Seed Oil Free Basil-Lemon Shrimp Skewers
These skewers are the kind of thing that disappears off the platter before you even sit down — bright, garlicky, and kissed with char from the grill. The pesto comes together in a blender with fresh basil, lemon juice, zest, and extra-virgin olive oil, which means every drop of fat in this dish is clean and intentional. No canola, no soybean oil, no mystery blends — just good olive oil doing exactly what it was made to do. A pinch of turmeric and ginger in the pesto adds a subtle warmth that makes the whole thing taste more complex than the ingredient list suggests. The shrimp get a quick toss in olive oil and a few spoonfuls of that pesto before hitting a hot grill, then the reserved sauce goes right back on top for a double hit of flavor. It's a genuinely easy weeknight cook that also holds its own at a backyard gathering, and the lemon wedges on the side keep every bite tasting fresh and lively.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!