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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
