Grilled shrimp is one of those easy foods to make that takes very little time. On top of fresh greens, or cooked rice, shrimp will still taste amazing and can be made any way you want. This garlic grilled shrimp is a welcome protein on top of the fresh Mediterranean salad, especially when marinated in the irresistible olive oil sauce with minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. The salad is totally up to you. Add lots of veggies, maybe creamy avocado, kalamata olives, and tomatoes, then finished with an easy oil-lemon dressing.
What is great about Garlic Grilled Shrimp?
The shrimp are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. This marinade infuses the shrimp with a burst of savory, smoky, and aromatic flavors.
The dish includes fresh greens or cooked rice as a base, providing essential nutrients and dietary fiber. The Mediterranean salad ingredients such as tomatoes, avocado, and olives add vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling option, especially for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Tips
Start with high-quality shrimp, fresh greens, and ripe vegetables for the best results. Fresh, premium ingredients will elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
Use large shrimp for grilling, as they are easier to handle and tend to stay juicy and tender when cooked.
If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the shrimp to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Garlic Grilled Shrimp with Mediterranean Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Grilled Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mediterranean Salad:
Fresh greens or cooked rice (as desired)
Creamy avocado slices (optional)
Kalamata olives (optional)
Tomatoes, chopped (optional)
For the Oil-Lemon Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Marinate the shrimp in a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them marinate for about 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). You can also use a grill pan on your stovetop if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
3. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them. This makes them easier to grill and flip.
4. Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked for too long.
5. While the shrimp are grilling, assemble your Mediterranean salad. Start with a base of fresh greens or cooked rice, and add optional ingredients like creamy avocado slices, kalamata olives, and chopped tomatoes.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
7. Once the shrimp are done cooking, remove them from the grill and slide the shrimp off the skewers. Arrange the garlic grilled shrimp on top of the Mediterranean salad. Drizzle the oil-lemon dressing over the salad and shrimp then serve immediately.
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp acidity and bright citrusy notes, which can pair wonderfully with the fresh and zesty flavors of the Mediterranean salad and the grilled shrimp. Its herbal and grassy undertones can also complement the dish's herbaceous elements.
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