Shrimp and Roasted Veggie Couscous Bowl is a light yet filling dish featuring tender shrimp, flavorful roasted vegetables, and fluffy couscous, all brought together with fresh herbs and a simple citrus dressing. It’s nutritious, colorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A complete, balanced meal with protein, grains, and vegetables.
Roasted veggies add depth of flavor and texture.
Quick-cooking couscous makes this a fast and easy dish.
Light and fresh with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Great for meal prep or packed lunches.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the roasted vegetables:

Zucchini
Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
Cherry tomatoes
Red onion
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Dried oregano or thyme

For the shrimp:

Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Paprika
Salt and pepper

For the couscous and dressing:

Couscous
Vegetable broth or water
Olive oil
Lemon zest and juice
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Optional: crumbled feta, sliced olives, or tahini drizzle

directions

Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Toss chopped zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Cook the couscous: In a saucepan, bring broth or water to a boil. Stir in couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs.
Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and shrimp, season with paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
Assemble the bowl: In a large bowl or individual servings, layer couscous, roasted vegetables, and shrimp. Drizzle with more olive oil or a simple lemon vinaigrette. Add optional toppings as desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add harissa or chili flakes to the shrimp marinade.
Vegan version: Omit shrimp and use chickpeas or tofu.
Grain swap: Use quinoa, bulgur, or farro instead of couscous.
Add greens: Serve over a bed of spinach or arugula for extra freshness.
Yogurt sauce: Add a dollop of tzatziki or a yogurt-lemon dressing.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the shrimp and vegetables gently in a skillet or microwave. Couscous can be served warm or cold.
Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp and vegetables may lose texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No, the skin is tender and nutritious. Just wash and slice before roasting.

What kind of couscous should I use?

Regular, quick-cooking couscous works well. Pearl couscous can also be used but will require a longer cooking time.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying?

Yes, grilling adds extra flavor and works beautifully with this recipe.

What vegetables roast best for this dish?

Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and eggplant are ideal.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well and can be served warm or cold. Keep dressing separate until serving.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Yes, lime adds a slightly different flavor but works well with shrimp and herbs.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook only until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—usually 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply skip any cheese toppings like feta.

How can I add more protein?

Include chickpeas, boiled eggs, or double the shrimp for a higher protein content.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Roasted Veggie Couscous Bowl is a fresh, nourishing, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. With juicy shrimp, roasted vegetables, and fluffy couscous, it’s full of texture, flavor, and wholesome ingredients in every bite.