Skillet Salsa Shrimp with Spinach and Feta: A Flavorful One-Pan Recipe
Enjoy a fast, nutritious, and colorful skillet dinner featuring shrimp, salsa, fresh spinach, and tangy feta, ready in just minutes.
Skillet Salsa Shrimp with Spinach and Feta
This Skillet Salsa Shrimp with Spinach and Feta is the epitome of fast, healthy, and bold weeknight cooking. Combining succulent shrimp with zesty salsa, fresh spinach, and crumbled feta, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal packed with protein, vitamins, and flavor in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup—everything cooks together in the skillet.
- Nutrient-Rich: Shrimp provide lean protein, while spinach offers a boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Flavorful Fusion: Salsa brings a tangy, spicy edge, and feta adds creamy, salty contrast.
- Customizable: Simple swaps and additions allow you to tailor the dish to your tastes.
Recipe Overview
This dish pairs sautéed shrimp with store-bought or homemade salsa, then wilts in a generous handful of baby spinach and finishes everything off with creamy feta cheese. The salsa acts as a flavorful sauce, keeping the recipe simple and ensuring every bite is juicy and satisfying.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salsa (your favorite jarred, homemade, or fresh; mild or spicy)
- Baby Spinach (fresh, washed)
- Feta Cheese (crumbled or block; adjust quantity for desired tanginess)
- Olive Oil (or avocado oil for sautéing)
- Garlic (minced, optional for added depth)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Lemon Wedges (optional, for garnish and extra brightness)
Ingredient tips:
- Shrimp: Large shrimp (21-30 count per pound) are easiest for quick, even cooking, but any size works—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Salsa: Choose a variety with texture and flavor you love, such as chunky tomato salsa, fire-roasted, or even a fresh pico de gallo.
- Spinach: Feel free to use regular spinach (chopped) if baby spinach isn’t available; you can also swap in arugula or kale for variation.
- Feta Cheese: Goat cheese or shredded parmesan can substitute, but feta’s sharpness complements the salsa beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients
- Thaw and pat shrimp dry if using frozen. Mince garlic if using. Measure salsa and crumble feta.
- Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until just opaque and pink. Remove to a bowl.
- Make the Sauce
- Add garlic to the pan, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add salsa, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the Spinach
- Stir in spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Finish and Serve
- Return shrimp (and any accumulated juices) to skillet. Stir gently to coat with salsa-spinach mixture.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese. Remove from heat.
- Garnish & Enjoy
- Serve with lemon wedges or a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy immediately with crusty bread, rice, or on its own.
Serving Suggestions
- Whole Grains: Pair with quinoa, brown rice, or bulgur for a heartier meal.
- Toasted Bread: Scoop up shrimp, salsa, and greens with toasted sourdough or pita.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy as-is for a lean dinner.
Nutrition Highlights
| Nutrient | Approx. per Serving | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~300–350 | Light, satisfying, supports weight management |
| Protein | 22–25g | Supports muscle health and satiety |
| Vitamins | High (A, C, K from spinach) | Supports immunity, vision, bone health |
| Minerals | Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus | Key for energy, healthy bones, metabolism |
| Healthy Fats | 6–8g | Heart-healthy olive oil and feta |
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. Remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Use fresh salsa for a brighter, more complex flavor.
- Customize spice levels by choosing salsa intensity—add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for even more kick.
- Make it creamy by adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream just before serving.
- Add extra veggies such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a bigger nutrient punch.
What others are reading
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Protein: Swap shrimp for scallops, cubed salmon, firm tofu, or chicken breast slices.
- Greens: Use kale, chard, or arugula instead of spinach.
- Dairy: Omit feta for a dairy-free version; try vegan cheese or just finish with avocado.
- Salsa: Use fire-roasted, mango, corn-and-black bean, or fresh pico de gallo for unique twists.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The spinach and salsa may release extra moisture on storage—drain excess liquid when reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a nonstick skillet over low heat or microwave briefly until just warm. Avoid overcooking shrimp when reheating.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp and greens may become soggy and lose texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp under cold running water and pat dry thoroughly before cooking. This helps achieve the best texture and flavor.
Q: What kind of salsa works best?
A: Use your favorite—chunky tomato, fire-roasted, or homemade. A jarred salsa saves time but fresh homemade salsa can boost flavor and brightness.
Q: How do I keep shrimp from getting rubbery?
A: Shrimp cook in just a few minutes. Watch closely—remove them from pan when they turn pink and opaque. Returning them to the pan for just a minute with the sauce ensures they’re juicy yet not overdone.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as written, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check salsa and feta labels for additives if sensitive.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Simply omit feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Avocado or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds creaminess and flavor.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Serve with whole grains like brown rice, bulgur, or couscous, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread. For low-carb options, try cauliflower rice or serve the shrimp solo.
More Quick Skillet Recipes
- Sautéed Garlic-Lemon Shrimp
- Mediterranean Skillet Chicken with Greens
- Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry
- Skillet Salmon with Pico de Gallo
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Complete Recipe Card
| Skillet Salsa Shrimp with Spinach and Feta | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories (approx.) | 320 per serving |
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup salsa (your choice of mild or spicy)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Lemon wedges, optional
- Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add salsa and bring to a simmer. Stir in spinach; cook until just wilted.
- Return shrimp and any juices to the pan, tossing to coat.
- Sprinkle feta on top, remove from heat.
- Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Conclusion: Healthy, Delicious, and Effortless
This skillet salsa shrimp recipe hits all the right notes for health-conscious home cooks who crave flavor without fuss. Versatile, easy, and bursting with vibrant color, it’s destined to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Try it tonight and discover how effortless healthy eating can be!
References
- https://www.foodbloggerpro.com/blog/structuring-the-perfect-recipe-blog-post/
- https://www.aiprm.com/prompts/copywriting/writing/1864358490031280128/
- https://bootstrapped.ventures/seo-for-food-blogs/
- https://autopagerank.com/seo-for-recipe-blogs-my-proven-strategies-for-skyrocketing-traffic/
- https://foodiedigital.com/seo-tips-for-food-bloggers/
- https://www.1digitalagency.com/recipe-for-success-blog-structure-tips-for-better-seo/
- https://searchengineland.com/the-ultimate-recipe-for-writing-seo-optimized-content-388941
- https://www.linkgraph.com/blog/recipe-blog-seo-boost-your-rankings-with-best-practices/
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