Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Pesto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp marinated in a honey-lime glaze and grilled to perfection, served with a vibrant cilantro pesto for dipping or drizzling. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, honey, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each.
  3. Step 3: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks. Remove from grill.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare cilantro pesto: in a food processor, combine 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and pulse to combine. With processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil until smooth. Add 2 tbsp water to thin if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled shrimp skewers drizzled with or dipped in the fresh cilantro pesto.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 31 minutes (25 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Pesto?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Pesto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Pesto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Pesto?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes