Here’s a list of all the ingredients for a **Grilled Shrimp with Pasta Pesto Salad BBQ**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you rank better for related searches:
### **Grilled Shrimp Ingredients**
- **Fresh shrimp** (large, peeled, and deveined)
- **Olive oil** (extra virgin, for grilling)
- **Garlic** (minced, for marinade)
- **Lemon juice** (freshly squeezed, for marinade)
- **Paprika** (smoked or regular, for seasoning)
- **Salt** (to taste)
- **Black pepper** (freshly ground, for seasoning)
- **Red chili flakes** (optional, for a spicy kick)
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### **Pasta Pesto Salad Ingredients**
- **Pasta** (penne, fusilli, or farfalle, cooked al dente)
- **Basil pesto** (homemade or store-bought)
- **Cherry tomatoes** (halved, for freshness)
- **Baby spinach** (or arugula, for a peppery flavor)
- **Parmesan cheese** (grated, for garnish)
- **Pine nuts** (toasted, for crunch)
- **Olive oil** (extra virgin, for dressing)
- **Salt** (to taste)
- **Black pepper** (freshly ground, for seasoning)
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### **BBQ Essentials**
- **Charcoal or gas grill** (for smoky flavor)
- **Grill basket or skewers** (for easy shrimp grilling)
- **BBQ tongs** (for flipping shrimp)
- **Serving platter** (for presentation)
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### **Optional Add-ons for Flavor**
- **Grilled vegetables** (zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus)
- **Fresh herbs** (parsley or cilantro, for garnish)
- **Balsamic glaze** (for drizzling over the salad)
- **Garlic bread** (as a side dish)
This **grilled shrimp pasta pesto salad BBQ recipe** is perfect for summer gatherings, outdoor parties, or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with fresh, healthy ingredients and bold flavors that everyone will love!
Steps
# How to Make a Grilled Shrimp Pasta Pesto Salad for Your Next BBQ
Grilled shrimp pasta pesto salad is a delicious, fresh, and flavorful dish perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or family dinners. This recipe combines juicy grilled shrimp, al dente pasta, and vibrant pesto sauce for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Follow these detailed steps to create a crowd-pleasing dish that will impress your guests.
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## **Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Pasta Pesto Salad**
- **For the Shrimp:**
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
- **For the Pasta Salad:**
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- **For the Pesto Sauce:**
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Shrimp**
1. **Marinate the Shrimp:** In a bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and the zest and juice of half a lemon. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. **Grill the Shrimp:** Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand). Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
### **2. Cook the Pasta**
1. **Boil the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. **Toss with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
### **3. Make the Pesto Sauce**
1. **Blend Ingredients:** In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. **Add Olive Oil:** With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
### **4. Assemble the Salad**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
2. **Add Pesto:** Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. **Incorporate Shrimp:** Gently fold in the grilled shrimp, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.
4. **Garnish:** Sprinkle with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
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## **Serving Suggestions**
- Serve the grilled shrimp pasta pesto salad chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Perfect for outdoor BBQs, picnics, or as a light dinner option.
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## **SEO-Friendly Tips**
- **Keywords:** grilled shrimp pasta pesto salad, BBQ pasta salad, summer pasta recipes, easy pesto shrimp salad.
- **Meta Description:** Learn how to make a delicious grilled shrimp pasta pesto salad for your next BBQ. This easy recipe features juicy shrimp, fresh pesto, and vibrant veggies—perfect for summer gatherings!
- **Internal Links:** Link to related recipes like "How to Make Homemade Pesto" or "Best BBQ Side Dishes."
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Enjoy this flavorful and colorful dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!