Zesty Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto Recipe for Summer

Mixing lemon dill shrimp creates a Mediterranean-inspired delight that dances across your palate with vibrant, zesty notes.

Coastal ingredients blend seamlessly in this appetizer, promising a refreshing culinary experience.

Briny olives and tender shrimp complement each other in a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Bright herbs and citrus notes elevate this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fresh dill adds a delicate, aromatic touch that makes every bite memorable.

Summer gatherings demand something special, and this antipasto delivers pure Mediterranean magic.

Pack these flavors into your next gathering and watch everyone marvel at your culinary skills.

Ingredients for Shrimp & Olive Antipasto

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein for the dish.

• Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that add freshness and crunch.
• Olives: Briny Mediterranean ingredient that enhances flavor complexity.
• Garlic: Aromatic that adds depth and pungent taste.

• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds zesty tang.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing that helps blend flavors.
• Fresh Dill, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spice that provide herbal notes and optional heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

How to Make Shrimp Antipasto

Step 1: Prep the Seafood

Boil raw shrimp in water until they turn pink and become translucent.

Remove from heat and let them cool completely.

Meanwhile, slice olives into thin rings, dice cucumber into small cubes, and thinly slice red onion for a delightful crunch.

Step 2: Craft Vibrant Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Blend until the ingredients create a smooth, tangy mixture that will elevate the entire dish.

Step 3: Combine Delectable Components

Transfer cooled shrimp into a large mixing bowl.

• Sliced olives
• Diced cucumber
• Thinly sliced red onion

Gently pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss softly to ensure every morsel gets coated with the zesty flavor.

Step 4: Enhance with Herbal Notes

Sprinkle freshly chopped dill across the mixture.

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, scatter crushed red pepper flakes for an extra punch of heat.

Mix everything thoroughly to distribute herbs and spices evenly.

Step 5: Allow Flavors to Mingle

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.

This resting period allows the ingredients to absorb the dressing and develop a more complex taste profile.

Step 6: Present and Savor

Remove from refrigerator and give a final gentle stir.

Garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs and thin lemon slices.

Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer, light lunch, or summery side dish that’s perfect for any gathering.

Tips for Lemon Dill Shrimp Dish

• Select plump, firm shrimp with no discoloration to ensure the best flavor and texture in your antipasto.
• Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain their tender, juicy consistency.
• Let the dish marinate longer for deeper, more intense taste – up to 2 hours in the refrigerator enhances the lemon and dill profile.
• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a protein alternative that works perfectly with this zesty Mediterranean-style recipe.
• Chop fresh dill just before adding to preserve its bright, delicate flavor and prevent wilting in the dish.

Storing Lemon Dill Shrimp Antipasto

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp antipasto cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid freezing this dish as the cucumber and vegetables will become watery and lose texture when thawed. Shrimp tends to become tough and rubbery after freezing.
• Consume the antipasto cold straight from the refrigerator. Heating will cause the shrimp to overcook and become rubbery, destroying the delicate flavors and texture.
• Let the antipasto sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

What Goes with Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the bright lemon and herbal dill notes, cutting through the olive's richness and enhancing the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the tangy dressing, providing a perfect textural contrast and helping to balance the dish's acidity and seafood elements.
• Match with Mediterranean Mezze: Complement the antipasto with a small selection of feta cheese, roasted red peppers, and hummus to echo the Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and create a more substantial appetizer spread.
• Enjoy with Sparkling Water: Add a refreshing twist by serving chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon, which mirrors the citrus profile and cleanses the palate between bites of the shrimp and olives.

Other Styles of Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace dill with a blend of fresh parsley, mint, and oregano for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add jalapeños and swap lemon juice with lime juice for a zesty, spicy alternative that brings heat and brightness.
• Gluten-Free Protein Boost: Use grilled tofu or chickpeas instead of shrimp to create a plant-based option suitable for vegetarians and those avoiding shellfish.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Skip cucumber and increase olive and red onion quantities, using extra virgin olive oil to maintain a high-fat, low-carb profile perfect for ketogenic diets.

FAQs

• Why use dill in this recipe?

Dill adds a fresh, herbal flavor that complements seafood perfectly. Its light, tangy taste pairs wonderfully with lemon and shrimp, creating a bright and refreshing Mediterranean-style dish.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding to the recipe. Just ensure they’re fully cooked and cooled before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this dish healthy?

Yes! This recipe is protein-rich, low in calories, and packed with nutrients. Shrimp provides lean protein, while vegetables and herbs offer essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a nutritious and light meal option.

• What type of olives work best?

Kalamata or green Mediterranean olives are excellent choices. They provide a rich, briny flavor that enhances the overall taste of the antipasto. Choose pitted olives for easier preparation.

Why Lemon Dill Shrimp Antipasto Is a Hit

• This recipe requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
• The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic dill, and crisp vegetables creates a bright, refreshing taste that dances on your palate.
• Enjoy as a light appetizer, side dish, or quick lunch that's equally impressive for casual family meals or elegant gatherings.
• Loaded with lean protein from shrimp and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a nutritious and low-calorie option for those watching their diet.

Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean charm dances through this lemon dill shrimp & olive antipasto, blending zesty citrus with herbal notes. Coastal flavors promise a quick, elegant starter that brings Mediterranean spirit right to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Vegetables and Olives:

• 1/2 cup mixed olives (sliced, green and black)
• 1 small cucumber (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Swiftly cook raw shrimp in rapidly boiling water until they transform to a vibrant pink and become completely opaque, then transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve tenderness.
2. Carefully slice olives into delicate half-moons, thinly julienne cucumber, and create translucent red onion slivers for an elegant presentation.
3. Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking fresh lemon juice with premium olive oil, introducing minced garlic, and seasoning with precise salt and pepper measurements.
4. Consolidate the seafood and vegetable components in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring gentle integration to maintain ingredient integrity.
5. Drizzle the prepared dressing across the mixture, employing a soft folding technique to distribute flavors without compromising texture.
6. Sprinkle fragrant fresh dill throughout the composition, introducing optional crushed red pepper flakes for those desiring a subtle heat dimension.
7. Seal the antipasto in a refrigerated environment for approximately 20-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective flavor profile.
8. When ready to serve, artfully arrange on a chilled platter, garnishing with additional dill sprigs and delicate lemon wheel accents for visual appeal.

Notes

• Opt for jumbo or large shrimp to ensure meaty, satisfying bites that elevate the entire dish’s texture and presentation.
• Quickly blanch shrimp in salted water to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery, preserving their delicate, tender quality.
• Select fresh dill right before preparation to maximize its bright, herbaceous flavor and aromatic essence that complements the seafood perfectly.
• Customize the antipasto by swapping shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for vegetarian and alternative protein options without compromising the recipe’s zesty Mediterranean profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg