HomemakingThis Mediterranean Quinoa with Shrimp is the perfect summertime dish. And it’s easy to prepare! Get the recipe plus 5 tips for hosting a great party in the summer!
Summer is here, and with it comes the need for new light and easy recipes to take to outdoor potlucks, like pool parties and backyard barbecues!
I recently tried out this Mediterranean Quinoa with Shrimp, and I’m excited to share it with you today!
When you finish getting the recipe, scroll down for some more tips for a summertime party!
Mediterranean Quinoa with Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tbsp. Organic Better Than Bouillon® Roasted Chicken Base*
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 lbs. jumbo shrimp–thawed, peeled, deveined (tails optional)
- 1 8-oz. package cream cheese (optional) garlic salt, oregano, basil–to taste
Instructions
- Pour water into saucepan and whisk in Roasted Chicken Base. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the quinoa. Cover and simmer until the quinoa finishes cooking. This will take about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- While the quinoa is cooking, heat oil over medium heat in large skillet.
- Cook pepper, onion, and garlic in oil. It will take about 3-4 minutes or until the veggies are tender. Stir in the white wine and continue cooking for about 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes to the skillet and sprinkle in a generous amount of garlic salt, oregano, and basil. Combine well.
- Add shrimp to skillet and cook until shrimp is done–about 5 minutes. Cover the skillet while shrimp are cooking.
- Place quinoa on plate and top with shrimp and veggies mixture. Chop up pieces of the cream cheese and top the plates with the cheese if desired!
Notes
*Over the past few years, I’ve had friends ask me about a better option for bouillon cubes. This organic chicken base fits the bill! This recipe is actually a variation of a recipe I found on the Better Than Bouillon website. Check out more recipes here.
Enjoy!
Tips for a Great Summertime Party
1. Ask guests to bring the food.
I used to stress out about throwing the perfect party with perfect food. I started taking people up on their offers to bring food, and I’ve never looked back. Potlucks take so much stress (not to mention money!) off of everyone, and I really think it helps the host and all of the guests to enjoy the party more!
2. Bring on the bug spray.
Unfortunately, part of living in the South is dealing with mosquitoes and ticks in the summer. But we don’t have to let them keep us inside! I love using an essential-oil based bug spray. (Here’s an insect repellent recipe you can make yourself.) Be sure to have enough to set out for your guests!
3. Keep decor simple.
There are some ladies who thrive on a Pinterest perfect party environment. If that brings you joy and they are good at it, I say: “Go for it!” But I’m not good at decor. I used to let this bother me, but now I’ve embraced what I am good at–making people feel welcomed with good conversation.
Stressing about decor can take the joy out of a party. Instead, skip it! Focus on the food and fellowship instead!
4. Use paper products.
Yes, it does create more waste, but outdoor parties can make the risk of breaking your fine china so much greater than an indoor party. Plus, opting for paper products can make clean-up a breeze.
5. Don’t skimp on sunscreen (or shade).
If your summertime party is during daytime hours, you will also want to have plenty of sunscreen on hand for your guests. As well, consider putting up a tent or some kind of canopy or umbrellas to help shade your patio.
What are your best tips for summertime parties? What are some of your best recipes to take to potlucks?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Taste of Home. The opinions and text are all mine.
Aimee Hadden
June 6, 2017 at 7:25 AMWe used a canopy at a recent party and it made a huge difference. People seemed much more comfortable. Keeping things very, very simple helps. I love the idea of something formal and elegant, but I have 3 small children so this is a time for paper plates and pre-made food. 🙂
Erin
June 7, 2017 at 10:42 PMAmen on the paper plates and pre-made food. I love the canopy idea!