Colorful Shrimp & Veggie Bowl Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Meal

Crafting a mouthwatering colorful shrimp & veggie bowl takes minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Mediterranean influences spark excitement in this vibrant dish.

Succulent seafood mingles with crisp vegetables, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Spices dance across the plate, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of protein and garden-fresh produce.

Jump into this simple yet spectacular recipe that will make your taste buds sing.

FAQs

• What makes this shrimp and veggie bowl healthy?

This recipe is packed with lean protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and a variety of nutrients from fresh vegetables. The homemade dressing uses olive oil and natural ingredients, avoiding processed condiments.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely, pat dry with paper towels, and marinate as instructed. Make sure to remove excess moisture to help the shrimp sear properly and develop a nice color.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially any premade items like mustard or honey, are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

Reasons to Make Shrimp and Veggie Bowls

• Burst with Vibrant Flavors: Packed with colorful vegetables and succulent shrimp, this bowl delivers a delightful explosion of fresh, zesty tastes that dance on your palate.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with lean protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and a rainbow of vegetables, this dish provides a well-balanced meal that nourishes your body.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: Requires minimal cooking skills and comes together rapidly, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp Veggie Bowl

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds a succulent and tender protein base to the bowl.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Red Onion: Colorful and crisp vegetables that provide freshness and vibrant texture.
• Avocado: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and healthy fats to the dish.
• Carrots: Crunchy vegetable that brings additional color and nutrition.
• Mixed Greens, Spinach, or Arugula: Fresh leafy base that creates a nutritious foundation for the bowl.
• Corn: Sweet and tender vegetable that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Smooth and flavorful oil used for marinating shrimp and creating the dressing.
• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and pungent flavor.
• Lemon Zest, Lime Juice: Citrus components that provide bright and tangy notes.
• Paprika: Spice that adds warmth and subtle color to the shrimp.
• Honey or Agave: Natural sweeteners that balance the dressing's flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds complexity to the dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a final burst of flavor and garnish.

How to Assemble a Shrimp Veggie Bowl

Step 1: Marinate Succulent Shrimp

Grab a mixing bowl and combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Gently coat the shrimp in this zesty marinade and let them soak up the flavors for 10-15 minutes.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn perfectly pink and look beautifully opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Chop Vibrant Vegetables

• Halve cherry tomatoes
• Slice cucumber
• Slice bell pepper
• Slice avocado
• Slice red onion
• Shred carrots
• Chop fresh cilantro

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings to create a perfectly balanced dressing.

Step 4: Create Colorful Bowl

In each serving bowl, start with a bed of fresh greens like mixed salad, spinach, or arugula.

Arrange the cooked shrimp on top. Scatter the sliced vegetables, corn, and avocado around the shrimp for a stunning visual presentation.

Drizzle the homemade dressing generously and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a final burst of freshness.

Helpful Tips for Shrimp and Veggie Success

• Letting shrimp sit in the olive oil and spice mixture helps ingredients penetrate deeply, creating more intense and balanced taste throughout each bite.
• Watch for color change from translucent to pink and opaque, which signals doneness without overcooking – this prevents rubbery texture and maintains tender meat.
• Slice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and beautiful presentation, ensuring each ingredient looks appealing and cooks consistently in the bowl.
• Taste and modify dressing components to match your preference – add more honey for sweetness, extra lime for tanginess, or additional garlic for depth.
• Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or salmon to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the recipe's vibrant, fresh bowl concept.

Creative Combos with Shrimp and Veggie Bowl

• Spicy Southwestern Shrimp Bowl: Replace paprika with chili powder and add cayenne for extra heat. Top with black beans, corn salsa, and swap cilantro for jalapeños to create a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Bowl: Substitute olive oil marinade with oregano, thyme, and lemon juice. Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cucumber tzatziki sauce for a Greek-style transformation.
• Asian Fusion Shrimp Bowl: Swap dressing ingredients with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Include edamame, pickled radishes, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for an east Asian flavor profile.

What Goes Best with Shrimp Veggie Bowl

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the zesty shrimp and bright citrus notes, cutting through the richness of avocado and enhancing the dish's fresh flavors.
• Serve with Refreshing Mocktail: Create a lime-cilantro sparkling water with muddled cucumber, mirroring the bowl's herbal and citrus elements while providing a cool, hydrating accompaniment.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia offers a perfect texture contrast, allowing diners to soak up the tangy dressing and add a satisfying carbohydrate component to the light, protein-packed bowl.

How to Keep Shrimp Veggie Bowl Fresh

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep shrimp and veggies separate to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.

Not recommended due to delicate texture of shrimp and fresh vegetables. Avocado and cucumber will lose quality when frozen.

Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

For a quick lunch, enjoy the bowl cold straight from the refrigerator. The dressing and marinated shrimp will taste fresh and zesty, making it a delightful no-heat meal option.

Colorful Shrimp & Veggie Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Packed with zesty Mediterranean flair, Mediterranean Shrimp & Veggie Bowl delivers a symphony of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and aromatic herbs create a delightful meal that transports you to coastal charm with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Produce:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasonings and Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for shrimp)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Infuse shrimp with a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, garlic, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Allow the shrimp to absorb these flavors for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Sear the marinated shrimp in a preheated pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink and become completely opaque. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Prepare a colorful vegetable medley by halving cherry tomatoes, slicing cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Julienne carrots and finely chop fresh cilantro for added texture and brightness.
4. Craft a tangy dressing by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings to create a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Build the bowl by layering a bed of fresh greens like mixed salad, spinach, or peppery arugula as the foundation.
6. Artfully arrange the seared shrimp as the centerpiece, surrounding it with the prepared vegetable slices, sweet corn kernels, and creamy avocado chunks.
7. Generously drizzle the prepared dressing over the bowl and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a final burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinate shrimp briefly to enhance flavor and keep them tender, preventing rubbery texture during cooking.
• Choose quick-cooking shrimp like medium or large size for even, speedy preparation without overcooking.
• Use fresh citrus zest and juice to brighten the dish’s overall taste profile and add vibrant, zesty notes.
• Swap protein easily by substituting shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg