Aperol-Infused Shrimp & Citrus Salad
Bright orange shrimp tossed in a zesty Aperol vinaigrette with fresh herbs and heirloom tomatoes for a vibrant summer lunch. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 21 minutes pairs tablespoons Aperol, tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, tablespoon fresh lemon juice 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 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Aperol
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup, quartered heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 2 cups arugula
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together 2 tablespoons Aperol, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: Toss arugula with 1/2 of the vinaigrette until evenly coated, then arrange on a platter, top with warm shrimp, quartered heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil slices.
- Step 4: Drizzle remaining vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring the citrus notes are vibrant and the shrimp is tender.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Shrimp & Citrus Salad take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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-Infused Shrimp & Citrus 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 tablespoons aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Shrimp & Citrus 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-Infused Shrimp & Citrus 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-Infused Shrimp & Citrus 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 6-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
