Name: Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced and pitted; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 tablespoon capers, drained; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth; 1 ½ cups pearl couscous; ½ lemon, juiced; 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh dish that feels like a warm Mediterranean hug, this Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. Bursting with bright cherry tomatoes, briny olives, tangy feta, and tender shrimp tossed with fluffy couscous, every bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s quick enough for a busy night but special enough to impress friends and family—trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a cooking setup with several clear and white bowls on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear bowl in the center filled with raw shrimp, light gray and white in color with tails on. To its right, a smaller clear bowl holds bright red cherry tomatoes. Above that, a small clear bowl contains chopped dark purple olives. Next to the shrimp bowl on the left, there is a white bowl filled with small yellow lentils, and below it, a small clear bowl with white crumbled cheese. Above the lentils, a small clear bowl has green capers. Near the top left is a whole bright yellow lemon and a clear glass measuring cup filled with brown broth or stock. Above the tomatoes, there are three whole garlic cloves, and to the right, a small clear bowl contains salt and pepper. A tiny clear shot glass holds a golden liquid, possibly oil, placed near the shrimp. The whole setup is neat and bright, arranged in a balanced way. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each plays an essential role in crafting this colorful, flavorful dish. From the juicy tomatoes to the couscous grain that soaks up every savory note, every component helps create the magic of this Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe.

Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): They add sweetness and a juicy burst in every bite.
Kalamata olives (⅓ cup, sliced and pitted): For their signature salty, tangy depth.
Feta cheese (¼ cup, crumbled): Creamy and tangy, it enriches the dish without overpowering it.
Capers (1 tablespoon, drained): These little flavor bombs bring a lovely briny punch.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle spice that rounds out the flavors.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): To enhance and balance the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and quick to cook.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides richness and helps sear the shrimp perfectly.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Adds warmth and aromatic depth.
Low sodium vegetable broth (2 cups): The flavorful liquid base that cooks the couscous to perfection.
Pearl couscous (1 ½ cups): Its slightly chewy texture complements the tender shrimp beautifully.
Lemon juice (½ lemon): Brightens everything up with a zesty tang.
Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Fresh herb garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Mixture

Start by tossing halved cherry tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta, capers, and black pepper in a large bowl. This combination lays down a vibrant medley of fresh Mediterranean flavors that will mingle beautifully with the shrimp and couscous later.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Gently sprinkle salt over the peeled and deveined shrimp to season evenly. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 ½ minutes on each side until they turn opaque and pink. During the last minute, stir in minced garlic so it softens and infuses the shrimp with its irresistible aroma. After cooking, transfer the shrimp directly onto the bowl holding your fresh tomato and olive mix.

Step 3: Cook the Couscous

Using the same skillet, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add pearl couscous, give it a quick stir, then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Let the couscous absorb the broth and become tender over 10–12 minutes. Once done, fluff with a fork to separate the grains before adding it to the bowl alongside shrimp and tomatoes.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the combined ingredients and toss everything gently to blend the bright citrus notes throughout the dish. Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley, adding fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness to this stunning Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe.

How to Serve Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with four distinct sections of food: pale pink cooked shrimp arranged on the bottom left, small round yellow couscous piled in the center and top, bright red halved cherry tomatoes mixed with white crumbled cheese and black olives nestled on the right side, and a woman's hand squeezing a bright yellow lemon wedge over the ingredients from the right foreground. The textures are glossy shrimp shells, soft pearl-like couscous, juicy tomatoes with crumbly cheese, and a smooth lemon rind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation by scattering extra crumbled feta or a few whole capers on top. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds a luscious finish that makes this dish shine both in taste and appearance.

Side Dishes

Pair this recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to scoop up every last morsel. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the couscous mixture in individual hollowed-out bell peppers or in small bowls lined with large lettuce leaves. This adds a lovely touch if you’re entertaining or want to make your dinner feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even better overnight, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

Although couscous and shrimp dishes don’t freeze exceptionally well due to texture changes, you can freeze the shrimp separately if desired. It’s best to prepare fresh couscous and fresh shrimp for optimal texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid prolonged heating to keep the shrimp tender and the couscous fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?

Absolutely! While pearl couscous has a chewier texture, traditional couscous will work fine, just adjust the cooking time as it cooks faster and absorbs liquid differently.

Is this Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe spicy?

This recipe is mild and bright rather than spicy, making it perfect for all palates. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?

Yes! Chicken pieces or firm white fish can be delicious alternatives, just ensure they are cooked thoroughly before combining with the other ingredients.

How do I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?

To keep the Mediterranean spirit but exclude shrimp, try substituting with roasted chickpeas or grilled vegetables, and opt out of the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

What type of wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the fresh, tangy flavors beautifully without overpowering the shrimp or couscous.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe is a wonderful way to bring fresh, bright flavors to your table quickly and easily. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a dish that feels both nourishing and festive. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for flavorful, fuss-free dinners!

Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need