Name: Shrimp And Asparagus Quinoa Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb frozen cooked shrimp; 1 lb asparagus; 1 cup quinoa; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper

Pin125

Yum

125 Shares

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).

Shrimp and asparagus come together beautifully in this flavorful quinoa bowl! Packed with nutrients, protein, and vibrant ingredients, this meal is as healthy as it is satisfying. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for busy days, this dish is ready to impress in just 25 minutes.

This shrimp and asparagus quinoa bowl is super simple, healthy and delicious!

Why You’ll Love Shrimp And Asparagus Quinoa Bowl

Quick and easy to prepare: With a total cook time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you need a nutritious meal in no time.
Healthy and balanced: Packed with lean protein from shrimp, fiber from quinoa, and vitamins from asparagus, this dish is both delicious and nutrient-rich.
Versatile and meal-prep friendly: Enjoy it warm for dinner or cold as a refreshing salad—plus, it’s easy to portion out for meal prep and stays fresh in the fridge.
Flavor-packed simplicity: The light seasoning of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and basic spices lets the natural flavors of the shrimp and asparagus shine.
Gluten-free and customizable: This recipe accommodates gluten-free diets and can be adapted to suit other dietary needs with simple substitutions.

Shrimp and asparagus make a very tasty and elegant combo, and when combined with quinoa, turn into a filling one-dish meal. This dish is really healthy, low in calories and high in nutrients and protein. This is going to become your next favorite healthy lunch or dinner! Since all the ingredients are so quick and easy to cook, the whole meal is ready in about 25 minutes!

Ingredients For Shrimp And Asparagus Quinoa Bowl

Frozen cooked shrimp – Convenient and protein-packed, shrimp is the star of this recipe.
Asparagus – Adds freshness, crunch, and a boost of nutrients like fiber and vitamins.
Quinoa – A fluffy and nutrient-dense base that makes this dish hearty and filling.
Extra-virgin olive oil – Brings a light, fruity flavor while tying the ingredients together.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice – Adds a bright, zesty touch to enhance the overall flavor.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that highlight the natural flavors of the dish.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Shrimp asparagus quinoa bowl is very easy to make. Cook quinoa any way you like it (I have recipes for stove top quinoa, rice cooker quinoa or Instant Pot quinoa), and while quinoa is cooking, prepare shrimp and asparagus, and at the end mix it all together, plus season with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Shrimp And Asparagus Quinoa Bowl

Cooking pot – To cook the quinoa perfectly fluffy.
Microwave-safe bowl – For quickly steaming the asparagus.
Cutting board – Essential for trimming and slicing the asparagus.
Knife – To cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces.
Colander – Makes thawing shrimp quick and easy under cold running water.
Measuring spoons – To ensure accurate measurements for seasonings and olive oil.

If you have a bag of cooked frozen shrimp, all you need to do is thaw it under cold running water (if you’ve never done it before, check out my instructions how to defrost shrimp). If your frozen shrimp is raw (not cooked), then thaw it and cook in a frying pan for 2 minutes – yes, it cooks that quickly! Alternatively, if you own an Instant Pot, you can cook shrimp in it very easily – check out my guide on how to cook frozen shrimp in Instant Pot.

The asparagus is sliced and also cooked while the quinoa is cooking. You can simply microwave asparagus for 3 minutes or cook asparagus in the Instant Pot.

How To Make Shrimp And Asparagus Quinoa Bowl

Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. This will take about 15 minutes.
While the quinoa cooks, thaw the shrimp by rinsing it in a colander under cold running water until defrosted.
Prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough ends and slicing the stalks into 1-inch pieces. Place the asparagus in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave for 3 minutes.
Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and mix in the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Combine the cooked quinoa, shrimp, and asparagus in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until well mixed.
Serve immediately as a warm meal, or refrigerate and enjoy it cold later.

This shrimp and asparagus quinoa bowl can be eaten hot or cold – it’s yummy either way. It is perfect for weekly meal prep – just make a big batch of this recipe, divide between meal prep containers and healthy meals will be waiting for you in a fridge! If you are in a mood for a warm meal, just heat it up in a microwave, or if you are short on time, just eat it cold like a salad!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish in a large bowl for a hearty main course, or use smaller bowls for individual portions.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or Costco Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Pair it with a side of Fresh Green Bean and Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese or a Healthy Mediterranean Vegan Salad with Chickpeas for added freshness and crunch.
Enjoy it with Frozen Breadsticks in the Air Fryer or a Soft and Fluffy Bread Machine Dinner Roll to round out the meal.
For a lighter option, serve it cold as a refreshing quinoa salad alongside your favorite Juicy Boneless Chicken Breasts.

Tips For Success

Use cooked shrimp for convenience: Opt for frozen cooked shrimp to save time. Simply thaw under cold water, and they’re ready to use. If using raw shrimp, cook them quickly in a skillet for about 2 minutes per side.
Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
Cut the asparagus evenly: Trim and slice the asparagus into uniform pieces so they cook evenly in the microwave. This ensures they remain tender-crisp and not mushy.
Customize the flavors: Add extra herbs like parsley, basil, or dill to enhance the dish’s freshness. A sprinkle of chili flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika can add a bit of heat or smokiness.
Make it ahead of time: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers in the fridge, and enjoy them throughout the week, either cold or reheated.
Avoid overcooking: Keep a close eye on the asparagus and quinoa to ensure they don’t become overcooked. Asparagus should retain a slight crunch, and quinoa should be light and fluffy.
Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that elevates the dish. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.

Variations And Substitutions

Switch up the grain: If you don’t have quinoa, you can substitute it with cooked rice, couscous, or farro. These options provide a similar texture and complement the shrimp and asparagus beautifully.
Try a different protein: Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it with grilled chicken, cooked salmon, or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each option works wonderfully with the flavors in this dish.
Add more veggies: Boost the nutrient content by adding cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli. These veggies add color and extra crunch.
Make it spicy: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of sriracha to give the dish some heat. Adjust to taste for just the right level of spice.
Use flavored oils: Swap plain olive oil for garlic-infused or chili-infused olive oil to add an extra layer of flavor.
Enhance the seasoning: Add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to elevate the flavor profile.
Go dairy-free: While this dish is naturally dairy-free, if adding cheese, opt for a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast to maintain a plant-based option.
Low-sodium option: Reduce the salt if needed and let the natural flavors of the shrimp, asparagus, and lemon juice shine.
Lemon zest bonus: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of bright citrus flavor without adding more liquid.

Storage And Reheating

Storage: Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the containers are sealed well to keep the ingredients fresh.
Freezing: While quinoa freezes well, the texture of shrimp and asparagus may change slightly. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy the dish warm, reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Stir halfway to ensure even warming.
Cold option: This dish is also delicious straight from the fridge as a cold quinoa salad. No reheating required!
Prevent overcooking: If reheating, avoid overcooking the shrimp and asparagus to maintain their texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh shrimp works perfectly for this recipe. Simply peel and devein the shrimp if necessary, then cook them in a skillet for about 2 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the shrimp with tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas for a protein boost. The other steps of the recipe stay the same.

Can I use another vegetable instead of asparagus?

Absolutely! Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini are great substitutes. Simply cook them until tender but still crisp to preserve their flavor and texture.

Is it okay to skip the lemon juice?

The lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the dish, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan. Alternatively, you could replace it with lime juice or a splash of white wine vinegar for a similar tangy effect.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, portion it into individual containers, and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great cold or reheated!

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. For the best results, avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and asparagus crisp.

Can I use pre-cooked quinoa?

Yes, pre-cooked quinoa will save time. Just heat it briefly and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

If you like this shrimp asparagus quinoa bowl, you will also like these other quinoa recipes:

Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl – another simple quinoa bowl with the Mexican flavors!
Quinoa Pesto Salad – color quinoa green with the most flavorful homemade pesto! I can’t stop eating it!
Eggplant Spinach Quinoa Bowl – this quinoa bowl is vegan but totally fills you up thanks to hearty eggplant! This is a perfect choice when you want to take a break from meat!

Click Here To Pin This Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

5 from 2 votes