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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Carefully slice olives into delicate half-moons, thinly julienne cucumber, and create translucent red onion slivers for an elegant presentation.
- Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking fresh lemon juice with premium olive oil, introducing minced garlic, and seasoning with precise salt and pepper measurements.
- Consolidate the seafood and vegetable components in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring gentle integration to maintain ingredient integrity.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing across the mixture, employing a soft folding technique to distribute flavors without compromising texture.
- Sprinkle fragrant fresh dill throughout the composition, introducing optional crushed red pepper flakes for those desiring a subtle heat dimension.
- Seal the antipasto in a refrigerated environment for approximately 20-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective flavor profile.
- 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