Juicy jumbo shrimp marinated in fragrant pesto sauce, skewered with fresh veggies, and grilled to perfection. These Pesto Shrimp Skewers are a vibrant, easy-to-make dish for any occasion.
PrintPesto Shrimp Skewers
Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor, Pesto Shrimp Skewers are the ultimate grilled seafood dish. Jumbo shrimp are marinated in a fresh, garlicky pesto sauce, then skewered with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a perfect balance of taste and texture. Grilled to juicy perfection, these skewers are an easy yet impressive dish to serve at your next BBQ, dinner party, or weeknight meal. Whether served with a side of rice, salad, or your favorite grilled vegetables, this recipe brings the fresh, herby goodness of pesto to life in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 skewers 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
1 lb. jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off. click for how to clean raw shrimp
1/2 cup fresh pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade) click for my fresh Basil Pesto Sauce
1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for brushing
Optional: balsamic glaze or reduction for drizzling
Instructions
-
Marinate the shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with pesto sauce. Let marinate in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. -
Prep the veggies
Lightly season the zucchini, peppers, onion, and tomatoes with salt and pepper. Drizzle with a little olive oil. -
Assemble the skewers
Thread the shrimp and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating as you go. Use 3–4 shrimp per skewer depending on skewer length. -
Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred, and veggies are tender. -
Finish
Remove from grill and drizzle with a light balsamic reduction just before serving, if desired.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Pesto Shrimp Skewers
- Use large shrimp (16–20 count per pound) for best texture and grill performance.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Toss shrimp in pesto just before grilling to avoid over-marinating (which can “cook” the shrimp with acidity).
- Drizzle balsamic glaze after grilling for a gourmet finish and touch of sweetness.
- Don’t overcook! Shrimp only need about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini slices to skewers for a colorful and balanced presentation.
- For extra flavor, serve over lemony couscous, herbed rice, or a fresh arugula salad.
❓Pesto Shrimp Skewers FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating and skewering.
Q: Can I bake them instead of grill?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes or broil for 4–5 minutes, flipping once.
Q: Should I peel the shrimp before grilling?
A: Yes, peel and devein them for easier eating and better flavor absorption. Leave tails on for presentation, if desired.
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A: Definitely! But for best flavor, homemade fresh basil pesto is ideal. Click here for my fresh Basil Pesto Sauce recipe.
Q: How long can I marinate the shrimp?
A: Keep it brief—15 to 30 minutes is enough. Longer can make the shrimp mushy.
Q: What kind of skewers should I use?
A: 8–10 inch wooden skewers (soaked) or stainless steel ones work well for grilling.
Best Pairings for Pesto Shrimp Skewers
🌿 Sides:
- Lemon Herb Couscous – light, fluffy, and citrusy to complement the pesto.
- Grilled Vegetables – zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus match beautifully.
- Caprese Salad – tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil add a cooling contrast.
- Orzo Pasta Salad – tossed with olives, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic Bread – perfect for soaking up extra pesto and balsamic glaze.
🍷 Drinks:
- White wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well with basil and seafood.
- Rosé – light, fruity, and refreshing on a summer evening.
- Sparkling water with lemon – simple and refreshing for non-alcoholic pairing.
🍰 Desserts:
- Lemon Sorbet – keeps the meal light and fresh.
- Fresh berries with balsamic drizzle – ties back to the glaze on the shrimp.
- Mini panna cotta or citrus cheesecake – creamy finish after a vibrant dish.
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Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 18