Lemon Garlic Shrimp Quinoa Salad
When you want something fresh and filling but don't have the energy for a complex stovetop meal.
After a long day, sometimes your brain just wants something light yet satisfying that won't keep you in the kitchen forever. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Quinoa Salad is designed exactly for those moments—it hits all the high notes of a Mediterranean bistro bowl without the fuss. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the quinoa provides a hearty base that makes it feel like a complete meal rather than just a snack. You'll love how the bright lemon juice cuts through the savory garlic, creating a vibrant flavor profile. It’s honestly as easy as it is elegant; you can even prep some of the veggies ahead of time if you know you have a busy evening coming up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp — peeled and deveined
- 1.5 cup cooked quinoa
- 3 unit garlic cloves — minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 unit lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 cup cucumber — diced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley — chopped
- 1 pinch salt
Method
- 1 In a large bowl or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- 2 Add the shrimp to the pan. Season with salt, oregano, and the juice of half a lemon. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- 3 While the shrimp cook, toss the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, and parsley together in a large serving bowl.
- 4 Remove the shrimp from the pan (or leave them in if using one pot) and fold them into the quinoa mixture.
- 5 Drizzle with the remaining lemon juice and a final drizzle of olive oil. Toss well and serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations
- Vegetarian Swap — Swap the shrimp for 1 cup of chickpeas to keep the protein high and the texture hearty.
- Quick Prep — Use a pre-cooked quinoa pouch to cut your total prep time down by another 10 minutes.
Notes
For extra crunch, you can add some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds just before serving.
Equipment that helps
- Large Skillet — Allows for quick searing of the shrimp and aromatics in one go.
- Mixing Bowl — Makes combining the quinoa and vegetables effortless.
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