Mediterranean Shrimp Tacos With Feta, Avocado, and Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
These Mediterranean Shrimp Tacos are fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Juicy, spiced shrimp are tucked into warm tortillas and topped with crisp cabbage, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and a zesty cilantro-lime sauce. The Mediterranean twist comes from the olive oil, feta cheese, and bright herbs, giving classic tacos a lighter and fresher profile. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4–6 (makes about 8–10 tacos)
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1–2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 clove fresh garlic (minced), ¼ tsp ground coriander, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or 1 tsp orange zest
For the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce:
1 ripe avocado
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Juice of 1–2 limes
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp mayonnaise, ½ jalapeño (deseeded), water as needed to thin
For Assembly:
Corn or flour tortillas, warmed
1–2 cups shredded green cabbage and/or red cabbage
1 avocado, cubed or sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving
Optional: diced tomatoes, finely diced red onion, or sliced jalapeño for extra toppings
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Make the Cilantro-Lime Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water as needed to thin to drizzle consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Tacos:
Warm tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame until slightly charred.
Layer shredded cabbage, cooked shrimp, avocado slices, and feta onto each tortilla.
Drizzle generously with cilantro-lime sauce.
Finish & Serve:
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Add optional toppings like diced tomatoes, red onion, or jalapeño for extra flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
Make it lighter: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt in the sauce for a tangy, protein-packed option.
Char the tortillas: Toasting them on an open flame or hot skillet gives a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Add crunch: Top with thinly sliced radishes or cucumber for extra freshness.
Go spicier: Add diced jalapeños, pickled peppers, or a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp spice mix.
Different cheese: Feta brings the Mediterranean vibe, but crumbled goat cheese or queso fresco also work well.
Vegetarian option: Replace shrimp with grilled zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted chickpeas, keeping the same toppings and sauce.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra texture.
Meal prep tip: The cilantro-lime sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; just stir before using.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning so they sear nicely without excess water.
Q: What type of tortillas work best?
A: Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn adds an earthy flavor and authenticity, while flour tortillas are softer and sturdier.
Q: Can I make these tacos dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Skip the feta and use a dairy-free yogurt or avocado-only base for the sauce.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store cooked shrimp, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Q: Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing?
A: Yes, grilling adds a smoky layer of flavor. Just make sure to use skewers or a grill basket to prevent shrimp from falling through the grates.
Nutrition
(per taco, based on 8 tacos with all toppings)
Calories: ~270
Protein: ~18 g
Carbohydrates: ~20 g
Fat: ~13 g
Fiber: ~4 g
Sugar: ~2 g
Sodium: ~390 mg
(Values will vary based on tortilla type, amount of sauce, and toppings used.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean shrimp tacos strike a perfect balance of bold flavors, creamy textures, and refreshing crunch. The spiced shrimp pairs beautifully with the tangy cilantro-lime sauce, while feta and avocado bring richness with a Mediterranean twist. They’re versatile enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve at gatherings. Customize the toppings, adjust the spice level, and enjoy a fresh take on tacos that’s both nourishing and full of character.