Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Featured in: Light Bowls, Pastas & Greens

This light and bright lemon herb shrimp scampi features plump shrimp marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Sautéed with a fragrant blend of fresh parsley, dill, and basil, the shrimp are finished in a tangy lemon sauce. Served over whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice, this dish offers a nourishing, citrus-boosted meal that's quick to prepare. Optional Greek yogurt and fresh fruit add creamy and refreshing touches, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner full of fresh flavors.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:40:00 GMT
Vibrant Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, swimming in a glistening lemon-herb sauce, is ready for a taste! Save
Vibrant Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi, swimming in a glistening lemon-herb sauce, is ready for a taste! | velvetoregano.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, bringing vibrant flavors with minimal effort and perfect for busy weeknights.

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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| velvetoregano.com

This dish often brings the family together at the table enjoying fresh flavors and vibrant colors.

Notes

For a lighter dish omit butter and use only olive oil Try adding other fresh herbs such as tarragon or chives 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

A close-up shot of the savory Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi with colorful herbs and zesty lemon wedges. Save
A close-up shot of the savory Light & Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi with colorful herbs and zesty lemon wedges. | velvetoregano.com
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This lemon herb shrimp scampi brings a bright, fresh final touch guaranteed to make your dinner memorable.

Recipe FAQ

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually 1–2 minutes per side, to keep them tender and juicy.

Can I use other herbs besides parsley, dill, and basil?

Yes, tarragon or chives can be added for a different herbaceous twist without overpowering the lemony flavor.

What are good low-carb alternatives to pasta for serving?

Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice make excellent light and healthy options to accompany the lemon herb shrimp.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Omit butter and Greek yogurt, using only olive oil for cooking to keep the dish dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

What wine pairs well with this lemon shrimp preparation?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the fresh citrus and herb flavors beautifully.

Light Bright Lemon Herb Shrimp

Vibrant shrimp tossed with fresh herbs and lemon, served with pasta or veggies for a bright dinner.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Written by Adrian Sanders


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Portions 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Without Gluten

What You'll Need

Shrimp & Marinade

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 tsp sea salt
05 1/4 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 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (120 ml)
05 Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
06 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
08 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
09 1/4 tsp 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 serving)

How To Make It

Step 01

Marinate Shrimp: Combine shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl. 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: Place marinated shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 04

Prepare Sauce Base: Add broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Scrape up browned bits and simmer for 2 minutes to slightly reduce.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Needed Tools

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

Allergy Notice

Review every ingredient for allergies and reach out to a health expert if you have questions.
  • Contains shellfish
  • Contains dairy if butter or Greek yogurt are used

Nutrition Details (per portion)

For informational use only—not to replace doctor’s advice.
  • Caloric Value: 330
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 30 g