Mediterranean Shrimp Quesadillas
Mediterranean Shrimp Quesadillas are a fusion of vibrant Mediterranean flavors and the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional quesadillas. Packed with juicy shrimp, feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this dish makes for a quick weeknight dinner, appetizer, or even a light lunch. It’s a delicious way to bring a touch of the Mediterranean coast to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Filling:
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Quesadillas:
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Olive oil or butter, for cooking
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Toss in shrimp, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp, stir, and remove from heat. Chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble Quesadillas:
On half of each tortilla, sprinkle mozzarella and feta cheese.
Add shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, red onion, and fresh herbs.
Fold tortilla in half over the filling.
Cook Quesadillas:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat with a little olive oil or butter.
Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Repeat with remaining quesadillas.
Serve:
Slice into wedges and serve hot with tzatziki, hummus, or a simple cucumber yogurt dip.
Tips and Variations
Tips:
Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time; just sauté briefly with spices.
Low-moisture mozzarella helps avoid soggy quesadillas.
Press with a spatula while cooking for extra crispness.
Variations:
Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for roasted eggplant or chickpeas.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili to the shrimp.
Cheese swap: Try goat cheese or halloumi for a different Mediterranean twist.
Add greens: A handful of spinach or arugula inside adds nutrition and color.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate the quesadillas (uncooked) for up to 1 day. Cook when ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best dip for these quesadillas?
A: Tzatziki, hummus, or even a light garlic aioli pair well.
Q: Can I use corn tortillas?
A: You can, but they’re smaller and more delicate—expect a different texture and size.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool them fully, wrap in foil, and freeze. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
Nutrition (per serving, 1 quesadilla):
Calories: ~380
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Note: Values are approximate and vary by ingredient brand.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Shrimp Quesadillas are an easy yet flavor-packed meal that combines the richness of cheesy quesadillas with the light, herbaceous tones of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for quick dinners, parties, or lunch meal prep, they’re a sure crowd-pleaser. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked on this delicious fusion!