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Summer Dinner Ideas — Full Dinner Before the Oven Preheats - A Quick, Fresh, and Satisfying Meal

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 to 1.25 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons, divided
  • Lemon: 2 lemons (zest and juice)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Fresh herbs: 1/2 cup chopped mix of parsley and dill (or cilantro and mint)
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
  • Cucumber: 1 large, chopped
  • Red onion: 1/4 small, thinly sliced
  • Feta: 3 to 4 ounces, crumbled
  • Kalamata olives: 1/4 cup, pitted and halved (optional)
  • Plain Greek yogurt: 1 cup (2% or whole milk)
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Paprika or smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Honey: 1 teaspoon (optional)
  • Pita or flatbread: 4 to 6 rounds
  • Baby arugula or mixed greens: 2 cups

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep fast: Turn the oven to 425°F (or set a skillet on medium-high). While it heats, pat the shrimp dry and place in a bowl.
  2. Marinate the shrimp: Add 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1/2 lemon, half the minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Toss and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Make the salad: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives if using. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, juice of 1/2 lemon, a pinch of salt and pepper, and half the chopped herbs. Toss gently. Fold in feta. Set aside.
  4. Whisk the yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, remaining garlic, juice of 1/2 lemon, cumin, paprika, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and honey if you like a hint of sweetness. Adjust with water for a drizzleable consistency.
  5. Cook the shrimp: If roasting, spread shrimp on a sheet pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until just pink and curled. If using a skillet, heat a slick of oil and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side. Do not overcook.
  6. Warm the pita: While the shrimp cooks, warm pita in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. Keep them soft, not crisp.
  7. Finish with herbs and lemon: Toss the cooked shrimp with remaining herbs and a final squeeze of lemon. Taste and adjust salt.
  8. Plate it up: Add a handful of greens to each plate. Top with shrimp, spoon on the salad, and add a dollop or drizzle of yogurt sauce. Serve with warm pita on the side for scooping.