When I first started to eat healthy, I was all about educating myself on what exactly it meant to eat clean. I went full on for about a month or two with zero to few cheat meals. Accidents happen.. how else will you truly learn? Today, month’s later…. I live 90% clean. I’m human… I drink, have bread if not given the gluten free option, and struggle with a serious sweet tooth. I try to moderate it with purchasing healthier choices like black licorice, yogurt, dark chocolate, etc. but truthfully … I have dessert nightly. It’s fine, I’ll work it off tomorrow.

In the middle of researching for healthy recipes, I came across The Gracious Pantry, a blog I often use for meal inspiration. Her recipes are not very complex, which means less ingredients and kitchen time; a big bonus for mothers or people working full-time. I decided to try her Cilantro Pesto to top on grilled shrimp last week. Next time, I would add less parmesan or opt for another cheese but once grilled and marinated… it came out delicious! Keeping it fresh in the refrigerator, I have been able to add this to different recipes throughout the week: stuffed chicken, steamed rice and salmon, etc. Try it for yourself!

 

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

 

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Place shrimp on skewers with pepper, garlic and pesto sauce sprinkled on top. Grill for about 3 minutes on both sides or until done. I paired the grilled shrimp with corn and eggplant stakes (eggplant stakes: tomato, basil, goat cheese, eggplant).

 

Nutritional Content:
(Data is for 1 tablespoon)

Calories: 81
Total Fat: 8 gm
Saturated Fats: 1 gm
Trans Fats: 0 gm
Cholesterol: 2 mg
Sodium: 33 mg
Carbohydrates: 1 gm
Dietary fiber: 0 gm
Sugars: 0 gm
Protein: 2 gm
Estimated Glycemic Load: 0

(per The Gracious Pantry)

 

xo!