Apply the Pesto

Generously brush each shrimp with the freshly made pesto, ensuring they’re well-coated on all sides. The pesto will not only flavor the shrimp but will help keep them moist during grilling.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on your preheated grill and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. When you flip them, brush on more pesto to maximize flavor. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and have slightly curled into a C-shape. If they’re not quite there, give them another minute or two per side.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the grill and serve immediately while hot, perhaps with a final brush of pesto for an extra flavor boost.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become tough if left on the heat too long. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done!
Even Sizing: Try to use shrimp that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
Pesto Thickness: If your pesto seems too thick, add a little more olive oil. If it’s too thin, add more Parmesan.
Grill Alternative: No grill? No problem! These shrimp can also be cooked on a grill pan or even quickly sautéed in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Reserve Some Pesto: Set aside a portion of the pesto before coating the raw shrimp to use as a final garnish or dipping sauce.

How to Serve

As an Appetizer

Serve on the skewers with a side of extra pesto for dipping and a few lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Main Course

Remove the shrimp from skewers and toss with hot pasta, a splash of pasta water, and extra pesto for a quick and delicious dinner. A side of garlic bread completes the meal.

Salad Topper

Arrange grilled pesto shrimp over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a protein-packed lunch or light dinner.

Party Pleaser

For a gathering, serve alongside other grilled favorites like vegetables or chicken for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled pesto shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, though the texture of the shrimp may change slightly.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make the shrimp slightly tough.

Make-Ahead Options

The pesto can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. The shrimp can be skewered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before applying the pesto. Excess moisture can prevent the pesto from adhering properly and result in a diluted flavor.
What’s the best way to devein shrimp?

Use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp, then lift out the dark vein with the tip of your knife. For an easier option, many stores sell shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely! A grill pan works wonderfully, or you can sauté the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque.
What can I serve with pesto shrimp to make a complete meal?

Pesto shrimp pairs beautifully with many sides—try it with lemon risotto, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a crusty piece of bread to soak up any extra pesto sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Pesto Shrimp recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special in minutes. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes that’s sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation—whether for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. The vibrant flavors of fresh basil and zippy garlic, combined with the sweet tenderness of perfectly grilled shrimp, create a dish that feels like summer on a plate no matter the season!