Shrimp With Pesto
A vibrant and fresh shrimp dish featuring a flavorful pesto made from basil, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, pine nuts, and Parmesan, perfect for a light, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put basil, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the bowl of a food processor.
- Turn on the food processor and very slowly add the olive oil through the tube until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Refrigerate the pesto before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier pesto, consider adding a bit of ricotta or cream cheese. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts or even sunflower seeds can be used as substitutes. Be sure to season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the amount of Parmesan based on your preference for cheesiness. Fresh herbs can also be mixed in for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp with pesto over a bed of pasta for a delightful meal, or use it as a topping for grilled chicken. It also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Lemon Potatoes or Stuffed Broiled Avocados(A Hot Side Dish.) for a complete dinner. Garnish with extra Parmesan and pine nuts for presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing. If you need to reheat the shrimp, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp With Pesto contains roughly 273 calories, with 9g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 767mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, the pesto can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve its vibrant green color. Stir well before using it to refresh the flavors.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If you're looking for a different protein, chicken breast or firm tofu can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian option, you could also use chickpeas or white beans, which will absorb the flavors of the pesto beautifully.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply serve the shrimp with pesto over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own or with a side of gluten-free bread for dipping.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).