Aperol Citrus Shrimp Salad

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

A vibrant, zesty salad with plump shrimp, fresh citrus, and a hint of Aperol's bittersweet essence. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs Shrimp, Aperol, Orange segments into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 1 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Toss arugula, fennel, and orange segments in a large bowl, then drizzle with the Aperol dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Arrange shrimp on top of the salad and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol Citrus Shrimp Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 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 Citrus Shrimp Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol Citrus Shrimp 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 Citrus Shrimp 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.

What goes well with Aperol Citrus Shrimp Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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