Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls : A Fresh and Flavorful Mediterranean Diet Dinner

Posted on July 27, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

two bowls filled with shrimp, cucumber and tomato salad

Looking for a vibrant and balanced dinner that fits your healthy lifestyle? These Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls are the perfect answer. Packed with seasoned shrimp, crisp veggies, whole grains, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, this bowl brings together all the best flavors of the Mediterranean diet—in just one dish.

Whether you’re following a structured Mediterranean diet meal plan, exploring plats healthy for weeknights, or just want a delicious dinner that keeps you full and satisfied, this dish deserves a permanent spot on your menu.

Searching for more Mediterranean-inspired dishes? Try our Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas or One-Pot Soy Sauce Mushroom Rice—they both pair beautifully with grilled seafood.

Why This Recipe Fits the Mediterranean Diet Perfectly

This meal checks every box on the Mediterranean diet food list:

  • Lean seafood protein from wild-caught shrimp
  • Healthy fats from olive oil
  • Whole grains like farro or quinoa
  • Fresh vegetables for fiber and vitamins
  • Herbs, lemon, and spices for natural flavor—no heavy sauces needed

It’s a shining example of how easy Mediterranean diet recipes can be both nourishing and crave-worthy. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s one of those Mediterranean dishes that feels like a treat but supports your health goals.

Who Will Love These Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls

This recipe is ideal for:

  • Anyone following the Mediterranean diet
  • Busy professionals looking for healthy dinners
  • Seafood lovers who want to mix up their routine
  • Meal preppers needing easy-to-store bowl meals
  • Families looking for a customizable dish everyone can enjoy

It’s also naturally gluten-free if you use quinoa or brown rice, and dairy-free if you skip the optional feta topping.

Need a simple dessert to follow this healthy dinner? Try our Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a high-protein treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls

This dish has three main parts: the shrimp, the bowl base, and the dressing. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb wild-caught Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of ½ lemon

For the Bowl Base:

  • 1 cup cooked farro, quinoa, or brown rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Lemon Herb Dressing:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare This Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipe

1. Cook the Grain Base
Cook your choice of farro, quinoa, or brown rice according to package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Season and Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Bowls
In individual serving bowls, layer the grain base, then top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, parsley, and feta.

5. Add the Shrimp and Dress
Top each bowl with a portion of cooked shrimp. Drizzle the lemon herb dressing over the top just before serving.

6. Serve Fresh
Enjoy immediately while the shrimp is warm, or chill the bowls for a refreshing cold meal.

Looking for more bowls like this? Our Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl is a great plant-based option.

  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Medium saucepan (for grains)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or small blender (for dressing)
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Serving bowls

Want to keep your cooking low-effort? Try our Smoky Sweet Potato and Chickpea Sheet Pan—no extra pans needed.

Top Tips for Cooking Wild Gulf Shrimp

  • Use fresh or frozen wild Gulf shrimp for best flavor
  • Don’t overcook – they only need 2–3 minutes per side
  • Dry shrimp before cooking to help with searing
  • Marinate briefly in olive oil and lemon juice for added depth
  • Grill them if you want a smoky Mediterranean finish

Customizing Your Mediterranean Shrimp BowlWant to make it your own? These swaps and additions will keep the recipe fresh:

  • Grains: Try bulgur wheat, couscous, or orzo
  • Greens: Add baby spinach or arugula as a base
  • Extras: Roasted chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts
  • Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dollop of tzatziki
  • Make it vegan: Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or chickpeas

It’s one of those easy Mediterranean diet recipes that fits every lifestyle and taste.

Serving Suggestions for Balanced Mediterranean Dinners

These bowls are a full meal on their own, but if you’re serving a group or want to round out the dinner table, consider:

  • A side of warm pita bread or Sweet Potato Toast
  • Hummus or baba ghanoush for dipping
  • A cup of lentil soup or tomato-cucumber gazpacho
  • A fresh citrus fruit platter to finish

Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans

Refrigerate:
Store shrimp separately from vegetables and grains in airtight containers. Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.

Dressing:
Store the lemon herb dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

Meal Prep Tip:
Assemble the bowls without dressing for grab-and-go lunches. Add shrimp and dressing just before eating.

Want a breakfast that complements your diet plan? Try Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal for a make-ahead Mediterranean-inspired start.

How to Include This Dish in a Mediterranean Diet Plan

This recipe fits beautifully into your Mediterranean diet plan:

  • Lunch option: Pack into containers for a protein-rich midday meal
  • Dinner option: Serve with tea or sparkling water and a small side salad
  • Add variety: Swap in salmon or mackerel for other healthy fats
  • Weekly rotation: Add to your Mediterranean diet recipes dinners list for busy nights

Its balanced blend of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and bright vegetables makes it an excellent example of plats healthy done right.

FAQs About Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls and Diet Recipes

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw, rinse, and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice.

What dressing alternatives can I use?
Try tahini-lemon dressing, Greek vinaigrette, or avocado-lime drizzle.

How do I grill the shrimp instead?
Thread on skewers and grill for 2–3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

Can I add cheese?
Yes—feta is a classic Mediterranean addition, but you can skip it if dairy-free.

More Mediterranean Dishes to Try This Week

If you love these shrimp bowls, try one of these reader-favorite Mediterranean diet recipes:

These recipes keep your meals exciting, colorful, and aligned with your Mediterranean diet food list.

Why This is a Go-To Recipe for the Mediterranean Diet Food List

Fresh, nourishing, and satisfying, this Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl is a must-have in any health-focused home cook’s rotation. It’s a shining example of how simple ingredients—shrimp, veggies, olive oil, and herbs—can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re following a full Mediterranean diet meal plan or just exploring new Mediterranean diet dinners, this recipe delivers every time.

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Irresistible Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls for a Healthy, Easy Dinner


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 bowls 1x

Description

These Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls feature wild Gulf shrimp, fiber-rich grains, crisp vegetables, and tangy tzatziki for a nourishing, balanced meal. Perfect for clean eating, this bowl is quick, Mediterranean diet-approved, and endlessly customizable for any season.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb (450g) wild Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Bowl Base:
  • 2 cups cooked farro or quinoa
  • 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • For the Dressing or Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional drizzle: olive oil, lemon juice, or tahini

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss shrimp in marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook shrimp in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside.
  3. Prepare grains (farro or quinoa) if not cooked. Warm before assembling if desired.
  4. Chop cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and avocado. Arrange greens, grains, and vegetables in bowls.
  5. Top each bowl with cooked shrimp and sliced olives.
  6. Drizzle with tzatziki and additional olive oil or lemon juice. Garnish with feta and herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use quinoa or brown rice for gluten-free option.
  • Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and become rubbery.
  • Store dressing separately when meal prepping to keep veggies fresh.
  • Add roasted chickpeas or grilled vegetables for extra texture.
  • Grilled shrimp adds smoky flavor—great for summer versions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls, Shrimp Bowl Mediterranean, Healthy Shrimp Dinner, Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners, Shrimp Grain Bowl

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