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Shrimp Souvlaki – Grilled and Served with Pita, Tzatziki Sauce Weight Loss Recipe

Last Updated on November 2, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury

Look, I get it. You’re probably thinking, “Great, another ‘healthy’ recipe that’ll leave me feeling like I just licked a cardboard box.”

But hold onto your feta cheese, friends – this Shrimp Souvlaki recipe is about to rock your taste buds while keeping those pesky calories in check.

According to a recent Mediterranean diet study, seafood-based meals can help reduce body weight by up to 13% when combined with regular exercise over a 6-month period.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Obsession

Listen up, because this isn’t your average grilled shrimp recipe. This is a powerhouse of flavor that just happens to be perfect for weight loss.

Shrimp contains a mere 85 calories per 3-ounce serving while packing a whopping 20 grams of protein – talk about a dietitian’s dream!

Plus, when you pair it with fresh veggies and homemade tzatziki, you’re basically turning your kitchen into a Greek island (minus the stunning views, unfortunately).

What You’ll Need (Shopping List Time!)

For the Shrimp Marinade:

  • 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt (0% fat for weight loss)
  • 1 cucumber, grated and drained
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste

For Serving:

  • Whole wheat pita bread
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red onion, sliced
  • Cucumber, sliced
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Lemon wedges

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Fun Part)

Step 1: Marinade Magic

  1. In a bowl large enough to host a small party (or just your shrimp), whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, dill, and paprika.
  2. Toss in your shrimp and give everything a good mix. Think of it as a spa day for your seafood.
  3. Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (but no more than 2 hours, or the acid will start cooking the shrimp).

Step 2: Tzatziki Time

  1. While your shrimp is living its best life in the marinade, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water. (Pro tip: A research study found that removing excess water from cucumbers can reduce the final sauce’s calorie content by up to 15%!)
  2. Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  3. Season with salt and let it hang out in the fridge to let the flavors mingle.

Step 3: Grill Those Bad Boys

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
  2. Thread your marinated shrimp onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first unless you’re going for that “charred stick” aesthetic.
  3. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred.

Step 4: Assembly Time

  1. Warm your pita bread on the grill for about 30 seconds per side.
  2. Layer with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
  3. Add your gorgeous grilled shrimp.
  4. Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
  5. Give it a squeeze of lemon because, let’s be honest, citrus makes everything better.

Tips from Someone Who’s Burned More Shrimp Than They’d Like to Admit

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and opaque, not rubber band-textured.
  • Pat the shrimp dry before marinating – wet shrimp = diluted flavors.
  • If you’re really counting calories, skip the pita and serve over a bed of greens instead.
  • Make extra tzatziki – you’ll thank me later when you’re dipping everything in sight into it.

The Nutritional Breakdown (Because Numbers Matter)

Per serving (without pita):

  • Calories: 285
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Fat: 15g (healthy fats, mind you!)
  • Fiber: 2g

Why This Works for Weight Loss

Let’s get real – losing weight doesn’t mean eating bland, joyless food. This recipe works because it’s:

  • High in protein (keeps you full longer)
  • Low in processed carbs
  • Rich in vegetables
  • Uses healthy fats
  • Actually satisfying (because nobody wants to feel like they’re on a “diet”)

In Conclusion (The Part Where I Get Real)

Here’s the deal – weight loss recipes don’t have to suck the joy out of eating. This Shrimp Souvlaki is proof that you can have your Greek feast and eat it too.

It’s fresh, it’s filling, and it might just make you forget you’re eating “healthy.”

Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, which means you’re more likely to stick to your goals instead of ordering that 11 PM pizza. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…