PCOS Friendly Basil-Lemon Shrimp Skewers
Bright, garlicky, and finished with a hit of lemon, these grilled shrimp skewers are the kind of meal that feels indulgent without working against your body. Shrimp is a lean, high-protein option that supports stable blood sugar, and the homemade basil pesto here is built with extra-virgin olive oil — a healthy fat that fits naturally into an anti-inflammatory way of eating. The addition of turmeric and ginger in the pesto is a small but smart move, since both spices are commonly highlighted for their potential to ease the low-grade inflammation that often accompanies hormonal imbalances. Everything comes together in a blender, so the pesto is genuinely quick to make, and the shrimp hit the grill in minutes. Coating the skewers in a few tablespoons of that vibrant green sauce before grilling means every bite is packed with flavor, while the reserved pesto spooned over the top at the end takes it over the edge. Serve with lemon wedges and a simple salad and you have a complete, satisfying dinner that doesn't spike your energy and leave you crashing an hour later.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
For the skewers
- 1 ½ lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 20 minutes so they don't char on the grill.
- 2
Combine the basil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, turmeric, and ginger in a blender or food processor. Pulse several times until the herbs are roughly broken down. With the motor running, stream in the 1/2 cup olive oil and blend until the pesto is smooth and bright green, about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
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