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Healthy Low Calorie Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet - Bright, Fresh, and Ready Fast

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Bell peppers: 2 (any color), thinly sliced
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
  • Kalamata olives: 1/3 cup, pitted and halved
  • Baby spinach: 3–4 cups
  • Capers: 1 tablespoon, rinsed (optional but great for briny flavor)
  • Lemon: 1, zested and juiced
  • Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
  • Sea salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Feta cheese: 1/4 cup, crumbled (optional for topping)

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and half the oregano. Dry shrimp sear better and stay plumper.
  2. Warm the pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When it shimmers, it’s ready.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove to a plate. Do not overcook.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add another teaspoon of olive oil if needed, then add onion and bell peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  5. Build flavor: Stir in garlic, crushed red pepper, and remaining oregano. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add tomatoes and olives: Toss in the tomatoes, olives, and capers. Cook 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.
  7. Wilt the greens: Add the spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1 minute.
  8. Finish with citrus: Return shrimp to the pan with any juices. Add lemon zest and juice. Toss gently and cook 1 more minute to warm through. Adjust salt and pepper.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and feta if using. Serve as is, or over cauliflower rice, zoodles, or a small scoop of quinoa.