What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I love eating delicious food, but my love for a clean kitchen is a close second. If you’re like me, the thought of a sink full of dishes can kill your cooking mood before it even starts. That’s why I’m obsessed with my Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl Healthy High Protein Meals. It’s my go-to for a fast, satisfying dinner that doesn’t leave me with a mountain of cleanup. We get lean protein, fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing all in one go.
This recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients, but it respects your time and your dish soap. Let’s get into it.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what we’re making. It’s as simple as it looks.
- Cuisine: Pescatarian-Friendly
- Category: Main Course, Meal Prep
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I build my recipes around the cleanup. This one is a masterclass in efficiency. We cook the quinoa first in our large pot or deep skillet.
Once that’s fluffy and done, we use the same pot to quickly sauté the shrimp. Everything gets tossed together right there. One cooking vessel means one thing to wash. It’s that simple, and it makes all the difference. For another quick and nourishing one-pan idea, you have to try this high-protein garlic chicken fried rice.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
You don’t need fancy gear for this. A large pot with a lid or a deep 12-inch skillet is your best friend here. That’s your main tool.
For ingredients, think fresh and bright. We’re using juicy shrimp, protein-rich quinoa, and creamy avocado. The lime dressing pulls it all together with a tangy punch. It’s a perfect pescatarian meal that feels light but fills you up.
The Full Ingredient List
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Lime Dressing:
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps in order. This is the key to keeping your kitchen clean and your meal perfect.
Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl Healthy High Protein Meals Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl Healthy High Protein Meals Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Cook the quinoa. In your large pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Make the dressing. While the quinoa cooks, whisk all the lime dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Set this aside. Doing this now saves time later.
- Cook the shrimp. Use the same pot (no need to wash it!). Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot pot in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Assemble the bowls. In the large bowl with the quinoa, add the diced avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Pour most of the lime dressing over and gently toss to combine.
- Finish and serve. Divide the quinoa salad among bowls. Top with the warm shrimp. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and dig in!
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few small tricks make this process even smoother. They’re lessons I’ve learned the hard way!
First, use the right size pot. A pot that’s too small will crowd the shrimp and make them steam instead of sear. A 3 to 4-quart pot is ideal.
Second, pat your shrimp very dry before cooking. This gives them a nice sear and prevents a watery pot. Also, don’t stir the shrimp too much. Let them get a little color on one side before you flip them.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This bowl is a meal prep superstar. Store the components separately for the best results. Keep the dressed quinoa salad and shrimp in their own airtight containers in the fridge.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Store extra diced avocado with a squeeze of lime juice to keep it green. To reheat, just warm the shrimp gently in a microwave or skillet. Add them to your cold quinoa salad.
Nutrition Notes
This dish isn’t just easy; it’s seriously good for you. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting per serving.
- High-Quality Protein: Shrimp and quinoa team up to give you a major protein boost to keep you full. If you’re looking for more protein-packed breakfast ideas, these easy high-protein carrot banana muffins are a fantastic grab-and-go option.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado and olive oil provide the good fats your body loves.
- Fiber & Carbs: Quinoa is a complete grain that offers fiber and steady energy.
- Vitamins & Antioxidants: The fresh veggies and lime juice are packed with vitamin C and other nutrients.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a few common questions about this recipe. Let’s clear them up right now.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. Just make sure you pat them completely dry before cooking. This step is non-negotiable for a good sear.
What can I use instead of quinoa?
For a similar texture, try couscous or bulgur wheat. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just cook your substitute according to its package directions. For another delicious low-carb dinner, this low-carb shrimp scampi with zoodles is a must-try.
How do I make this spicier?
I love a little heat! You can add a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp seasoning. Or, mix some chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce right into the lime dressing.
And there you have it. A delicious, high-protein meal that treats your taste buds and your sink with equal respect. This shrimp and quinoa bowl has saved my weeknight dinner routine more times than I can count.
It proves you don’t need a lot of pots to make something truly tasty and good for you. The bright lime dressing and creamy avocado make every bite a joy. I hope it becomes a regular in your rotation, too.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
