Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce (Mediterranean Style)
A fresh, vibrant, and protein-packed bowl bursting with juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, fluffy rice, and a bright cilantro-lime drizzle. This Mediterranean-inspired bowl is perfect for lunch or dinner — light yet satisfying, colorful, and full of clean flavors.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp:
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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Juice of 1 lime
For the Rice Base:
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2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (or brown rice for healthier option)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of ½ lime
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2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
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Pinch of salt
Toppings:
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2 ripe avocados, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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Optional: feta cheese, corn, or black beans
Cilantro Lime Sauce:
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt
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1 cup fresh cilantro
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1 garlic clove
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Juice of 1 lime
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt to taste
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1–2 tbsp water (to thin)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
Blend Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and water until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
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Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
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Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
3️⃣ Prepare the Rice
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Toss warm rice with olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
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Fluff gently with a fork.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bowls
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Add rice as the base.
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Top with shrimp, avocado slices, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
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Drizzle generously with cilantro lime sauce.
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Garnish with extra cilantro or feta if desired.
🌿 Mediterranean Touch
This bowl embraces Mediterranean principles:
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Olive oil as the main fat
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Fresh herbs and citrus
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Lean seafood protein
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Plenty of fresh vegetables
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Optional feta for added flavor
🍽️ Why You’ll Love It
✔ High-protein
✔ Balanced & nutrient-dense
✔ Fresh and zesty flavor
✔ Meal-prep friendly
✔ Customizable
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Q: How do I make it dairy-free?
Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or blend avocado with lime and cilantro instead.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Store components separately. Add avocado and sauce just before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for rice?
Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or bulgur for a Mediterranean grain swap.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days (store sauce separately).
