Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Wilted Spinach

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A quick, radiant meal that tastes like sunshine on a cold day.

🌿 Introduction

Some meals don’t need much — just a handful of good ingredients and a few minutes to remind you that flavor and joy can return in an instant. This Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Wilted Spinach is exactly that kind of meal.

I first made it one December evening when the day had been long and quiet, and I needed something simple but beautiful. Garlic hit the pan, lemon filled the air, and within minutes, dinner was done. The shrimp turned pink and tender, the spinach wilted into the sauce, and the whole kitchen smelled like grace made tangible.

It’s a reminder that nourishment doesn’t always take hours — sometimes, it’s waiting in the rhythm of small, intentional moments.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with bright, fresh flavor.
• High in protein and packed with nutrients.
• Beautifully balanced — light yet deeply satisfying.
• Perfect for pairing with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

🕰️ Quick Reference Snapshot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings
Skill Level: Easy
Equipment: Skillet, tongs, citrus zester
Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free adaptable

🦐 Ingredients

(US + Metric)

• 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil or butter
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach leaves
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

🌱 Seasonal Swaps

• Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach — just cook a little longer.
• Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for color and sweetness.
• Use lime and cilantro for a tropical twist.

🌿 From My Garden

Even in winter, my pots of spinach and parsley stay generous — bright green against the gray. Their freshness reminds me that small growth matters, especially in slower seasons. Snipping them for a meal like this always feels like gathering a promise straight from the soil.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Prepare

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Sauté

1. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.

Finish

1. Stir in lemon zest and juice, tossing to coat.
2. Add spinach and cook 1–2 minutes more, just until wilted.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning; garnish with parsley or dill.

🍽 Serving & Pairing Suggestions

• Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a full meal.
• Pair with French Lentil & Caramelized Onion Salad for earthy balance.
• Enjoy with Italian Herb Focaccia Wreath or Garden Herb Popovers.
• Add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
• Finish with Pear & Thyme Upside-Down Cake for a bright, seasonal dessert.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of broth or olive oil.
• Cooked shrimp can be served cold over greens for a next-day salad.

✨ Final Thoughts

This dish reminds me that light still breaks through even the shortest days. Lemon and garlic — such simple gifts — have a way of awakening everything they touch.

As you toss and taste, may your kitchen be filled with brightness, hope, and the sweet reminder that God often works in quick, quiet miracles. 🍋💛

🤝 Community & Connection

• Instagram — Daily garden moments & behind-the-scenes; tag your dish so I can cheer you on! 🌿📸
• Subscribe — Fresh recipes, seasonal tips, and printable freebies delivered weekly. ✉🍂
• Join FB Group — Ask questions, swap ideas, and share what’s growing with a kind, garden-loving community. 🌱🫶

🛒 Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours

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• Stainless steel skillet — perfect for searing shrimp evenly.
• Citrus zester — brings brightness to every dish.
• Garlic press — time-saving and easy cleanup.

🌻 Related on Southern Soil Sunshine

• [French Lentil & Caramelized Onion Salad] — A nourishing, earthy pairing.
• [Italian Herb Focaccia Wreath] — For soaking up every drop of sauce.
• [Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemons] — For another citrusy winter comfort.
• [Herbal Energy Bites] — A wholesome, on-the-go balance to this light dinner.
• [Pear & Thyme Upside-Down Cake] — The perfect sweet note to end the meal.