A Taste of the Mediterranean in Every Bite
Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to make that is both healthy and exciting? The same old routine can get tiresome. Imagine a dish that transports you to sun-drenched shores, bursting with vibrant ingredients and ready in a flash. Today, we are diving into a culinary escape that is about to become your new weeknight favorite: Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps.
There is something inherently appealing about Mediterranean food – it is fresh, light, and always satisfying. It is a celebration of simple, quality ingredients. We are taking those beloved flavors and crafting them into a convenient and utterly delicious package that you will not be able to resist.
Why Make This Recipe
Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps offer a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, cool, crisp vegetables, tangy, creamy sauce, and soft, warm pita bread. It is a party for your taste buds!
This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights. It goes from prep to plate in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. It is ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. These wraps are also healthy and wholesome, packed with lean protein, fresh produce, and healthy fats. It is a guilt-free meal that nourishes your body.
Finally, these wraps are customizable and versatile. You can easily adapt them to dietary preferences or what you have on hand. They are fun for the whole family – everyone can build their own!
How to Make Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps
Making Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps involves three main components: preparing the shrimp, making the tzatziki sauce, and assembling the wraps with fresh toppings. Each step is straightforward and quick, ensuring a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients of : Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Wraps & Fillings:
- 4-6 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1/2 cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or mint (chopped, for garnish)
Directions of : Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed dry cucumber, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Toppings
Chop the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the pitted Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese.
Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread
Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, or in a microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a low oven for a few minutes, until soft and pliable.
Step 5: Assemble Your Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps
Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce inside each warm pita bread round. Fill each pita with a portion of the cooked shrimp. Layer with fresh tomatoes, diced cucumbers, sliced red onion, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or mint. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps
Serve these Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps as a delicious and satisfying meal on their own. For a complete dining experience, you can serve them alongside a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, some hummus with extra pita chips for dipping, or a quinoa salad for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you enjoy a little spice.
How to Store Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. We recommend storing the components of the Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps separately. Keep the tzatziki sauce in a sealed container, and store chopped vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before eating to prevent the pita bread from getting soggy and to keep all ingredients fresh.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps
- Do not overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
- Squeeze excess water from cucumber: For a thicker and creamier tzatziki, ensure you grate the cucumber and then squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of fresh produce makes a significant difference in the flavor of these Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps.
- Pre-prepare toppings: Chop all your vegetables and make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time. This will make assembly much faster on busy weeknights.
Variation
You can customize these Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, halloumi cheese, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Veggie Boost: Add spinach, grilled bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrients and flavor.
Sauce Alternatives: Try a lemon-herb vinaigrette, a creamy hummus spread, or a spicy harissa yogurt if you want to change up the sauce.
Grain Bowls: Turn this meal into a delicious grain bowl by serving the shrimp and toppings over fluffy quinoa or couscous instead of pita bread.
FAQs
Can I prepare the ingredients for these Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop all the vegetables, make the tzatziki sauce, and even marinate the shrimp (up to 30 minutes) a day in advance. This makes assembling your Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps a breeze on busy weeknights.
What kind of pita bread is best for Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps?
Soft, pliable pita bread is ideal. You can use traditional white pita, whole wheat for added fiber, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to warm it gently so it does not crack when you fill it.
Is it possible to make these Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with a dairy-free plain yogurt alternative (like coconut or almond-based). Omit the feta cheese, or use a dairy-free feta substitute. The flavor of the shrimp and fresh veggies will still shine in these delectable Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps.
Delightful Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps
Equipment
- medium bowl
- large skillet
- small bowl
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 1 garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly and Garnish
- 4-6 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- 1/2 cucumber diced
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or mint chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cook Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry, then toss with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
- Cook the seasoned shrimp in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them.
Prepare Tzatziki & Toppings
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then mix well.
- Chop cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, slice pitted Kalamata olives, and crumble feta cheese.
Assemble Wraps
- Warm pita bread in a dry skillet for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side until soft, or use a microwave or oven.
- Spread tzatziki inside each warm pita, then fill with cooked shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or mint and serve the Mediterranean Shrimp Pita Wraps immediately.