This is the potluck, party, family, friends and gathering time of the year! Its amazing how often we are asked to bring a dish to share, or an appetizer for the start of a meal. That’s the reason, we are always looking for quick and easy ideas – that don’t look quick and easy!

This week’s recipe certainly falls in that category! Grab you shopping list and hit the store – this gorgeous appetizer can be made in less than 30 minutes. Italian seasoning is the secret to the yummy flavor that we marinate the veggies and shrimp in. Full of strong-flavored dried herbs like Basil, Thyme and Oregano, its ability to transform a dressing from simple to fantastic is a real help this time of year. You know we always advocate cooking-from-scratch, but during the holiday, (“hectic”) season, its sometimes great to just have a recipe that you can put together with prepared ingredients!

Because Italian seasoning is a mix of herbs, there are many health-protective phytochemicals involved. Remember that antioxidant-rich herbs and spices are an accessible and inexpensive way to pump up the health benefits in any dish. For example, in this shrimp dish you have Oregano—you get the same level of antioxidants as a whole cup of sweet potatoes in just 1 tsp of Oregano! That is the way to ramp up your health in the middle of the crisp, colder fall weather, enjoy!

YOUR Shopping List

Cooked and Deveined Large Shrimp

1 Jar Hearts of Palm

1 Jar Quartered Artichoke Hearts

1 Jar Roasted Red Peppers

1 Jar Kalamata Olives

1 Pkg Bamboo Skewers

1 Recipe *Italian White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Load the first five ingredients on the skewers. Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Let marinate for an hour on the counter, or overnight in the fridge.

*Italian White Balsamic Vinaigrette

½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/3 Cup White Balsamic Vinegar

1 Tsp Dijon Mustard

2 Tsp Italian Seasoning

½ Tsp Sea Salt

¼ Tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Put all the ingredients together in a jar and shake.