Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl (Printable)

Vibrant bowl featuring seasoned shrimp, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and tangy tahini sauce for a nutritious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

# Ingredient list:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Grains

07 - 1 cup cooked quinoa

→ Mediterranean Vegetables

08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
10 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
11 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1 cup baby spinach or arugula

→ Tahini Sauce

13 - 1/4 cup tahini
14 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
15 - 2 tbsp water, plus more as needed
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 1/4 tsp ground cumin
18 - 1/4 tsp sea salt

→ Garnish

19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
20 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, cumin, and salt until smooth. Add additional water to achieve desired consistency.
05 - Layer cooked quinoa, baby spinach or arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion in serving bowls.
06 - Top each bowl with sautéed shrimp. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
07 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 35 minutes, which means weeknight dinner without the stress.
  • Every bite tastes indulgent even though it's packed with actual nutrition and feels impossibly light.
  • You can prep everything ahead and assemble in minutes, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding guests.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the shrimp in the skillet or they'll steam instead of sear, so work in batches if needed and give them space to develop that gorgeous flavor.
  • Make the tahini sauce right before serving because it thickens as it sits, but don't panic because adding just a splash of water brings it back to life instantly.
03 -
  • If your tahini sauce breaks or gets too thick, don't toss it—just whisk in water a teaspoon at a time until it's silky again, which usually means adding a tablespoon total.
  • Toast your cumin in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before grinding or measuring it, and the flavor deepens in a way that elevates the entire sauce from good to restaurant-quality.
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