An Unbelievably Easy Chicken Fajita Bake That’s On Your Plate in 30 Minutes Flat {Gluten-Free, THM E, FP, or S}

Inside: This Mediterranean Quinoa with Shrimp is the perfect summertime dish. It’s easy to prepare and is a Trim Healthy Mama E meal, and it’s gluten-free! 

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 cookouts!

I recently tried out this mediterranean quinoa with shrimp, and I’m excited to share it with you today! As written, this meal is a Trim Healthy Mama E. 

Trim Healthy Mama is the eating lifestyle which I follow, through which I have successfully maintained a 30-pound weight loss, and it’s the program where I am now a certified coach.

When you finish getting the recipe, scroll down for some more tips for a summertime party!

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Mediterranean Quinoa with Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups water 
• 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) 
• garlic salt, oregano, basil–to taste 

Instructions

1. Pour water into saucepan. Bring to a boil. 
2. 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. 
3. While the quinoa is cooking, heat oil over medium heat in large skillet. 
4. 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. 
5. Add tomatoes to the skillet and sprinkle in a generous amount of garlic salt, oregano, and basil. Combine well. 
6. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until shrimp is done–about 5 minutes. Cover the skillet while shrimp are cooking. 
7. Place quinoa on plate and top with shrimp and veggies mixture. 

Serves 4. This meal is a Trim Healthy Mama E.

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. 

Related: 30-Minute Chicken Fajita Bake

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.

Download Your Free Menu Planner Cheat Sheet

Tracking your food & water intake is vital to healthy weight loss & maintenance! As a bonus for signing up for my weekly newsletter, I’ll send you my weekly menu planner to help you stay on track–for FREE!

1. Download the free cheat sheet. Join my weekly-ish newsletter and as a bonus, you’ll get the printable! Just click here to download and subscribe.
2. Print. Any paper will do the trick. You’re going to want to print a fresh copy each week to stay on track.
3. Hang your cheat sheet somewhere handy like the fridge–so you’re more likely to use it throughout each day.

Download now: 7-Day Menu Planner for Daily Food & Water Tracking

What are your best tips for summertime parties? What are some of your best recipes to take to potlucks? Do you enjoy quinoa recipes? This quinoa dish is a Trim Healthy Mama E.