Shrimp is one of my favorite kinds of seafood because it cooks quickly and goes so well with fresh, bright flavors. When I am short on time, I like to use a bottle of Wish-Bone Italian dressing to make a tangy, flavorful sauce in minutes. In this wishbone Italian dressing shrimp recipe, the shrimp become plump and juicy, making them perfect to serve as an appetizer or a main course. The whole dish takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish. The dressing has oil, vinegar, herbs, spices, and a touch of sweetness, so it works as both a quick marinade and a cooking sauce.
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Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy: This wishbone Italian dressing shrimp recipe needs very little preparation and cooks in about ten minutes, which makes it great for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: The shrimp can be grilled, baked, or sautéed, and the dressing works well as both a marinade and a cooking sauce.
- Flavorful: Wish-Bone Italian dressing gives a tangy, herby base, while butter, lemon, and fresh herbs add even more flavor.
- Nutrient awareness: Shrimp is high in lean protein and low in calories, but the dressing adds fat and sodium, so keeping portions in check helps balance the dish.
What is Wishbone Italian Dressing Shrimp?
This dish is made with fresh shrimp that are marinated and cooked in Italian salad dressing. I like to use Wish-Bone because it has a well-balanced mix of vinegar, oil, garlic, onion, bell pepper, and spices. Each two-tablespoon serving of the dressing has about 70 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 380 milligrams of sodium, with a small amount of carbohydrates and no protein.
The shrimp soak up the tangy flavor quickly while marinating. When cooked in the dressing, the liquid reduces and thickens into a buttery sauce. The result is juicy, flavorful shrimp made with very little effort.
Variations to Try for Shrimp Lovers
Spicy Italian Dressing Shrimp with Chili Flakes
For a little heat, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or some finely chopped fresh chili to the dressing before marinating. The spice blends nicely with the tangy flavor of the dressing. You can also add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Baked Shrimp in Italian Dressing
For an easy, hands-off method, bake the shrimp in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated shrimp and all the dressing in a baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the shrimp turn pink and tender.
Italian Dressing Shrimp Skewers for Grilling
Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each one so they cook evenly. Grill over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque. Skewers keep the shrimp from falling through the grates and make them easy to turn.
Wishbone Italian Dressing Shrimp Recipe
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes200
kcal20
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients and Quantities for Wishbone Italian Dressing Shrimp
1 pound 1 pound (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup ½ cup (120 ml) Wish-Bone Italian dressing
4 tablespoons 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tablespoon ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ tablespoon ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Juice of 1 lemon, plus thin slices for garnish
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ cup dry white wine, or olive oil instead of butter
Step-by-Step Instructions for Wishbone Italian Dressing Shrimp
- Clean and Prepare the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel so the dressing sticks better. If the shrimp still have shells, peel them and remove the dark, thread-like line that runs along the back. This is the digestive tract, and while it is safe to eat, taking it out improves both taste and texture. To remove it, make a shallow cut along the curved side and lift it out with the tip of a knife. You can leave the tails on if you like the look. - Marinate with Wishbone Italian Dressing
Place the shrimp in a bowl or a resealable bag. Add the Italian dressing, garlic, black pepper, and a little lemon juice. Toss well so that every shrimp is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating shrimp for too long because the dressing has vinegar, which can start to cook the shrimp. - Preheat the Grill or Pan
While the shrimp marinate, get your cooking surface ready. For grilling, heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. For stovetop cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little butter or olive oil. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and choose a dish large enough to hold the shrimp in a single layer. - Cook Shrimp Until Tender and Juicy
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, and let the extra dressing drip off. Keep the leftover marinade for the sauce. On the grill, thread shrimp onto skewers or place them directly on the grates. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. For stovetop cooking, place shrimp in the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until they curl into a gentle C shape.
Add the reserved marinade and melted butter, lower the heat, and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. For baking, place shrimp and marinade in the baking dish with melted butter, pepper, and salt, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. - Garnish and Serve
Move the shrimp to a serving platter and spoon the thickened sauce over them. Squeeze the rest of the lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Garnish with lemon slices if you like, and serve right away while the shrimp are tender and juicy.
Recipe Video
Chef Recommendations
Use Fresh Shrimp for Best Flavor
Fresh shrimp have a naturally sweet and delicate taste that pairs beautifully with bright Italian dressing. Look for shrimp that smell clean and fresh, like the sea. If fresh shrimp are not available, you can use frozen shrimp in this recipe for shrimp with Italian dressing. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander under cold running water until they are fully defrosted.
Do Not Overcook to Keep Shrimp Tender
Shrimps cook very quickly. Do not leave them in the heat too long because they will become tough and rubbery. When grilling, cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque. When sautéing, cook only until they change to a pink color and curl into a C shape. Remove them from the heat right away to keep them tender and juicy.
Add Fresh Herbs for an Extra Burst of Flavor
Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, or cilantro bring a burst of flavor and a pop of color. Stir chopped herbs into the dish just before serving so they stay bright and fragrant. For a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
How to Marinate Shrimp Ahead of Time
Clean and dry the shrimp, then store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep the dressing in a separate container. When you are ready to cook, about 30 minutes beforehand, pour the dressing over the shrimp and let them marinate so they can absorb the flavor.
Can You Freeze Marinated Shrimp?
Do not freeze raw shrimp in a vinegar-based dressing because the acid can change the texture. Freeze cleaned raw shrimp separately and thaw them when you are ready to cook. Cooked shrimp can be frozen with the sauce for up to one month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Best Way to Reheat Cooked Shrimp Without Drying It Out
Place the cooked shrimp and sauce in a pan over low heat and warm gently until heated through. You can also microwave them at half power in short bursts, stirring between each burst.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Over Pasta or Rice
The lemony, herby sauce tastes great over cooked pasta or fluffy rice. Spaghetti, linguine, or even quinoa soak up the flavors from the dressing and butter. For a full meal, toss the pasta with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers.
Pair with Fresh Salad and Bread
A fresh green salad with more Wish-Bone Italian dressing pairs nicely with the shrimp. Add crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the sauce. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water makes a refreshing drink to go with the meal.
Add to Tacos or Wraps for a Quick Meal
Make a quick meal by putting the shrimp in warm tortillas or wraps. Add shredded cabbage, chopped tomatoes, avocado, and a little of the sauce. For a lighter version, use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Shrimp: about 20 g protein and under 100 calories per 3 oz serving
- Shrimp also has selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Wish-Bone Italian dressing: about 70 calories, 7 g fat, and 380 mg sodium per 2 tbsp
- Butter adds extra saturated fat and calories
- Lemon juice and herbs add almost no calories
- Each serving of this recipe: 208 calories
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this wishbone Italian dressing shrimp recipe. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or run them under cold water in a colander until they are fully defrosted.
How long should shrimp marinate in Italian dressing?
Marinate shrimp in the Italian dressing for 15 to 30 minutes. The vinegar in the dressing can start to change the texture if left too long.
Can I bake shrimp instead of grilling or pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until the shrimp are pink and tender, stirring once or twice.
What vegetables go well with Italian dressing shrimp?
Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or broccoli all pair well with the flavors in this recipe for shrimp with Italian dressing.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is not spicy by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or fresh chili for heat.
Can I make this dish ahead for a party?
Yes, you can clean and prepare the shrimp ahead, but marinate them just before cooking to keep the texture fresh.
How do I keep shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Do not overcook them. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a C shape.
