Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, these Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls are your new best friend. They bring together succulent shrimp seasoned with smoky and herbal notes, crunchy, colorful veggies, fluffy quinoa, and creamy feta cheese for a bowl that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Every bite bursts with Mediterranean sunshine, making this dish a perfect weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend treat. Once you try these Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls, you’ll find yourself coming back for more thanks to their unbeatable balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy, seasoned shrimp to the fresh, crisp vegetables and nutty quinoa, every element works together for a balanced and satisfying bowl.

• Shrimp: Opt for fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps in marinating the shrimp evenly.
• Garlic: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the seafood beautifully.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
• Dried oregano: A classic herb that brings authentic Mediterranean aroma.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
• Pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the profile.
• Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cucumber: Brings refreshing crunch and lightness.
• Red onion: Offers a slight sharpness and crunch that brightens the bowl.
• Bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a crisp texture.
• Cooked quinoa: Nutty, fluffy, and a great gluten-free grain base.
• Feta cheese: Creamy and salty, it ties the whole dish together.
• Fresh parsley: For a burst of herbal freshness and lovely green color.
• Lemon wedges: To squeeze over for a zesty finish.

How to Make Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by tossing the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple marinade infuses the shrimp with bold yet balanced flavors. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so every shrimp absorbs those delicious seasonings.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

While the shrimp marinates, cook your quinoa according to the package instructions. Quinoa is a fantastic base for the bowl thanks to its light, fluffy texture and its subtle nuttiness that complements the seasoned shrimp and fresh veggies.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated shrimp. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—no longer translucent. This quick cooking ensures the shrimp are tender and juicy without becoming rubbery.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

While the shrimp cooks, chop up the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Toss these vibrant vegetables in a bowl to combine their refreshing crunch and natural sweetness, adding a bright contrast to the shrimp and quinoa.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part. Start each bowl with a generous scoop of quinoa, then top with the perfectly cooked shrimp and the medley of fresh vegetables. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, followed by a handful of chopped fresh parsley to brighten each bite.

Step 6: Serve

Serve each bowl with lemon wedges on the side. A quick squeeze over everything adds a burst of zesty brightness that elevates the entire dish and ties all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is a great way to enhance both the look and taste of your Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint bring freshness, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil introduces gloss and richness, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives a gentle hint of heat if you’re craving some spice.

Side Dishes

You can keep it simple or add some traditional Mediterranean sides like warm pita bread or a light Greek salad with olives and cucumbers to round out the meal. A side of tzatziki sauce also pairs perfectly for those who want to dip or drizzle extra creaminess over the bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls in hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of mixed greens instead of quinoa. You can also layer the ingredients in mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch or pack them for picnics and potlucks where both flavor and convenience matter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the lemon wedges and feta separate until ready to serve to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezing

While quinoa and vegetables freeze well, cooked shrimp can become tough after freezing and reheating. For best results, freeze leftover quinoa and veggies separately if needed, but it’s better to enjoy the shrimp fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid overcooking. Warm the quinoa and vegetables separately, then reassemble your bowls just before serving with fresh garnishes and lemon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and cooking them. Patting them dry will help achieve a nice sear during cooking.

Is quinoa essential, or can I use another grain?

You can swap quinoa for couscous, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Each will bring its own unique texture and flavor to your bowl.

How spicy is this dish?

The Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls have a mild kick from the smoked paprika and black pepper, but they’re not spicy. You can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

Can I meal prep these bowls?

Yes, prepping ingredients ahead of time makes assembling the bowls a breeze throughout the week. Just keep the shrimp and fresh garnishes separate until you’re ready to eat.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you don’t have feta or prefer a dairy-free option, try crumbled goat cheese, paneer, or a dollop of hummus for creaminess and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bowl that combines ease, nutrition, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors all in one dish. These Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls are a total winner when you want something fresh, colorful, and packed with deliciousness. Give them a go, and I promise they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation—perfect for impressing yourself or your loved ones any day of the week.

Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl combines succulent, spiced shrimp with fresh vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and tangy feta cheese for a vibrant, healthy meal packed with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these bowls are nutritious, colorful, and bursting with taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Vegetables

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

Grain Base

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

Garnishes

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all shrimp evenly and let it marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse 1/2 cup dry quinoa under cold water. Cook it according to package instructions, typically simmering in 1 cup water until fluffy and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
4. Prepare the Vegetables: In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and diced bell pepper. Toss gently to mix all components.
5. Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, place a generous scoop of cooked quinoa as the base. Top evenly with cooked shrimp and mixed vegetables. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top.
6. Serve: Serve the bowls with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp and vegetables to add a bright, fresh acidity.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the shrimp marinade.
• Ensure shrimp are fresh or properly thawed if frozen for the best taste and texture.
• You can substitute quinoa with couscous or brown rice based on preference.
• To make it vegan, omit the shrimp and feta, and add chickpeas and a vegan cheese alternative.
• Prepare quinoa and vegetables in advance to reduce cooking time on busy days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup quinoa, 4 oz shrimp, 1 cup mixed vegetables)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg

Keywords: Mediterranean shrimp bowl, easy shrimp recipe, healthy shrimp bowl, quinoa shrimp bowl, weeknight dinner, Mediterranean diet