Aperol-Brined Shrimp with Herb Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet shrimp soaked in a citrusy Aperol brine, served atop a peppery herb salad for balance. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 33 minutes pairs large shrimp, Aperol, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk 3 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano until combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the brine, ensuring they're fully submerged, then refrigerate for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, finely chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 cup fresh mint, then combine with 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Sear in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Plate the seared shrimp over the herb salad mixture and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Brined Shrimp with Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Aperol-Brined Shrimp with Herb Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Brined Shrimp with Herb Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aperol-Brined Shrimp with Herb Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Aperol-Brined Shrimp with Herb Salad low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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