Mediterranean Jambalaya, a classic Southern dish

Mediterranean Jambalaya a classic Southern dish

A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired take on the classic Creole jambalaya—infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, olives, and lean proteins. This hearty one-pot meal delivers robust flavor and nourishment with every bite.

Time Required:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

Proteins:

1 tablespoon olive oil

200g (7 oz) chicken breast, diced

100g (3.5 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined

100g (3.5 oz) turkey or chicken sausage, sliced

Vegetables & Aromatics:

1 small red onion, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)

1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced

1 medium zucchini, diced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for heat)

Grains & Liquids:

1 cup long-grain rice or brown rice

2 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt & black pepper to taste

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Garnish:

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Crumbled feta or shaved parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

Sear the Proteins:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced chicken and sausage, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and mostly cooked. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pan, add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, and olives. Cook another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Add Spices and Rice:

Add paprika, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and rice. Stir to coat the rice in oil and flavorings for 1–2 minutes.

Simmer:

Pour in the broth and lemon juice. Return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes (or until rice is nearly tender).

Add Shrimp:

Stir in the shrimp, cover, and cook another 5–7 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through, and rice is fluffy.

Final Touches:

Remove from heat. Let sit covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta if using.

Tips & Variations

Protein Swaps

Seafood-Only Option: Replace chicken and sausage with scallops, mussels, or firm white fish.

Vegetarian: Omit meats and add chickpeas, artichoke hearts, or tofu for a plant-based version.

Spicy Option: Use spicy merguez sausage or add harissa to the base for North African heat.

Rice Options

Use brown rice for a fiber-rich version (increase broth slightly and simmer time to ~40 minutes).

Couscous, orzo, or farro can replace rice for a different grain texture—just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Flavor Boosters

Stir in a spoon of olive tapenade, capers, or a splash of white wine when cooking.

Add a dash of balsamic glaze over the finished dish for a sweet-savory contrast.

Cheese Tips

Crumbled feta, manchego, or pecorino romano adds a salty richness.

Leave out cheese for dairy-free or pair with a vegan feta alternative.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Jambalaya gets even better the next day. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp or chicken?

A: Yes. Just stir them in at the end to warm through so they don’t overcook.

Q: What if I don’t like olives or sun-dried tomatoes?

A: You can omit them or substitute with chopped roasted red peppers, artichokes, or even sautéed mushrooms.

Q: Is this spicy?

A: Only mildly spicy. Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version, or kick it up with extra chili, harissa, or cayenne.

Nutrition 

Nutrition may vary depending on sausage type, rice, and optional cheese.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Jambalaya brings together the warm, hearty comfort of the Southern classic with the bright, bold ingredients of the Mediterranean coast. From juicy shrimp and tender chicken to olives, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and zesty lemon, every bite is bursting with texture and flavor. It’s a perfect one-pot wonder for cozy dinners, weeknight meals, or elegant gatherings. Customizable, nourishing, and deeply satisfying — this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite!