Easy Pesto Shrimp Two Ways! Cilantro Lime Pesto and Basil Lime Pesto with plump grilled shrimp is the PERFECT healthy lunch, snack or appetizer.
Pesto Shrimp Two Ways (Basil Lime and Cilantro Lime)
Pesto Shrimp is one of those appetizers that looks super fancy, yet takes almost no time at all to prepare. I love to make these shrimp around the holidays for Christmas buffets, but they can just as easily take center stage on a football Sunday. And as you know, I LIVE for great appetizers. This shrimp with pesto sauce is easily made with either Basil or Cilantro, and comes together in minutes!
Does Shrimp Go With Pesto?
If you’ve never tried the shrimp and pesto combo, I beg you to rectify that immediately! Shrimp has a mild flavor and goes so well with dozens of delicious spices. But shrimp with pesto just really knocks it out of the park. This pesto sauce made from olive oil, garlic, lime juice and Parmesan cheese is perfect with either cilantro or basil. Try them both, and see which is your favorite!
Is Pesto Shrimp Healthy?
If you’re craving lighter meals after the heaviness of the holidays, this is the perfect recipe for you! Shrimp is naturally low in fat and high in protein and vitamins, and the pesto sauce is made from wholesome, natural ingredients. This shrimp pesto recipe serves up big booming flavors while keeping the calorie count low.
How to Serve Pesto Shrimp
I love to make a huge batch of these shrimp and serve them on skewers at game day buffets. They can really stand on their own. But you can easily serve them alongside rice, or veggies or even a salad for lunch or dinner. They’re so versatile, there’s really no wrong way to eat them.
Even my picky-eater husband loved these shrimp! Try both flavors and see which you like best!
More Delicious Appetizers
From shrimp to chicken to cheesy delights, appetizers are my absolute fave! Try a few of these mouth watering recipes:
- Chicken Parmesan Sub Skewers
- Hot Shrimp Cocktail Dip
- Baked Blooming Onion
- Tequila Lime Tortilla Chips
- Shrimp and Goat Cheese Tarts
- Grilled Chicken Fajita Kebobs with Cilantro Pesto
- Pesto and Garlic Shrimp Bruschetta Recipe
See the recipe card below for details on how to make Pesto Shrimp Two Ways. Enjoy!
Enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of these delectable little shrimp. Hope you love them as much as we do!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice from 1/2 a lime
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper in a strong blender or food processor. Pulse until full combined. Set aside.
- Place 5 shrimp on each skewer.
- Brush each side of the shrimp on each skewer with the pesto.
- Grill each side for approximately 4 minutes, brushing with more pesto as you flip. If the shrimp aren't fully cooked (they will get smaller and become pink/white), cook for an additional 2 minutes on each side.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
I love the two options! Mom is an avid cilantro hater so this would be great to make two ways and please the masses. :)
Yes!! I love cilantro but so many people don’t. Thanks Kimberly!
These look so yum! Love the vibrant colors!
Thanks Michelle!
I can think of a million and one way to serve this pesto shrimp! Looks amazing, as always! <3 <3 <3
Thanks girl!
Love simple & flavorful appetizers like this one! :) And I am team basil for sure.
(me too) :)
These have everything that I love in them! Adding this one to my list of meals for the family to try too!
Thanks Heather!!
These have everything that I love in them! Adding this one to my list of meals!
I love these! I wish I had a plate of them right now! Yum!
Thanks Des!
How much basil in the basil lime pesto?
Sorry, I didn’t see the link for the basil lime pesto right away. Looks very good. I’ll use it in something else while my husband eats it on the shrimp. ?
No worries at all! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas :)
Wow, this looks incredibly tasty.
Thank you Rahul!
I am with you on eating tapas all day! Both versions of this sound amazing!
Thanks so much Chandra!