Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp

The tangy, zesty aroma of lemon and herbs wafting through your kitchen as the Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp sizzles in the oven will transport you straight to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. This colorful one-pan wonder combines plump, succulent shrimp with vibrant Mediterranean vegetables and bold flavors that create an irresistible meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining, this dish strikes the perfect balance between convenience and gourmet satisfaction. You’ll learn how to perfectly roast shrimp alongside Mediterranean vegetables for a complete meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp recipe will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable – everything cooks together on one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the ingredients mingle and marry in the oven. The contrast between the tender, juicy shrimp and the slightly caramelized vegetables creates a textural paradise that keeps every bite interesting.

The Mediterranean flavor profile featuring bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and tangy feta cheese offers a refreshing alternative to heavy dinner options. It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Perhaps best of all, this dish is incredibly versatile. It can be served on its own for a light meal, paired with rice or pasta for something heartier, or even tucked into warm pita bread for a hand-held option. The Mediterranean shrimp sheet pan dinner comes together in about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For this Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp recipe, quality ingredients make all the difference:

• 1½ pounds (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 count)
• 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup (75g) kalamata olives, pitted
• 4 ounces (113g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

The shrimp should be fresh or properly thawed if frozen. Pat them dry before using to ensure proper browning. For the best flavor in this easy Mediterranean shrimp dish, use authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk rather than cow’s milk substitutes.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp from good to exceptional, follow these professional techniques:

Master the Timing: Vegetables need more cooking time than shrimp, which cook very quickly. Start by roasting the vegetables alone for about 15 minutes before adding the shrimp to the pan. This ensures perfectly cooked vegetables and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery and overcooked. The shrimp should cook just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes only 6-8 minutes.

Create Flavor Layers: For maximum flavor penetration, marinate the shrimp while the vegetables begin roasting. Combine the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings in a bowl, and let them sit at room temperature. This brief marination makes a significant difference in the final taste of the Mediterranean style shrimp.

Optimize Sheet Pan Technique: Use a large, rimmed baking sheet and arrange ingredients in a single layer for even cooking. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, which prevents the desired caramelization. If necessary, use two sheet pans rather than cramming everything onto one. For easy cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper or foil, but remember that parchment may prevent some browning.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with half of the salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all vegetables evenly with oil and seasonings. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

Step 2: Start Roasting the Vegetables
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 15 minutes. This head start allows them to begin softening and caramelizing before adding the more delicate shrimp.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
While the vegetables are roasting, in the same bowl you used for the vegetables, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, and the rest of the salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly with the marinade. Let them sit at room temperature while the vegetables continue cooking.

Step 4: Add Shrimp to the Sheet Pan
After the vegetables have roasted for 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Push the vegetables to one side slightly to make room for the shrimp. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer among the vegetables. Scatter the kalamata olives throughout the pan.

Step 5: Finish Roasting
Return the sheet pan to the oven and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can quickly become tough and rubbery. The vegetables should be tender with caramelized edges by this point.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the hot Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp and vegetables. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over individual portions.

Variations

The versatility of this Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp recipe allows for numerous delicious adaptations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Italian-Inspired Version: Swap the Greek seasonings for Italian herbs like basil and rosemary. Replace the feta with fresh mozzarella pearls added during the last minute of cooking, and substitute black olives for the kalamatas. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delightful Italian twist on this Mediterranean favorite.

Pescatarian Power Bowl: Transform this dish into a nutrient-packed bowl by serving the roasted shrimp and vegetables over a bed of quinoa or farro. Add a dollop of hummus, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a hearty, satisfying meal that provides complete protein and complex carbohydrates.

Spicy Harissa Option: For heat lovers, replace the paprika with harissa paste (1-2 tablespoons depending on your spice tolerance) in the marinade. This North African chili paste adds a complex, smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean shrimp sheet pan dinner. Finish with a cooling dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the spice.

Storage and Serving

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp makes excellent leftovers, though the shrimp is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of cooking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While reheating seafood can be tricky, gently warm this dish in a covered skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Alternatively, enjoy leftovers cold as a refreshing salad option.

For serving, present this vibrant dish family-style right on the sheet pan for a rustic presentation that’s sure to impress, or transfer to a large serving platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve with warm pita bread or crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful juices.

For a complete meal, pair your Mediterranean style shrimp with simple sides like lemon-herb rice pilaf, orzo pasta tossed with olive oil and parsley, or a classic Greek salad. For a lighter option, serve in lettuce cups with a dollop of tzatziki sauce. This versatile dish can even be served as an appetizer for a larger gathering by using smaller shrimp and serving with toothpicks.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using. Excess moisture will cause the shrimp to steam rather than roast, preventing proper caramelization.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and form a “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. This typically takes just 6-8 minutes at 425°F.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop all vegetables up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The marinade for the shrimp can also be prepared ahead, but don’t combine it with the raw shrimp until about 30 minutes before cooking.

What’s the best substitute for feta cheese?
If you don’t enjoy feta, try goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or ricotta salata for a milder option. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese entirely and add extra olives for saltiness.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 tablespoon, add 1-2 minced jalapeños to the vegetable mix, or drizzle with chili oil before serving for added heat.

Conclusion

This Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp is comfort food at its finest — bright, fresh, and satisfying without weighing you down. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion with minimal effort, bringing the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean coast to your dinner table year-round. With its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and bold flavors all coming together on a single pan, this recipe proves that exceptional meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this colorful, aromatic dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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