Healthy Shrimp and Quinoa Salad Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

500 grams (1.1 pounds) tiger shrimp

1/3 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried garlic

1/2 teaspoon Mediterranean herbs

Black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

We recommend:

For tiger shrimp:

4.6

(74) Shrimp Dinner Pads 2 (70g) $22.99 View details

4.5

(229) Shrimp King Snow Pops Brown 1.4 Ounce (Pack of 1) $17.69 View details

4.6

(702) Zoo Med Sun Dried Large Red Shrimp, 2-1/2-Ounce $9.99 View details

For dried garlic:

Prime best seller

4.8

(27,220) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Granulated Garlic, 24 ounce $9.79 $12.44 View details Prime

4.8

(15,667) McCormick Garlic Powder, 8.75 oz $7.20 View details Prime

McCormick Culinary Minced Onion, 17 oz - One 17 Ounce Container of Dried Minced Onion Flakes, Perfect for Soups, Sauces, Meatballs, Relishes and Casseroles

4.8

(6,230) McCormick Culinary Minced Onion, 17 oz - One 17 Ounce Container of Dried Minced Onion Flakes, Perfect for Soups, Sauces, Meatballs, Relishes and Casseroles $11.65 View details

For Mediterranean herbs:

4.9

(11) India Tree Mediterranean Spice Gift Pack - Aleppo Pepper, Sumac, Za'atar, Ras El Hanout, and Saffron - 7.37 Ounces Total $35.17 View details Prime

4.8

(16) Badia Herbs De Provence, 8 Ounce (Pack of 6) $30.95 View details

Spiceology – Greek Freak Mediterranean Salt-Free Seasoning – Greek Herbs & Spices for Chicken, Potatoes, Salad, Gyros, Pasta & Pizza – Fresh-Ground, Chef-Crafted Mediterranean Blend – 11.5 oz

4.7

(2,367) Spiceology – Greek Freak Mediterranean Salt-Free Seasoning – Greek Herbs & Spices for Chicken, Potatoes, Salad, Gyros, Pasta & Pizza – Fresh-Ground, Chef-Crafted Mediterranean Blend – 11.5 oz $24.99 View details

For olive oil:

Prime

4.8

(14,691) Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Full-Bodied Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings & Marinades, 68 FL. OZ. $25.23 View details Prime

4.7

(9,380) Colavita All Natural Roasted Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 32oz Plastic $29.74 View details Prime best seller

Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Mild and Delicate Flavor, Perfect for Sauteing & Stir-Frying, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, 32 Fl Oz

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(36,756) Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Mild and Delicate Flavor, Perfect for Sauteing & Stir-Frying, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, 32 Fl Oz $14.58 View details

For the Salad

70 grams (0.15 pounds) quinoa

70 grams (2.5 ounces) arugula

250 grams (8.8 ounces) cherry tomatoes

1 avocado

2 tablespoons lemon juice

We recommend:

For quinoa:

4.7

(15,261) BetterBody Foods Organic Quinoa, Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Glycemic Rice Replacement, 24 ounce USDA Organic $11.49 View details

Royal Organic White Quinoa | OA Quinoa Now Greenfit | Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Organic | Complete Protein, High Fiber, Low-Calorie White Quinoa | (10 Pound - Pack of 1) USDA Organic

4.6

(2,261) Royal Organic White Quinoa | OA Quinoa Now Greenfit | Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Organic | Complete Protein, High Fiber, Low-Calorie White Quinoa | (10 Pound - Pack of 1) USDA Organic $43.95 View details

4.7

(11,278) Success Boil-In-Bag Quinoa, Quick Tri-Color Quinoa, 12-Ounce Box $2.99 View details

For arugula:

4.5

(101) Dirt Goddess Super Seeds~ Arugula Seeds (1 lb) 165,000 Seeds $43.95 View details Prime

4.6

(174) Arugula Microgreen Seeds Bulk 1 LB Resealable Bag | Spicy & Flavorful Greens | Non GMO Heirloom Seeds | Rocket Salad by Rainbow Heirloom Seed Co. $19.99 View details

Slow Bolt Arugula Seeds for Planting Heirloom Non-GMO Arugula – Plant & Grow Slow Bolt Arugula Seed Packets in Home Herb Outdoor/Indoor Hydroponic Garden, Great Gardening Gift – 1 Packet 250 Seeds

(12) Slow Bolt Arugula Seeds for Planting Heirloom Non-GMO Arugula – Plant & Grow Slow Bolt Arugula Seed Packets in Home Herb Outdoor/Indoor Hydroponic Garden, Great Gardening Gift – 1 Packet 250 Seeds $4.98 View details

For cherry tomatoes:

Prime

(4) Colavita Canned Tomatoes - Cherry with Chili Peppers, 14.1oz Can $20.74 View details

Sonoma Gourmet Cherry Tomato With Basil Pasta Sauce | USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free and No Sugar Added | Made With Fresh Ingredients | 25 Ounce Jars (Pack of 2)

4.8

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4.6

(1,528) Tillen Farms Maraschino Cherries, 13.5 oz $16.98 $17.80 View details

For avocado:

Prime

4.8

(10,485) BetterBody Foods Refined Non-GMO Cooking Oil, Kosher, Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly, for High-Heat Cooking, Avocado Oil, 1 Liter, 33.8 Fl Oz $15.18 View details Prime

BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil, Non-GMO Cooking Oil, Kosher, Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly, for High-Heat Cooking, Frying, Baking, Avocado Oil, 500 mL, 16.9 Fl Oz

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For lemon juice:

Prime

4.5

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4.7

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TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets

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For the Dressing

30 grams (1 ounce) olive oil

2-3 tablespoons orange juice

We recommend:

For olive oil:

Prime

4.8

(14,691) Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Full-Bodied Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings & Marinades, 68 FL. OZ. $25.23 View details Prime

4.7

(9,380) Colavita All Natural Roasted Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 32oz Plastic $29.74 View details Prime best seller

4.8

For orange juice:

4.6

(47,276) Tropicana 100% Orange Juice, 15.2 fl oz (Pack of 12) - Real Fruit Juices, Vitamin C Rich, No Added Sugars, No Artificial Flavors $28.49 View details Prime

4.6

(10,615) 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic 100% Juice, Flavored Juice Blend from Concentrate, Orange Mango, 32 Fl Oz $3.99 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Quinoa

Start by soaking the quinoa in water for a couple of hours. This will help prevent any bitterness in the quinoa.

After soaking, place the quinoa in a sieve and rinse thoroughly under running water.

Step 2

Cook the Quinoa

Transfer the quinoa into a pot and add 140 grams (5 ounces) of water along with the salt.

Cover the pot and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water has evaporated.

Step 3

Prepare the Shrimp

Clean the shrimp by cutting along the shell with scissors and removing the intestinal vein. Rinse and pat them dry.

In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, dried garlic, Mediterranean herbs, black pepper, and olive oil.

Step 4

Cook the Shrimp

Heat a pan on high, then add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and slightly golden.

Step 5

Prepare the Avocado

Slice the avocado and drizzle it with lemon juice immediately to avoid browning.

Step 6

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the arugula, cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, shrimp, and avocado.

For the dressing, mix together the orange juice and olive oil, then drizzle it over the salad.

Step 7

Final Touches

Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients well.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious salad!

Servings

Once your salad is prepared, it’s time to think about serving! This salad is versatile and can shine on many occasions. Consider serving it chilled on a warm summer day, making it a refreshing option for picnics or barbecues. 🍤🥗

For a party look, serve individual portions in mason jars for a fun, portable option. Just layer the ingredients, and you’ve got a charming dish everyone will love! Don’t forget to pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for an elevated experience.

If you’re feeling creative, top it with some feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor. 🌰🧀

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can be stored in the fridge for a day – just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat.

Equipment

Medium Pot

Ideal for cooking your quinoa, a medium pot allows for the perfect simmer to achieve fluffy grains. Make sure it has a lid!

We recommend:

Prime

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BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven, Fits 9"x13" Oven Pans and 12" Pizza, Bake, Toast, Broil, and Keep Warm Functions, Countertop Compact Design with Stainless Steel Finish

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(10,481) BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven, Fits 9"x13" Oven Pans and 12" Pizza, Bake, Toast, Broil, and Keep Warm Functions, Countertop Compact Design with Stainless Steel Finish $82.38 View details Prime

Baking Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Bread Pan Multicooker | Bake sourdough bread, grill steaks and cook stews | Seasoned with canola oil with a smooth surface finish

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Non-stick Skillet

This is perfect for sautéing the shrimp without them sticking. Opt for a good quality non-stick pan for the best results!

We recommend:

Prime

4.5

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Sieve

A sieve is essential for rinsing your quinoa properly – ensuring it’s not bitter. Look for one with fine mesh for best results.

We recommend:

Prime

Makerstep Fine Mesh Strainer Set of 3, Stainless Steel 3.38", 5.5", 7.87" Strainers Wire Sieve Sifter with Insulated Handle Strainers for Kitchen Gadgets Tools Premium Colanders, Sifter

4.7

(13,107) Makerstep Fine Mesh Strainer Set of 3, Stainless Steel 3.38", 5.5", 7.87" Strainers Wire Sieve Sifter with Insulated Handle Strainers for Kitchen Gadgets Tools Premium Colanders, Sifter $12.79 $19.99 View details

Mixing Bowl

You’ll need a large bowl to combine your vibrant ingredients. Make sure it’s big enough to toss everything together without any mess!

We recommend:

Prime

YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage

4.7

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4.8

(29,369) Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set $17.53 View details Prime

REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)

4.8

(8,743) REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful) $26.99 View details

Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are some variations to make this recipe gluten-free and vegan! 🌱✨

Gluten-Free: The base of this recipe is already gluten-free, but you can further enhance it by adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini! This will add flavor and nutrients, making it even more delightful.

Vegan: Swap the shrimp for chickpeas or tempeh to maintain the protein level. You can marinate them in the same spices for an extra zing. Also, substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup for a vegan touch!

Both variations keep the dish fresh and exciting without compromising on taste or nutrition!

Faq

How do I know when the quinoa is fully cooked?
When the quinoa has absorbed all the water and the grains look like they have tiny spiral tails, it’s fully cooked.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and rinse them before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for olive oil in the dressing?
Avocado oil or vegan mayonnaise can be great alternatives if you're looking for a different flavor profile!
How long can I store the salad and how should I keep it?
The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve, to prevent sogginess.
What’s the best way to wash quinoa?
Rinse quinoa under cold running water in a sieve before cooking to remove any bitterness.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers would all add a delicious crunch and extra nutrients.