Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

If you’re looking for a delightful dinner that’s bursting with flavor and easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is one of my all-time favorites. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of summer into your kitchen any day of the week. The combination of smoky grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, and vibrant corn salsa will make your taste buds dance, and I promise it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

This recipe is fantastic for busy weeknights or when you have friends over. It’s quick enough to throw together after a long day but fancy enough to impress your guests. Plus, everyone can customize their bowls just how they like—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Get this delicious meal on the table in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled shrimp, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce creates an irresistible blend of tastes.
• Customizable Options: Everyone can tailor their bowl with different toppings or bases. Make it your own!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutritious veggies, this bowl is both satisfying and wholesome.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra and enjoy it for lunch the next day! It holds up well in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

For the Grilled Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Corn Salsa

• 1 1/2 cups corn, fresh, frozen, or canned
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt to taste

For the Avocado Mash

• 2 ripe avocados
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayo or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

For Serving

• Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or what sounds good. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: If shrimp isn’t your thing, try chicken or tofu instead! Both will soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in some diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or even black beans for extra texture and flavor.
• Change up the sauce: Swap out mayo for tahini or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you’re looking for a different creamy base.
• Try different toppings: Add crumbled feta cheese (or your favorite plant-based cheese) for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This marinade brings incredible depth of flavor to our shrimp. Toss them in the marinade and let them sit for 15-20 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Salsa

In another bowl, mix together corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. This fresh salsa adds a sweet crunch that perfectly complements the grilled shrimp. Chill it while you continue cooking.

Step 3: Mash the Avocado

Scoop out ripe avocados into a bowl. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper before mashing until it’s creamy yet still slightly chunky. This avocado mash acts as a rich topping that pairs beautifully with all components of your bowl.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Whisk together mayo (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, hot sauce if using, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust thickness with water if needed; this creamy sauce is what ties all these flavors together.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and have lovely grill marks. This step gives them that delicious smoky flavor we crave!

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Start by adding cooked rice or quinoa at the bottom of each bowl. Top with corn salsa, avocado mash, grilled shrimp, and drizzle that creamy sauce generously over everything. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro—it adds such a lovely touch!

And there you have it—a delightful Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce that’s not just easy but absolutely delicious! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

Creating a delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl is all about the details, and these tips will help you shine in the kitchen!

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp make a world of difference in flavor and texture. If possible, buy them from a local fish market or grocery store that has a good seafood section.

• Marinate longer for flavor: While 15-20 minutes is sufficient, letting the shrimp marinate for up to an hour will deepen the flavors. Just be sure not to exceed this time as the acidity of the lime juice can start to cook the shrimp.

• Choose your base wisely: Rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice each offer unique textures and flavors. Choose one based on your dietary preferences or nutritional goals—quinoa adds a nutty flavor while cauliflower rice keeps it light and low-carb!

• Get creative with toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix in extras like diced jalapeños for heat or crumbled tortilla chips for crunch. Personalizing your bowl makes it more fun and satisfying.

• Make ahead for meal prep: This bowl stores well, so consider prepping extra portions! Keep ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

Serving your Grilled Shrimp Bowl beautifully can make the meal even more enjoyable. Here are some presentation ideas that are sure to impress!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows everyone to customize their level of zestiness!
• Sliced radishes: Thinly sliced radishes offer an appealing crunch and pretty color contrast.

Side Dishes

• Black bean salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices adds protein and fiber while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Grilled vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus grilled alongside your shrimp can bring additional smoky flavors and nutrients.
• Tortilla chips with salsa: For a crunchy side option, serve crispy tortilla chips paired with your favorite salsa—perfect for dipping!
• Cilantro lime rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime brings brightness that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the bowl.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to create a stunning Grilled Shrimp Bowl that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is not only a delight to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare components in advance, making it an excellent option for busy weekdays.

Storing Leftovers

• Store shrimp, corn salsa, and avocado mash separately in airtight containers.
• Keep the creamy sauce in another container; it tends to last longer when separated.
• Refrigerate all components for up to 2 days.
• If you’ve mixed everything together, consume within 1 day for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• The shrimp can be frozen before cooking. Just marinate and freeze in a bag; thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
• Avoid freezing avocado mash, as it doesn’t retain its texture well after thawing.
• Corn salsa can be frozen if needed; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Reheat shrimp on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through (about 3-4 minutes).
• For corn salsa, you can enjoy it cold or warm it slightly in the microwave.
• Avoid reheating avocado mash; it’s best served fresh.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp and salsa ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble right before serving for the best flavor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have all the ingredients for the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce?

Feel free to get creative! Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu, use any bell pepper from your pantry, or swap out lime juice for lemon juice.

How long does it take to prepare the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce?

The total time is around 30 minutes—20 minutes for prepping and marinating, and then just 10 minutes to grill!

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them properly before marinating and grilling them.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this vibrant Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce! It’s a dish that not only bursts with flavors but also brings a refreshing touch to your dinner table. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting friends, this bowl is sure to impress. Happy cooking!