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Shrimp Skewers with Arugula Pesto Aioli

March 5, 2015 by Keri 32 Comments

Tender shrimp are tossed with olive oil and lemon juice, skewered, and then grilled to juicy perfection. Serve alongside a flavorful arugula pesto aioli for dipping. This easy dish can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish over a green salad or alongside a bowl of soup.

Shrimp and Aioli

I’ve been all about quick and easy meals lately. It seems the days just keep going by faster and faster. Plus, when you’ve got a food blog you spend a lot of time on the photos, recipes, content, etc. Needless to say, the quicker I can get the actual cooking part done, the better!

Shrimp are one of my favorite things to make when I need a quick meal. They take minutes to cook and if you’re using frozen they thaw super fast too. Shrimp are also really versatile – you can serve them as an appetizer, main dish, on a salad, tossed in pasta, and they pair well with so many different flavors. 

I’ve been really obsessing over arugula pesto lately, as you probably know from the last post. It just so happens that it goes really well with grilled shrimp!

Shrimp Skewer

I decided to mix the pesto into a healthy homemade mayonnaise to make an aioli dipping sauce. This stuff is so good that I could eat it by the spoonful. I did, actually. The mayonnaise recipe I use is from my friend, Natalie – it’s the easiest and tastiest mayo ever! Seriously, you only need 3 ingredients, a mason jar, and an immersion blender. It takes seconds to make!

You can easily use store-bought mayo if you don’t want to make your own, but the homemade is just too good (and easy) to pass up! As for the pesto, you can use basil pesto if you’ve got that hanging around. I highly recommend the arugula pesto as I think it adds a bit more zing to aioli and pairs perfectly with the shrimp. 

To make arugula pesto, follow my recipe for perfect pesto and swap out the basil for arugula.

Shrimp Skewers with Aioli

These shrimp skewers can be served as an appetizer for movie night or a dinner party. You can also enjoy them with a side of veggies, on top of a salad or alongside soup. I had a few of these skewers with my pesto vegetable soup and it was delicious.

Even my self-proclaimed shrimp hater of a fiancΓ© enjoyed these. When he saw what we were having he said “I usually only like to eat about 3 shrimp before I’ve had enough”. Well, he ate way more than 3! So, if you’re looking for a quick meal or appetizer I urge you to make this recipe!

Oh, and I should mention the aioli can be used for a lot of different things – in chicken salad, thin it out with a little water and use it as a salad dressing, with grilled salmon or chicken… get creative! 


Shrimp Skewers with Arugula Pesto Aioli
2015-03-04 15:52:28
Serves 2
Tender shrimp are tossed with olive oil and lemon juice, skewered, and then grilled to juicy perfection. Serve alongside a flavorful arugula pesto aioli for dipping. This easy dish can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish over a green salad or alongside a bowl of soup.
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
20 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
20 min
For the Shrimp
  1. 1 Pound Fresh or Frozen Shrimp (about 20-25 shrimp), peeled and deveined
  2. 1 Tablespoon Extra Light Olive Oil
  3. 1 Lemon, juiced
  4. Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For the Aioli
  1. ΒΌ Cup Homemade Mayonnaise*, or store bought
  2. 2 Tablespoons Arugula Pesto
  3. 1 Tablespoon Water
Instructions
  1. Toss the shrimp with the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. While the shrimp are marinating, make the aioli. Mix together the mayo, pesto, and water until very smooth.
  3. Heat a grill pan over high heat (or an outdoor grill). Skewer the shrimp onto wooden skewers (make sure to soak them if you’re using an outdoor grill) – 5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Grill the shrimp for 2 minutes per side or until opaque throughout.
  5. Serve the shrimp alongside the aioli for dipping.
Notes
  1. The homemade mayonnaise recipe is paleo and Whole30. To make the rest of the recipe paleo and Whole30 compliant, omit the cheese in the pesto!
Fashionable Foods https://fashionablefoods.com/

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Filed Under: Appetizers & Snacks, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fish & Seafood, Gluten-Free, Healthy Choices, Lunch, Paleo, Whole30

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Lovely comments

  1. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says

    March 5, 2015 at 6:59 am

    When I’m hosting a get together with co-workers, I like to have easy appetizers ready for munching. A lot of the people I work with are gluten-free, so I like to include snacks that are available for their needs as well. Thank you for this recipe!
    Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Herby Garlic Beer BreadMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 5, 2015 at 7:32 am

      That’s so nice of you to accommodate your gluten-free guests! I’m sure the appreciate it πŸ™‚ Thanks, Erin!

      Reply
  2. Jessica | A Happy Food Dance says

    March 5, 2015 at 10:30 am

    Mmmm! Love shrimp and pesto – never tried and pesto aioli though. Such a good idea!
    Jessica | A Happy Food Dance recently posted…roasted strawberry hand piesMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 5, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Thanks Jessica! It’s SO good I’ve been eating it by the spoonful!

      Reply
  3. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    March 5, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    Keri! I am so happy you liked my mayo recipe! Ok, isn’t that recipe so easy it’s kind of joke? And the mayo is so good! I don’t think I’ll ever buy store bought again. You just made my day! Oh, and so did this shrimp. I love shrimp skewers. Makes it so easy to cook a bunch at once and flip them. Can’t wait to cover them in your arugula pesto aioli. Yum!
    Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Slow Cooker Irish Guinness Beef StewMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 5, 2015 at 4:09 pm

      Easiest thing ever, Natalie! I made homemade mayo once a long time ago in a blender, but it had way more ingredients, made a mess, and didn’t really emulsify. I was in shock at how quick your recipe was! I don’t think I’ll ever cook shrimp off of a skewer again since it makes it so easy to flip them. And the aioli is to die for.. I’ve been putting it on anything and everything I can think of!

      Reply
  4. Coty and Mariah |Quirks and Twists| says

    March 5, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    I just made adobe marinated shrimp last night and came across this recipe today. Definitely trying it the next time I have shrimp! Sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 5, 2015 at 4:10 pm

      Adobe marinated shrimp sounds delicious! You’ll love this recipe – it’s so quick and the aioli is SO good! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Rachelle says

    March 5, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    I’m always interested in new ways to cook shrimp. I love these skewers and how versatile the arugula pesto aioli is. Your pics are gorgeous too!
    Rachelle recently posted…Banana Chocolate Chip Whoopie PiesMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 5, 2015 at 4:10 pm

      I’ve been putting the aioli on anything and everything! Thank you for the compliment, Rachelle πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Savita @ ChefDeHome says

    March 5, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    Keri, I specially love the arugula pesto aioli! gorgeous color and I bet it tastes delicious! yumm!

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 6, 2015 at 5:16 pm

      Thanks Savita! It does taste delicious πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  7. Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says

    March 5, 2015 at 11:22 pm

    I am a big shrimp lover! Gorgeous pictures Keri! Pinned!

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 6, 2015 at 5:16 pm

      Me too Mariah! Thank you!! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    March 6, 2015 at 8:18 am

    These shrimp skewers are so creative, Keri! I love that you added a pesto sauce to this dish. Sounds delicious!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Chocolate Covered Potato ChipsMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 6, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      Thank you Gayle! The pesto goes SO well the shrimp.

      Reply
  9. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:57 am

    So colorful! Seriously lovely photos and looooove that aioli πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 6, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      Thank you Medha!

      Reply
  10. Maya @ Treats and Eats says

    March 6, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    Quick and easy sounds just about perfect, especially if you end up making something that looks as delicious as this! I’ve never made homemade mayo, but now I’m definitely going to have to try it!
    Maya @ Treats and Eats recently posted…Homemade GravlaxMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 6, 2015 at 5:18 pm

      Oh that homemade mayo is seriously amazing! You’ll love it, Maya!

      Reply
  11. Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says

    March 6, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    oh man these look tasty!

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 6, 2015 at 5:18 pm

      Thank you Kelsey!

      Reply
  12. Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says

    March 6, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    These look so fresh and yummy, Keri! Arugula is one of my favorite things ever. I know for a fact I would love this recipe. Can’t wait to try!
    Annie @ The Garlic Diaries recently posted…Baked Egg RollsMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 6, 2015 at 5:19 pm

      Thank you Annie! I’m obsessed with arugula and it does soooo well with shrimp! Let me know how you like it πŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. Kelley @ Chef Savvy says

    March 6, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    Beautiful appetizer! I love the combination of shrimp and pesto. I will be making this at my next get together!

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 6, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Thanks Kelley! It is a great combo. It will be perfect at your next get together – let me know what you think! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says

    March 6, 2015 at 10:05 pm

    I am such a sucker for shrimp! I mean, how can you beat them? Plus they are a pretty healthy meal option!
    Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat recently posted…Slowcooker Corn ChowderMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      March 7, 2015 at 8:10 am

      Me too, Shelby! You can do so much with shrimp – I just love it!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 36 Tasty Arugula Salads and Arugula Recipes | Paleo Grubs says:
    August 22, 2016 at 8:02 am

    […] 15. Shrimp Skewers With Arugula Pesto Aioli These shrimp skewers are a fun dish for a backyard dinner on a warm night. Yummy! The shrimp is tossed with olive oil and lemon juice with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and dipped in a homemade arugula pesto aioli. Make sure to use paleo oils in your mayonnaise. […]

    Reply
  2. 36 Tasty Arugula Salads and Arugula Recipes - Your Herbal Health Shop says:
    August 22, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    […] 15. Shrimp Skewers With Arugula Pesto Aioli These shrimp skewers are a fun dish for a backyard dinner on a warm night. Yummy! The shrimp is tossed with olive oil and lemon juice with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and dipped in a homemade arugula pesto aioli. Make sure to use paleo oils in your mayonnaise. […]

    Reply
  3. 30 Whole30 Lunch Ideas | The Pinning Mama says:
    October 31, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    […] Shrimp Skewers with Arugula Pesto Aiolo […]

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  4. 9 Tasty Arugula Salads and Arugula Recipes – Paleo Feed says:
    February 2, 2017 at 4:13 am

    […] 7. Shrimp Skewers With Arugula Pesto Aioli […]

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I'm Keri: the passionate foodie behind the blog. I created Fashionable Foods to share fresh, homemade food with a creative twist. I live in Delaware with my husband Kyle, our son Nolan, and cat Basil. Favorite things include beach days, wine, and popcorn.
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