Mediterranean Shrimp Quinoa Bowl
A vibrant, wholesome bowl packed with zesty shrimp, fluffy quinoa, and Mediterranean-inspired toppings.
The Mediterranean Shrimp Quinoa Bowl is a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors. Juicy lemon-garlic shrimp rest atop a bed of herbed quinoa, surrounded by fresh veggies, briny olives, creamy feta, and optionally finished with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re meal prepping, eating clean, or craving bold yet healthy flavors, this bowl is a perfect one-bowl meal option.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Quinoa:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked (yields ~3 cups cooked)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
For the Toppings:
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce (Optional):
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup grated cucumber, squeezed to remove water
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Quinoa:
Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water.
In a pot, combine quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce (Optional):
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide cooked quinoa into 4 bowls.
Top with cooked shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta.
Add a dollop of tzatziki if using. Drizzle with extra olive oil or lemon juice if desired.
Tips
Shrimp size matters: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
Meal prep friendly: Store the shrimp, quinoa, and toppings separately and assemble before eating.
Cool the quinoa: Let the quinoa cool slightly before adding toppings to preserve the fresh texture of veggies.
Cucumber prep: Squeeze grated cucumber well for tzatziki to avoid watery sauce.
Layering tip: Place wetter ingredients (like tomatoes) away from dry ingredients (like feta) if storing for later.
Variations
Protein Swap: Substitute grilled chicken, chickpeas, or falafel instead of shrimp.
Vegan Option: Skip the shrimp and feta; use marinated tofu and vegan yogurt for tzatziki.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp marinade.
Grain Switch: Use couscous, bulgur, or brown rice in place of quinoa.
Add Greens: Toss in baby spinach or arugula for extra nutrients and volume.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.
Q: Is this bowl good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Store components separately for up to 3–4 days. Add tzatziki just before serving.
Q: Can I serve this cold?
A: Yes, this bowl works well as a cold salad too — just chill the quinoa and shrimp after cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh dill for tzatziki?
A: Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill or substitute with fresh mint for a twist.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
Without tzatziki:
Calories: ~400
Protein: ~30g
Carbs: ~30g
Fat: ~18g
Fiber: ~5g
Sugar: ~4g
Sodium: ~600mg
With 2 tbsp tzatziki per bowl: Add ~40 calories and 2g protein.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Shrimp Quinoa Bowl is a flavorful fusion of protein, grains, and veggies with the bonus of a cool and creamy tzatziki topping. It’s healthy, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable—perfect for a weeknight dinner, lunchbox hero, or a meal-prep staple. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, it delivers freshness and bold taste in every bite.