Mediterranean Greek Shrimp Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce
These bowls combine juicy marinated shrimp, a refreshing tzatziki-style garlic sauce, and a colorful mix of Mediterranean toppings. Perfect for a balanced meal, they’re light yet filling, packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and zesty flavor. They’re also versatile—you can swap the grain base or protein to suit your taste.
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1–2 tbsp olive oil
1–2 garlic cloves, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Tzatziki-Style Garlic Sauce
½–1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
½ English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 garlic clove, minced or grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
1–2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl Base & Toppings
2 cups cooked quinoa, rice, farro, or couscous
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Mixed greens (optional)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional Additions/Substitutions
Protein: Substitute chicken or tofu for shrimp.
Vegetables: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or chickpeas.
Sauces: Hummus or tahini can be served alongside the garlic yogurt sauce.
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add shrimp and toss well. Marinate for 10–15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, mint (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide quinoa or rice among 4 serving bowls.
Arrange shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and greens on top.
Sprinkle with feta cheese.
Finish & Serve
Add a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce.
Garnish with parsley or dill, and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
Cooking Method: Shrimp can be grilled on skewers, pan-seared, or baked at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes. Grilling adds a smoky flavor closer to traditional souvlaki.
Protein Swaps: Replace shrimp with chicken breast, salmon, or marinated tofu for a vegetarian option.
Grain Base: Quinoa and rice work well, but bulgur, couscous, or farro give the bowl a different Mediterranean feel. For low-carb, try cauliflower rice or just use a big salad base.
Flavor Boost: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a spoonful of hummus for extra richness.
Veggie Add-Ins: Roast zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a heartier bowl. Chickpeas also work great as an extra plant protein.
Make Ahead: You can marinate shrimp for up to 1 hour in the fridge. The garlic yogurt sauce can be made a day in advance.
Spice Level: Adjust paprika and red pepper flakes to your liking. Smoked paprika adds depth, while cayenne gives heat.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce and omit feta, or swap it with a vegan feta alternative.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess water.
Q: How long should shrimp marinate?
A: 10–15 minutes is enough since the lemon juice can start “cooking” the shrimp if left too long.
Q: Can the garlic sauce be made ahead?
A: Absolutely. It can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Stir before serving.
Q: How can I meal prep this?
A: Cook the grains, chop the veggies, and make the sauce in advance. Store everything separately and add freshly cooked shrimp when serving.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat shrimp?
A: Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but if reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes to avoid rubbery texture.
Nutrition
(per bowl, approx.)
Based on 4 servings with quinoa, shrimp, veggies, feta, and garlic sauce.
Calories: ~430
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fat: 17 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sodium: ~720 mg
(Values will vary based on portion size, choice of grain, and toppings.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Greek Shrimp Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce are vibrant, fresh, and satisfying. The marinated shrimp are quick to cook and packed with flavor, the tzatziki-style sauce adds creaminess and brightness, and the variety of veggies and grains makes each bowl balanced and customizable. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a colorful dinner, this dish delivers all the flavors of a Greek souvlaki platter in a lighter, modern bowl format.