Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Featured in: Misty Warm Weeknight Dinners

This dish features succulent shrimp tossed in a zesty lemon and herb marinade, then sautéed with garlic and butter for a bright, flavorful finish. Fresh parsley, dill, and basil uplift the sauce, while the choice of whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice provides a nourishing base. Perfect for a quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired meal that's both refreshing and satisfying. Optional toppings like Greek yogurt and fresh fruit add creaminess and a light, fresh touch.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:09:00 GMT
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a glistening plate of shrimp in lemony sauce, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a glistening plate of shrimp in lemony sauce, ready to serve. | almondmist.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 because of its bright lemony taste and simple 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 1–2 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.
The appealing aroma of this Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi features tender shrimp with bright lemon and herbs. Save to Pinterest
The appealing aroma of this Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi features tender shrimp with bright lemon and herbs. | almondmist.com

This recipe always brings smiles at our family dinners especially when served with fresh fruit sides.

Notes

Try adding other fresh herbs such as tarragon or chives to customize the flavor. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein but can be skipped 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.

Enjoy the light and flavorful Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a Mediterranean-inspired dish for your plate. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy the light and flavorful Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, a Mediterranean-inspired dish for your plate. | almondmist.com

Serve immediately for best taste and enjoy a light refreshing meal any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

What herbs complement the lemon shrimp?

Fresh parsley, dill, and basil create a vibrant herb blend that enhances the lemon shrimp’s brightness.

Can I use alternative bases instead of pasta?

Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice make excellent low-carb, light alternatives to traditional pasta.

How long should the shrimp marinate?

Marinate the shrimp for about 10 minutes to infuse them with lemon zest, juice, and garlic flavors.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the butter and Greek yogurt and use olive oil only.

What cooking tools are recommended?

A large skillet, mixing bowls, a slotted spoon, knife, cutting board, and citrus zester will help prepare this dish efficiently.

Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Vibrant shrimp with fresh herbs and tangy lemon sauce served over light pasta or veggies.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Overall Time
25 mins
Recipe by Ian Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You'll Need

Shrimp & 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
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, optional)

How-To

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook Garlic: Melt butter and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Sear Shrimp: Add marinated shrimp 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

Prepare Sauce: Pour broth and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping browned bits off the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 05

Combine and Finish: Stir in parsley, dill, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Return shrimp to skillet, toss gently to coat, and cook for 1 additional minute before removing from heat.

Step 06

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check each food item for possible allergens, and speak with a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy if butter or yogurt is used; omit dairy products for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition Facts (Serving Size)

Use this nutritional breakdown as a general guide—not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories: 330
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 30 g