Pecan Free Basil-Lemon Shrimp Skewers
Bright, herby, and kissed with citrus, these grilled shrimp skewers are the kind of dish that disappears fast at any backyard gathering. The homemade pesto is built entirely from fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and a subtle warmth from turmeric and ginger — no nuts of any kind, so you can blend it up with complete confidence. Store-bought pesto is one of those sneaky products that often includes pine nuts or other tree nuts depending on the brand, making a from-scratch version like this one a genuinely smart move. The shrimp get tossed in a few tablespoons of that vibrant green sauce before hitting the grill, then get another generous spoonful right before serving, so every bite is layered with flavor. Two to three minutes per side over medium-high heat is all it takes to get perfectly opaque, slightly charred shrimp that look as good as they taste. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end ties everything together and makes the whole platter pop. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a weeknight dinner, this one earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
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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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