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Keto Pesto Shrimp Skewers for Lunch Recipe

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These Keto Pesto Shrimp Skewers are an easy, flavorful, and protein-packed meal perfect for lunch. Juicy shrimp seasoned and grilled (or pan-seared) to perfection, then coated in a fresh, homemade basil pesto. This low-carb, high-fat meal is quick to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp Skewers:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

For the Keto Pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  • Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.

  • Make the Pesto: In a blender or food processor, add basil, olive oil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Add more olive oil if needed.

  • Assemble the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each.

  • Cook the Shrimp:

    • Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
    • Pan-Sear: Heat a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
    • Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

  • Coat with Pesto & Serve: Brush or toss the cooked shrimp skewers with the fresh pesto. Serve warm.

Notes

  • If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • For dairy-free pesto, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Pesto can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.wellnesswarrior.org/keto-pesto-shrimp-skewers/