Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, one-pan meal featuring plump shrimp seared in aromatic herbs and lemon, finished with sweet cherry tomatoes and briny capers for a bright, restaurant-quality dinner ready in 25 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra-virgin olive oil, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 1 minute until golden edges form.
  3. Step 3: Flip shrimp and cook for 1 more minute until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add cherry tomatoes, capers, dried oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice; cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 3 tbsp chopped parsley, and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute more until heated through and flavors meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes?

Mediterranean quick meals 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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