Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Featured in: Cool Herb Skillet & Pan Meals

This light & bright dish highlights succulent shrimp marinated in garlic and lemon, sautéed to perfection with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil. The tangy lemon sauce, enriched with butter and olive oil, brings a refreshing citrus boost that pairs beautifully with whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal, it's garnished with lemon wedges and optional Greek yogurt for a creamy finish. Simple, flavorful, and nourishing, this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired plate delights with each bite.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:12:00 GMT
Vibrant bowl of lemon herb shrimp scampi with bright green herbs, perfect for a fresh meal. Save
Vibrant bowl of lemon herb shrimp scampi with bright green herbs, perfect for a fresh meal. | rusticmint.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.

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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Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
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Delicious and light, this lemon herb shrimp scampi simmers in a lemon and herb infused sauce. Save
Delicious and light, this lemon herb shrimp scampi simmers in a lemon and herb infused sauce. | rusticmint.com

Tender, juicy shrimp nestled in a flavorful lemon herb scampi sauce, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Tender, juicy shrimp nestled in a flavorful lemon herb scampi sauce, ready to serve and enjoy. | rusticmint.com

Common Questions

What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal as they cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender bite and good texture.

Can I substitute the herbs used in the sauce?

Yes, fresh herbs like tarragon or chives complement the lemon and garlic flavors well and can be used as alternatives or additions.

What are good serving options with the shrimp and sauce?

This dish pairs well with whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice, enhancing the light, fresh profile.

How do I make the dish dairy-free?

Simply omit the butter and Greek yogurt, using extra olive oil instead to keep the flavors light and clean.

What wine complements the flavors?

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the citrusy and herbal notes, making it a refreshing pairing.

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Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Tender shrimp tossed with fresh herbs and lemon in a bright, zesty sauce served with pasta or veggies.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
All Steps Time
25 minutes
Created by Benjamin Thomas


Skill Level Easy

Tradition Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Nutrition Info 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, for topping)
04 1 cup fresh fruit such as berries or orange segments

Method

Step 01

Marinate shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss to coat and let 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 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 per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 04

Prepare sauce base: Pour broth and lemon juice into the skillet. Scrape browned bits from the pan and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Serve: Divide cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice among plates. Spoon shrimp and sauce over top. Garnish with lemon wedges, add a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired, and serve fresh fruit on the side.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notes

Look over every ingredient for allergens, and reach out to your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy (if butter or yogurt are included).

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

Provided as a general guide by Rustic Mint—always speak with your doctor for dietary help.
  • Energy (Kcal): 330
  • Lipids: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 30 g