Description

Enjoy a vibrant and flavorful summer dish with these Savory Pesto Grilled Shrimp. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a fragrant basil pesto blended with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, then perfectly grilled to achieve a light char and succulent texture. This easy-to-make recipe brings together fresh ingredients and simple grilling techniques to deliver a delightful main course perfect for warm-weather gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Marinade

1 pound fresh shrimp (thawed if using frozen)
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing grill)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto with the toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Stir well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a rich and flavorful marinade for the shrimp.
Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently toss to coat them thoroughly in the pesto mixture. Cover and let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to absorb the delicious flavors.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and brush them with olive oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking during cooking.
Grill the Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp on the hot grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp become opaque, firm, and have a slight char for added flavor.
Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and arrange on a serving plate. Pair with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp, but thawed frozen shrimp works well as a convenient alternative.
Toasting the pine nuts enhances their nutty crunch but can be skipped if desired.
If you don’t have a grill, shrimp can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan using the same method.
Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture as grilled shrimp can dry out if left too long.