Citrus Shrimp with Burst Cherry Tomatoes is a bright, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for summer. Juicy shrimp are quickly seared and tossed with a zesty citrus-basil sauce that’s both refreshing and flavorful. Sweet cherry tomatoes are sautéed in butter until they burst, adding richness and depth. Served over fluffy quinoa, this dish is satisfying, nourishing, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Shrimp is one of my favorite protein sources. For more yummy shrimp recipes try my hot honey shrimp tacos or my shrimp taco salad.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It’s packed with bright, citrusy flavor that tastes like summer in every bite.
- It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s high in protein and balanced with healthy fats and fiber-rich grains.
- It looks restaurant-quality but is easy enough for anyone to make at home.
- It’s versatile - you can swap in different grains, herbs, or veggies based on what you have.
Ingredients for no lettuce shrimp taco salad
- Shrimp – The protein star of the dish; quick-cooking and absorbs flavors well.
- Salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and helps with browning.
- Black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Paprika – Brings a mild smokiness and a hint of color to the shrimp.
- Fresh chopped basil – Adds brightness and a slightly sweet, peppery herbal note.
- Minced garlic – Gives the sauce a savory backbone and aromatic depth.
- Juice from oranges – Adds sweetness and a citrusy zing to balance the savory elements.
- Juice from lemon – Contributes acidity and sharpness to brighten up the dish.
- Honey – Rounds out the citrus flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Olive oil – Adds richness and helps emulsify the sauce for a smooth finish.
- Butter – Used to sauté the tomatoes, adding richness and a silky texture to the final dish.
- Clamshell tomatoes (halved) – Provide juicy bursts of flavor and balance the citrusy sauce.
- Cooked quinoa – A hearty, high-protein grain base that soaks up all the citrusy goodness
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- basil - parsley would be a good substitute.
- shrimp - you could substitute chicken or steak - with varying cooking times.
- quinoa - any grain works.
Step-by-Step Instructions for
Step 1
Mix together citrus sauce.
Step 2
Cook tomatoes and shrimp.
Step 3
Cook shrimp and tomatoes in sauce.
Step 4
Serve and enjoy.
Storage instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe Pro-Tips
Use frozen shrimp for the freshest shrimp. It is a misconception that non-frozen seafood is fresher. All seafood arrives frozen so grocery stores let it thaw out and therefore it becomes less fresh.
Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor - bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
Cook your rice in bone broth for extra protein.
Recipe FAQS
Yes, I used frozen shrimp and frozen seafood is actually fresher. Just make sure the shrimp is completely thawed when you go to cook it.
Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so stick to the suggested 90 seconds per side.
Yes, it will last for about 3 days in the fridge.
Other easy healthy recipes to try
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Citrus Shrimp with Burst Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp - patted dry and defrosted if necessary 2 servings of shrimp, I used argentine red shrimp
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pinch black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Citrus sauce
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- Juice from 2 oranges
- pinch red pepper flakes
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Other ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clam shell cherry tomatoes - halved
- ½ cup cooked quinoa.
Instructions
- Mix together all citrus sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix together shrimp with salt, pepper and paprika.
- Heat butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook until tomatoes have blistered.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and sear for 90 seconds each side.
- Pour citrus sauce over shrimp and tomatoes. Toss to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- divide out shrimp and serve with quinoa. Enjoy.
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