Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Featured in: Fork-Friendly Everyday Plates

This dish features succulent shrimp marinated with garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, then sautéed in butter and olive oil. The bright lemon herb sauce is simmered with broth and aromatic fresh parsley, dill, and basil, creating a vibrant and lively flavor profile. Served over your choice of whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice, it offers a light yet filling meal option. A touch of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit adds a refreshing, creamy balance to the citrusy notes. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for a nourishing weeknight dinner with Mediterranean inspiration.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:29:00 GMT
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, glistening from lemon juice and herbs, ready to be served over pasta. Save to Pinterest
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, glistening from lemon juice and herbs, ready to be served over pasta. | poppyfork.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 favorite in our home because of its fresh herbs and bright lemon sauce that make every bite delightful.

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 saute 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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Dries dishes, utensils, and cookware neatly after cooking, keeping your countertop organized and clutter free.
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Dries dishes, utensils, and cookware neatly after cooking, keeping your countertop organized and clutter free.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of steaming Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi: shrimp coated in a bright, zesty lemon herb sauce. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of steaming Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi: shrimp coated in a bright, zesty lemon herb sauce. | poppyfork.com

This dish often brings the family together for a quick and delicious dinner on busy weeknights.

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.

Tender, pan-seared Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a Mediterranean-inspired dish with fresh ingredients and flavor. Save to Pinterest
Tender, pan-seared Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a Mediterranean-inspired dish with fresh ingredients and flavor. | poppyfork.com
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Enjoy this light and flavorful shrimp scampi any night of the week for a satisfying meal.

Recipe Questions

How can I keep the shrimp tender?

Marinate the shrimp briefly with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, then cook quickly over medium-high heat until just opaque to avoid overcooking.

Can I use other herbs instead of parsley, dill, and basil?

Yes, fresh tarragon or chives can be excellent alternatives to complement the lemon and garlic flavors.

What are good pasta alternatives for this dish?

Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice offer light, vegetable-based options that balance well with the zesty shrimp and sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Omit the butter and Greek yogurt, and use only olive oil to keep it dairy-free while maintaining flavor.

What wine pairs well with this meal?

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly matches the citrus and herb notes in this dish.

Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Zesty shrimp with fresh herbs and lemon, served over pasta or veggie noodles for a bright, nourishing meal.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created by Cooper Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Tags None specified

What You Need

Shrimp & Marinade

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 ½ tsp sea salt
05 ¼ 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 ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
05 Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
06 ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
08 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
09 ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

To Serve

01 4 cups cooked whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice
02 Lemon wedges
03 ½ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
04 1 cup fresh fruit (e.g., berries or orange segments)

Directions

Step 01

Marinate shrimp: Toss shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

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 shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine shrimp and herbs: Add parsley, dill, basil, and crushed 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 06

Serve: Place shrimp and sauce over cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and serve with fresh fruit and lemon wedges for garnish.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review all ingredient labels for allergen risks and talk to a doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy (if butter or yogurt used)

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Total Calories: 330
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 30 g