Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Lemon-Herb Tahini Sauce

Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Lemon-Herb Tahini Sauce

These Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls are a vibrant, nourishing meal packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and bold flavors. Juicy shrimp are seasoned and pan-seared, then served over fluffy rice with creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a tangy lemon-herb tahini sauce. This bowl combines the heart-healthy benefits of the Mediterranean diet with the comfort of a warm rice bowl.

It’s a gluten-free, protein-rich meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

Prep & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Juice of ½ lemon

For the Lemon-Herb Tahini Sauce:

¼ cup tahini

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp water (more if needed for thinning)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bowls:

2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice (use brown rice or cauliflower rice for variation)

1 avocado, sliced

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup cucumber, diced

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Lemon-Herb Tahini Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

Add water gradually until the sauce reaches a drizzly consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

Toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Bowls:

Divide rice among 4 bowls.

Top each bowl with shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and fresh parsley.

Drizzle & Serve:

Drizzle the lemon-herb tahini sauce over each bowl.

Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm for a cozy meal or cold as a refreshing salad-style bowl.

Pair with pita bread or naan for a more filling meal.

Great for meal prep—store shrimp, rice, and sauce separately for best texture.

Tips:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:
Shrimp cook quickly! 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough. Overcooking will make them rubbery.

Make Sauce Ahead:
The lemon-herb tahini sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and stir before using.

Rice Options:
Use warm rice for a comfort food-style bowl, or chilled rice for a refreshing meal prep bowl.

Thin the Sauce Gradually:
Tahini thickens as you stir, so add water slowly until it’s pourable but not runny.

Use Pre-Cooked Rice for Speed:
Microwaveable rice packets or leftover rice make this meal even faster.

Variations:

Protein Swaps:

Chicken:
Use grilled chicken breast or thighs in place of shrimp for a different protein.

Salmon:
Top with seared or baked salmon for a heart-healthy omega-3 boost.

Plant-Based:
Swap shrimp for chickpeas, falafel, or grilled tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.

Grain Alternatives:

Quinoa or Farro:
Use quinoa, farro, or bulgur for added fiber and protein.

Low-Carb:
Use cauliflower rice or riced broccoli for a lighter, low-carb bowl.

Toppings & Extras:

Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle with crumbled feta (or vegan feta) for creaminess and saltiness.

Pickled Onions:
Swap raw red onions for quick-pickled onions for extra tang.

Hummus or Baba Ghanoush:
Add a dollop of hummus or baba ghanoush for extra Mediterranean flair.

Herb Variations:

Use mint, cilantro, or basil in the tahini sauce for different flavor profiles.

Q&A:

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! For best results, store the components separately:

Keep the shrimp and rice together in meal containers.

Store the vegetables and avocado separately to keep them fresh.

Keep the lemon-herb tahini sauce in a small container and drizzle just before eating.

What can I use instead of tahini?

If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute with:

Greek yogurt (for a creamy, tangy dressing)

Almond butter or cashew butter (for a mild nutty taste)

Hummus thinned with lemon juice and water

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially when served with rice or cauliflower rice.

Can I serve this bowl cold?

Absolutely. This dish is delicious warm or cold, making it perfect for packed lunches or summer meals.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the pan.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings):

Note: Nutrition may vary based on rice type and toppings.

Conclusion:

The Mediterranean Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Lemon-Herb Tahini Sauce are a balanced, vibrant meal that’s packed with fresh flavors and nourishing ingredients. From the juicy shrimp to the creamy avocado and zesty tahini drizzle, this dish checks all the boxes for a healthy, satisfying Mediterranean-style bowl.

It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or lunch on-the-go. Plus, it’s highly customizable—adapt it with different proteins, grains, or veggies to suit your taste or dietary needs.