Why It Works

These Pesto Shrimp Skewers are quick, fresh, and packed with flavor using just two simple ingredients. A short marinade infuses the shrimp with herby richness, and a few minutes under the broiler delivers juicy, perfectly cooked skewers that feel special with minimal effort.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp:
   Place shrimp in a bowl and toss with pesto until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the broiler while the shrimp marinate.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
   Thread shrimp onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand or wrap the exposed ends with foil to prevent burning.
3. Broil:
   Arrange skewers on a baking sheet. Broil for about 3 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque. There is no need to flip.
4. Serve:
   Serve immediately as a main dish, appetizer, or over pasta or salad with extra pesto if desired.

Getting Kids Involved

• Let kids help toss the shrimp in pesto.
• They can carefully thread shrimp onto skewers (with supervision).
• Younger kids can help arrange skewers on the baking sheet.

Pro Tips, Meal Prep, and Time Savers

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly—remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• Frozen Shrimp Shortcut: Keep frozen shrimp on hand for easy last-minute meals; thaw under cold running water for quick prep.
• Switch the Pesto: Try basil, kale, hemp seed, or pumpkin seed pesto for variety.
• Make It a Meal: Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, pasta, or over mixed greens for a complete dinner.

These Pesto Shrimp Skewers are light, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when dinner needs to be fast, simple, and satisfying.

Pesto Shrimp Skewers

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Print Recipe

Pesto Shrimp Skewers are one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re quick, fresh, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for nights when you want dinner on the table fast without sacrificing taste. With just a short marinade and a few minutes under the broiler, these shrimp turn out juicy, tender, and irresistible every time.

Ingredients

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• 1/4 cup pesto (see notes below for homemade pesto options)

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak for 30 minutes)

• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Place the pesto, shrimp, and salt in a bowl and stir until the shrimp are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. While the shrimp marinate, preheat the oven broiler.

3. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers.

4. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and broil for about 3 minutes. There’s no need to flip—the shrimp cook quickly and stay tender.

5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

• Don’t Skip the Soak: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes or cover the exposed ends with aluminum foil to prevent burning. You can also skip skewers entirely and broil the shrimp directly on a sheet pan.
• Serve Immediately: These shrimp are best enjoyed straight from the broiler while they’re juicy and perfectly cooked. I love serving them as a main dish or tossing them with lemon shrimp pasta for an easy meal.
• Save Time with Frozen Shrimp: Frozen shrimp are budget-friendly and convenient. Just thaw completely and pat dry before mixing with the pesto.
• Homemade Pesto Options: Basil Pesto, Kale Pesto, or Hemp Seed Pesto all work beautifully in this recipe.

• Author: Miks