Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Featured in: Light & Earthy Bowls

This vibrant dish features succulent shrimp marinated with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then seared to tender perfection. A bright lemon herb sauce with parsley, dill, and basil adds uplifting citrus notes, balanced by a touch of butter or olive oil. Served over whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice, the meal offers nourishing flavors with a light and fresh profile. Optional Greek yogurt topping provides creaminess, while fresh fruit on the side enhances the bright, clean taste. Ready in just 25 minutes, it suits a quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner with balanced textures and a refreshing finish.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:36:00 GMT
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, ready to enjoy. Pin It
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, ready to enjoy. | olivecinder.com

A vibrant, zesty shrimp scampi featuring fresh herbs and a tangy lemon sauce, served in light bowls for a nourishing, citrus-boosted weeknight dinner.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite thanks to its bright flavors and effortless preparation.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp & Marinade: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp peeled and deveined, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, zest of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon Herb Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced, 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp), 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped, 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • To Serve: 4 cups cooked whole grain pasta zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, lemon wedges, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional for topping), 1 cup fresh fruit (e.g. berries or orange segments for a light plate)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl toss shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil minced garlic salt pepper lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2:
Heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3:
Add marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 4:
Pour in broth and juice of 1 lemon. Scrape up any browned bits and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5:
Add parsley dill basil and red pepper flakes if using. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1 more minute then remove from heat.
Step 6:
Serve shrimp and sauce over your choice of pasta zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Step 7:
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing touch. Garnish with extra lemon wedges.
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| olivecinder.com

This dish always sparks joy during family dinners especially when served fresh with seasonal fruit on the side.

Notes

Pairs well with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein skip for a dairy-free version.

Required Tools

Large skillet mixing bowls slotted spoon knife and cutting board citrus zester

Allergen Information

Contains Shellfish Dairy if using butter or yogurt. To make dairy-free use only olive oil and omit Greek yogurt. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

A bowl of Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright sauce. Pin It
A bowl of Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright sauce. | olivecinder.com

Enjoy this bright flavorful meal that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

Recipe FAQs

What herbs complement shrimp in this dish?

Fresh parsley, dill, and basil provide bright, aromatic notes that balance the lemon’s zest and enhance the shrimp’s flavor.

Can I substitute shrimp with other seafood?

Yes, firm-fleshed seafood like scallops or firm white fish can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.

What sides pair well with the lemon herb shrimp?

Whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice work beautifully to soak up the vibrant lemon herb sauce.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply omit the butter and Greek yogurt, using only extra-virgin olive oil for cooking and finishing.

Is it possible to prepare this meal ahead of time?

Marinate the shrimp in advance and prepare the herb sauce shortly before cooking to maintain freshness and bright flavors.

Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Zesty shrimp in lemon herb sauce with fresh garlic and herbs for a light, citrus-boosted meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Recipe by Owen Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Shrimp & Marinade

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 tsp sea salt
05 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
06 Zest of 1 lemon
07 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Lemon Herb Sauce

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
03 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
05 Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
06 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
08 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
09 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

To Serve

01 4 cups cooked whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice
02 Lemon wedges
03 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
04 1 cup fresh fruit (e.g., berries or orange segments)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare shrimp marinade: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; marinate for 10 minutes.

Step 02

Sauté garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add thinly sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Cook shrimp: Add marinated shrimp in a single layer to the skillet; cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 04

Prepare sauce: Pour broth and lemon juice into the skillet; scrape browned bits from the bottom and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 05

Finish sauce and combine: Add parsley, dill, basil, and red pepper flakes if using; return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat; cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.

Step 06

Serve: Place shrimp and sauce over choice of pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice; top with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit if desired; garnish with lemon wedges.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Slotted spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Citrus zester

Allergy Advice

Make sure to review every ingredient for allergens and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy (if butter or yogurt are used)
  • For dairy-free, omit butter and yogurt
  • Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Details here are just for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 330
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 30 g