Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make summer favorite with these Savory Pesto Grilled Shrimp. Marinated in fragrant basil pesto with optional toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, then grilled to perfection for a flavorful and juicy shrimp dish that pairs beautifully with fresh sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined, or thawed frozen shrimp)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Grilling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing grill)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto with optional toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well-mixed, creating a fragrant marinade for the shrimp.
- Marinate Shrimp: Gently toss the shrimp in the marinade until they are fully coated. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb those amazing flavors.
- Grill Preparation: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Ensure that the grill grates are clean and brushed with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill Shrimp: Lay the marinated shrimp on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque and lightly charred.
- Serve: Once done, plate the grilled shrimp and consider pairing them with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing salad.
Notes
- Letting the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp on the grill; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- Optional pine nuts add a nice texture contrast but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Using pre-made basil pesto saves preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
