Mediterranean Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
These Mediterranean Chipotle Shrimp Tacos are a fresh, bold fusion of smoky spice and coastal Mediterranean flavors. Tender shrimp are tossed in a chipotle-lime marinade, then quickly seared for a juicy bite with smoky heat. The tacos are loaded with a vibrant Mediterranean avocado salsa—featuring tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs—and topped with a cool, creamy Greek yogurt-tahini sauce.
Wrapped in warm tortillas or crisp lettuce cups, these shrimp tacos are a light, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, summer gatherings, or healthy taco nights.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 (makes 8 tacos)
Ingredients
For the Chipotle Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lime
For the Mediterranean Avocado Salsa:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 ripe avocado, diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Greek Yogurt Sauce:
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp tahini (or extra olive oil if preferred)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
8 small corn or flour tortillas (or lettuce cups for low-carb option)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, chipotle in adobo sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Add the shrimp and toss until coated. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the salsa and sauce.
Make the Mediterranean Avocado Salsa:
In a small bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
Add parsley or mint, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine without mashing the avocado. Set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini (or olive oil), lemon juice, and garlic.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice or tahini for desired creaminess.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
Layer each tortilla with shrimp, avocado salsa, a drizzle of creamy yogurt sauce, and crumbled feta (if using).
Squeeze fresh lime juice over each taco before serving.
Serve:
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and a side of Mediterranean salad or olives if desired.
Tips
Use Fresh Shrimp:
For the best flavor and texture, use raw, large shrimp (not pre-cooked). If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry before marinating.
Balance the Heat:
Chipotle in adobo adds smoky heat. Use 1 tablespoon for mild to medium spice and 2 tablespoons for spicier tacos. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers or reduce the adobo sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:
Shrimp cook quickly—2–3 minutes per side is usually enough. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
Gently Toss the Salsa:
Mix the avocado salsa carefully to keep the avocado chunky and intact, avoiding a mashed texture.
Warm the Tortillas:
Briefly warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill to make them pliable and enhance flavor.
Variations
Protein Swaps:
Fish Tacos:
Use grilled white fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi as an alternative to shrimp.
Chicken or Tofu:
Try the same chipotle marinade with chicken breast strips or tofu cubes for a non-seafood version.
Taco Shell Options:
Lettuce Wraps:
Use butter lettuce or romaine leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
Pita Pockets:
For a Mediterranean spin, serve the shrimp and salsa in mini pita pockets instead of tacos.
Flavor Twists:
Herbs:
Try using fresh dill, basil, or cilantro in place of parsley or mint for different herbal notes.
Cheese:
Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free version.
Add Olives:
For more Mediterranean flavor, stir some chopped Kalamata olives into the salsa.
Additional Toppings:
Pickled Onions
Sliced radishes
Microgreens or arugula
Extra tahini drizzle for richness
Q&A
Q: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A: You can prep the shrimp marinade, salsa, and sauce ahead, but for the freshest texture, cook the shrimp and assemble the tacos right before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have chipotle in adobo?
A: Substitute with smoked paprika + cayenne pepper for heat, or use harissa paste for a Mediterranean spicy alternative.
Q: Can I make these tacos dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt for the sauce and skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q: Are these tacos gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use corn tortillas or lettuce cups, the tacos are naturally gluten-free.
Q: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A: Pair with Mediterranean quinoa salad, hummus with pita, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 Tacos – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Vitamin C | 35% DV |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portions.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Chipotle Shrimp Tacos are a fresh, vibrant fusion of spicy, smoky shrimp and crisp Mediterranean toppings. With creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, cooling yogurt sauce, and a hint of lime, these tacos deliver bold flavor with healthy ingredients.
Perfect for taco night with a twist, this recipe is light yet satisfying, ready in under 30 minutes, and easy to customize for different dietary needs. Whether you serve them in tortillas or lettuce cups, they’re guaranteed to impress!