Elevate your summer BBQs with these seared scallops! This simple ZeroPoint Weight Watchers Recipe for seared scallops with lemon, garlic, and basil in olive oil is light, flavorful, and the perfect way to elevate any summer celebrations. 

Infused with lemon, garlic, and basil, these delightful morsels are simple to prepare yet feel incredibly indulgent. Don’t miss our tips and tricks section so you can ensure your scallops are cooked perfectly, every time! 

Seared scallops with lemon, garlic, and basil in olive oil on a plate with salad.
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Why should you try this Recipe?

  • It’s nutritious: Scallops are a wonderful source of lean protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals. 
  • It’s low in points: This dish is Weight Watchers friendly, clocking in at just 2 points per serving. 
  • It’s so easy: Not only is it healthy, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner. 
  • It’s delicious: The combination of lemon, garlic, and basil creates a vibrant, fresh flavor that compliments the natural sweetness of the scallops perfectly.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 6 minutes

Servings: 4

Serving size: Approximately 4 ounces (130 g) of scallops

0 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW App here. (WW login required.)

Ingredients

Ingredients of scallops, basil, lime, spices, and oil in separate dishes.
  • 1 lb (450 g), fresh or thawed Scallops
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (10 g), fresh Basil, chopped
  • 2 lemons, juice and zest
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (2.5 g)
  • ¼  teaspoon  Black pepper (1 g)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Scallops: In a bowl, combine the scallops with minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 10 minutes. Before cooking, try to remove most of the basil leaves from the scallops.
  2. Preheat the Pan:  Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, but not smoking.
  3. Cook the Scallops: Add the scallops to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they form a golden-brown crust and are opaque in the center. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add any remaining minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine. Return the scallops to the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce.
  5. Add Basil: Sprinkle the chopped basil over the scallops and toss gently to mix.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest and fresh basil if desired.
Marinade ingredients mixed in a small bowl.
Scallops in a bowl with the marinade.
Marinated scallops cooking in a pan.

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Herbs: If you don’t have basil, fresh thyme or parsley can be great substitutes. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
  2. Citrus: Swap out lemon for lime or even orange for a different citrus twist.
  3. Garlic: Roasted garlic can be used for a milder, sweeter flavor.
  4. Oil: While olive oil is a classic choice, try using avocado oil or even a small amount of butter for a richer taste.
  5. Additional Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus tips to add more texture and flavor.
  6. Wine: Add a splash of white wine to the pan after searing the scallops for a subtle, elegant flavor enhancement.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Pat Dry: Make sure to pat the scallops dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a good sear.
  2. High Heat: Use high heat and a good quality non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet to achieve a nice golden crust.
  3. Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the scallops in batches if necessary, giving them enough space in the pan to sear properly.
  4. Timing: Scallops cook quickly—usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
  5. Marinate Briefly: Marinate the scallops in a bit of olive oil, lemon zest, and minced garlic for 15 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
  6. Rest: Let the scallops rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, enhancing their tenderness and flavor.
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Lemon Garlic Scallops

Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 6 minutes
Total: 16 minutes
Seared scallops with lemon, garlic, and basil in olive oil on a plate with salad.
An easy, flavorful recipe for seared scallops.

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb 450 g, fresh or thawed Scallops
  • 1 tablespoon 15 ml Olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup 10 g, fresh Basil, chopped
  • 2 lemons, juice and zest
  • ½ teaspoon Salt, 2.5 g
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper, 1 g

Instructions 

  • Marinate the Scallops: In a bowl, combine the scallops with minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 10 minutes. Before cooking, remove most of the basil leaves from the scallops.
  • Preheat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, but not smoking.
  • Cook the Scallops: Add the scallops to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they form a golden-brown crust and are opaque in the center. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add any remaining minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine. Return the scallops to the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce.
  • Add Basil: Sprinkle the chopped basil over the scallops and toss gently to mix.
  • Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

This is a ZeroPoint Weight Watchers recipe!

Nutrition

Serving: 145gCalories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 5.9gProtein: 14gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 1023mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.6gCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: seafood
Tried this recipe?Mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag #drizzlemeskinny!

About Drizzle Me Skinny

Kate founded DrizzleMeSkinny in 2014. Since then she has shared nearly 1000 weight watchers friendly recipes with DrizzleMeSkinny's over 500,000 social media followers.

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