Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowls
These Mediterranean-inspired shrimp and avocado rice bowls are fresh, flavorful, and balanced. Fluffy rice forms the base, topped with spiced shrimp, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro lime sauce that ties everything together. They’re quick to prepare, nutrient-rich, and make a great weeknight dinner or meal-prep option.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Rice:
1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
For the Shrimp:
500 g (about 1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
1 cup fresh cilantro
Juice of 2 limes
¼ cup olive oil
1 garlic clove
1 tsp honey (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For serving (optional):
1–2 ripe avocados, sliced
Fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives for topping
Instructions
Cook the rice:
Rinse rice under cold water until clear.
In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add rice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes (or until liquid is absorbed). Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Prepare the sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Cook the shrimp:
Pat shrimp dry and season with garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Assemble bowls:
Divide rice among serving bowls. Top with shrimp, sliced avocado, and optional toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives.
Drizzle generously with cilantro lime sauce.
Serve:
Enjoy warm, with extra sauce on the side.
Tips
Use fresh shrimp if possible: They cook quickly and have better texture than frozen, but thawed frozen shrimp also work well.
Don’t overcook shrimp: They only need 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery.
Rinse the rice: Washing rice before cooking removes excess starch and keeps it fluffy.
Adjust sauce consistency: Add a splash of water if the cilantro lime sauce is too thick.
Meal prep friendly: Store cooked rice, shrimp, and sauce separately, then assemble bowls when ready to eat.
Variations
Grain swap: Replace rice with quinoa, farro, or couscous for a different base.
Add crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds.
Cheese upgrade: Sprinkle feta or goat cheese crumbles for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Veggie boost: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for more texture and nutrition.
Spicy kick: Add chili flakes, harissa, or a touch of cayenne to the shrimp seasoning.
Dairy-free sauce option: Use avocado in place of honey for creaminess if you prefer vegan-friendly.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can cook the rice and shrimp in advance and refrigerate them separately for up to 3 days. Assemble with fresh avocado and sauce when ready to eat.
Q: What can I use instead of cilantro in the sauce?
A: If you don’t enjoy cilantro, parsley or basil makes a nice alternative with a Mediterranean touch.
Q: Can I make this recipe low-carb?
A: Absolutely. Swap the rice for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even a salad base.
Q: Do I have to use shrimp?
A: No. You can substitute with grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein option.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 1 of 4 bowls)
Calories: ~430
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 17 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 550 mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredients, toppings, and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowls bring together the best of fresh flavors and balanced nutrition. The shrimp adds lean protein, avocado provides healthy fats, and the cilantro lime sauce ties everything together with a bright, zesty finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a wholesome lunch, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and delicious every time.