Garlic Shrimp Mediterranean Bowl (Fresh, Flavorful & Ready in 30 Minutes)

This Garlic Shrimp Mediterranean Bowl is light, vibrant, and bursting with bold flavor — featuring juicy garlic-lemon shrimp, fluffy herbed rice, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy tzatziki. It has the same fresh, balanced feel you love in Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki), while delivering the satisfying protein boost of a hearty grain bowl, similar to your Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl.

It’s a versatile recipe that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for make-ahead lunches. Serve it with Warm Homemade Pita Bread, a generous scoop of Creamy Tzatziki Sauce, or alongside Crispy Roasted Potatoes to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet easy enough for everyday home cooking.

Why You’ll Love This

• Soft, fluffy pita bread with perfectly formed pockets

• Simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps

• Freshly baked flavor that’s far better than store-bought

• Perfect for sandwiches, dips, wraps, or Mediterranean bowls

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 bowls

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, estimated — based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 36g

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

Garlic Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of ½ lemon

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• ¾ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Herbed Rice Base

• 1 cup long-grain rice or basmati rice

• 2 cups chicken broth or water

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Mediterranean Bowl Toppings

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

Optional Sauces

• Tzatziki sauce

• Lemon tahini sauce or hummus

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water. Add rice, broth, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until tender. Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley and dill. Set aside.

2. Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and lightly golden. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Divide the herbed rice between bowls. Top with garlic shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Finish with tzatziki or your favorite Mediterranean sauce.

Notes & Tips

• Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture

• Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice

• Add roasted zucchini or red peppers for extra veggies

• Store components separately for meal prep (keeps well up to 3 days)

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes — thaw completely, and pat dry before cooking.

Is this bowl good cold? Absolutely. It makes a refreshing Mediterranean lunch bowl when chilled.

Can I make it dairy-free? Yes — skip the feta and use dairy-free tzatziki or hummus.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Mediterranean Bowl is fresh, fast, and full of bright Mediterranean flavor. It’s perfect when you want something light yet satisfying, with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce all in one cozy bowl. A great option for quick dinners, healthy lunches, or seafood lovers looking for an easy go-to meal.