Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Featured in: Light & Bright Everyday Bowls

This dish features succulent shrimp marinated in lemon zest, juice, and garlic, then sautéed in olive oil and butter. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil create a vibrant sauce brightened with lemon juice and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle warmth. Served over pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice, it offers a light, citrus-boosted option perfect for weeknight dining. Optional toppings of Greek yogurt add creaminess, while fresh fruit balances with natural sweetness for a refreshing finish.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:02:00 GMT
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a glistening dish, offers a zesty bite with fresh herbs. Save to Pinterest
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a glistening dish, offers a zesty bite with fresh herbs. | poppyskillet.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.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes

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

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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 1–2 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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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
This bowl of Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi features tender shrimp in a bright, lemony broth. Save to Pinterest
This bowl of Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi features tender shrimp in a bright, lemony broth. | poppyskillet.com

Pairs well with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 330 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 13 g Protein 30 g

Imagine the amazing flavors: golden shrimp with fresh herbs in this Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi. Save to Pinterest
Imagine the amazing flavors: golden shrimp with fresh herbs in this Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi. | poppyskillet.com
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This shrimp scampi is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn&t compromise on flavor or freshness.

Questions & Answers

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove promptly from heat to avoid toughness.

Can I substitute the butter in the sauce?

Yes, for a lighter option, you can omit butter and use extra virgin olive oil exclusively, which still delivers rich flavor.

What fresh herbs work best in this dish?

Parsley, dill, and basil are key for bright, fresh notes. You can also add tarragon or chives for added depth.

What are good serving options for this dish?

Whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice all complement the shrimp and lemon herb sauce well.

Is there a way to add creaminess without dairy?

Skipping the Greek yogurt topping keeps the dish dairy-free while maintaining freshness. Dairy-free alternatives can also be used.

What wine pairs well with this lemon herb shrimp?

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy and herbal flavors perfectly.

Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

A zesty shrimp dish infused with lemon and fresh herbs, served with light sides for an easy, refreshing meal.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Overall Time
25 min
Recipe By Evan Perry


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Shrimp and Marinade

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

Lemon Herb Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (120 milliliters)
05 Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
06 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
08 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
09 1/4 teaspoon 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)
04 1 cup fresh fruit (such as berries or orange segments)

How to Make It

Step 01

Marinate the shrimp: Combine shrimp, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl. Toss to coat evenly and set aside 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 sliced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Deglaze and simmer sauce: Pour in broth and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes to slightly reduce.

Step 05

Add herbs and finish shrimp: Stir in parsley, dill, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute more, then remove from heat.

Step 06

Serve: Divide shrimp and sauce over pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice. Top with Greek yogurt if desired and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh fruit on the side.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Please review all components for potential allergens and always reach out to a health expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy if butter or yogurt is included.
  • Use only olive oil and omit dairy products for a dairy-free option.

Nutrition Details (each portion)

Nutritional info is meant to inform; not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Energy: 330
  • Lipid Content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 30 g