If you’re looking for a light yet flavor-packed dish that can be served as an appetizer or a refreshing main course, this Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto is a perfect choice. Combining tender shrimp with briny olives, fresh dill, and a zesty lemon dressing, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a gourmet-inspired meal, this antipasto will impress with its bright, fresh flavors.

A Perfect Balance of Freshness and Flavor

The magic of this dish lies in its balance of ingredients—each element complements the others to create a symphony of taste. The shrimp provide a delicate, slightly sweet bite, while the olives add a touch of saltiness. The lemon and dill bring a refreshing vibrancy that ties everything together. This dish is simple yet sophisticated, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick – This recipe requires minimal cooking and comes together in just minutes.
Bursting with Flavor – The combination of lemon, dill, and olives creates a bold and refreshing taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish for seafood-inspired meals.
Healthy and Light – Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is a nutritious addition to any menu.

Ingredients for Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto

To create this vibrant and flavorful dish, you’ll need a combination of fresh seafood, briny olives, and zesty seasonings. Each ingredient plays a key role in enhancing the overall taste and texture.

Shrimp – Use large, cooked shrimp that are peeled and deveined. If using raw shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and opaque.
Mixed Olives – A combination of green and black olives adds a rich, salty contrast to the dish. Slice them for easier eating.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides brightness and a slight tang, complementing the seafood perfectly.
Olive Oil – A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor and richness of the antipasto.
Fresh Dill – Chopped dill adds a fragrant, herbaceous touch that pairs beautifully with shrimp and lemon.
Garlic – Minced garlic infuses a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
Cucumber – Thinly sliced cucumber provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.
Red Onion – Finely sliced red onion adds a bit of sharpness and color to balance the flavors.
Salt & Pepper – To season the dish and enhance the natural flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For a slight kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

How to Make Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto

This recipe is incredibly easy to assemble and requires minimal preparation. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and refreshing dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by ensuring your shrimp are fully cooked, peeled, and deveined. If using raw shrimp, boil or sauté them until pink and opaque, then let them cool. Slice the olives, cucumber, and red onion thinly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing will coat the shrimp and olives, infusing them with bright, fresh flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Antipasto

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, sliced olives, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill and mix everything again to incorporate the flavors. If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to marinate and absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

When ready to serve, give the antipasto a final toss and garnish with extra dill and a few lemon slices. Serve chilled as an appetizer, a refreshing side dish, or even a light main course.

How Long to Marinate Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto

Unlike baked dishes, this recipe requires marination rather than cooking. The marination time allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Here’s a general guideline:

Quick Marination (15-20 minutes): If you’re short on time, let the antipasto sit in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors absorb while keeping the ingredients crisp and fresh.
Optimal Marination (1 hour): For the best flavor, let the shrimp and olives soak in the dressing for about 1 hour. This enhances the taste without making the shrimp mushy.
Overnight Marination (Up to 12 hours): If you plan to make this dish in advance, you can marinate it overnight. However, if you include cucumbers, add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, they can be stored easily while maintaining freshness and flavor. Here’s the best way to keep them tasting great:

Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the antipasto to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but be sure to stir before serving.
Avoid Freezing: Since this dish contains shrimp and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture and cause the shrimp to become rubbery.

Tips for the Best Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto

To ensure your antipasto turns out flavorful and fresh every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, use high-quality fresh shrimp instead of pre-cooked frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Balance the Acidity: If the lemon juice is too tangy, balance it by adding a teaspoon of honey or a bit more olive oil.
Add Crunch Just Before Serving: If using cucumbers, add them at the last minute to keep them crisp and prevent them from getting soggy.
Experiment with Olives: Try a mix of Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or Manzanilla olives for different levels of brininess and complexity.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve this antipasto with crusty bread, crackers, or as a topping over fresh greens for a light and satisfying meal.

Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Lemon Dill Shrimp & Olive Antipasto is a light, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion. Succulent shrimp are tossed with briny olives, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty lemon-dill dressing to create a bright and savory appetizer. Whether served on its own, with crusty bread, or as a salad topping, this antipasto is an easy yet elegant addition to your table.

Instructions

Prepare the shrimp and vegetables – If using raw shrimp, cook them in boiling water until pink and opaque, then let them cool. Slice the olives, cucumber, and red onion.
Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add the shrimp, sliced olives, cucumber, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add fresh dill – Sprinkle in the chopped dill and mix again. If you like a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
Marinate and chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to an hour) to let the flavors meld.
Serve and enjoy – Garnish with extra dill and lemon slices. Serve chilled as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marination Time: 15 minutes