Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Featured in: Light Fruit & Herb Bowls

This light and bright dish pairs succulent shrimp with a tangy lemon herb sauce, bursting with fresh parsley, dill, and basil. The shrimp is marinated in lemon zest and juice, then sautéed with garlic in olive oil and butter. A splash of broth enhances the sauce, perfectly complementing whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice. Optional toppings like Greek yogurt add creaminess while a side of fresh fruit offers a refreshing balance.

Ideal for a quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner, this dish blends citrus freshness with herbal aromas to create a nourishing and flavorful experience.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:43:00 GMT
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a close-up of tender shrimp swimming in a bright, zesty sauce. Pin it
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a close-up of tender shrimp swimming in a bright, zesty sauce. | plumclover.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 brings fresh flavors to the table and is simple enough for any weeknight. I especially enjoy how the lemon brightens up the dish and complements the shrimp perfectly.

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)

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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 1–2 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.
Vibrant Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi with a luscious lemon sauce, ready for a delicious meal. Pin it
Vibrant Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi with a luscious lemon sauce, ready for a delicious meal. | plumclover.com

This dish has become a favorite at family dinners, especially when we enjoy it with fresh fruit on the side for a balanced meal.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains Shellfish and Dairy (if using butter or yogurt). To make dairy-free, use only olive oil and omit Greek yogurt.

Nutritional Information

Per serving without yogurt or fruit: Calories 330, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Protein 30 g.

A steaming bowl of Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Pin it
A steaming bowl of Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. | plumclover.com

This scampi is a perfect blend of fresh and rich flavors that make weeknight dinners special and easy to prepare.

Recipe FAQ

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Skip the butter and Greek yogurt, using only olive oil to keep it light and dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

→ What are good side options to serve with lemon herb shrimp?

Serve over whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a nutritious, low-carb option.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, but thaw thoroughly and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and better texture.

→ What herbs work best in the lemon herb sauce?

Fresh parsley, dill, and basil provide a bright, fragrant complement; you can also try tarragon or chives for variety.

→ How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinating for about 10 minutes allows the lemon juice, zest, and garlic to infuse the shrimp without overpowering the natural flavors.

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Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Vibrant shrimp with lemon and fresh herbs, served over pasta or veggies for a light, citrus-boosted meal.

Time to Prepare
15 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Recipe by Joshua Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mediterranean-Inspired

Portions 4 Serving Size

Dietary notes Without Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You Need

Shrimp & Marinade

01 1 lb 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
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, for topping)
04 1 cup fresh fruit (e.g., berries or orange segments, for a light plate)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

Step 02

Sauté Garlic: Heat unsalted 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 for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 04

Prepare Sauce: Pour broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Scrape browned bits from the bottom and simmer for 2 minutes to slightly reduce.

Step 05

Combine Herbs and Shrimp: Stir in chopped parsley, dill, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1 additional minute, then remove from heat.

Step 06

Serve: Plate shrimp and sauce over your choice of cooked whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit if desired. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Needed Tools

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

Possible Allergens

Review each item for allergens and get advice from your medical provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy (if butter or yogurt are used).
  • For dairy-free preparation, use olive oil exclusively and omit yogurt.
  • Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional details (per serving)

For informational use only. Not a substitute for health advice.
  • Energy (kcal): 330
  • Fat content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 30 g

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