This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy grilled shrimp are served over fluffy rice, topped with a zesty avocado and corn salsa, and finished with a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s the perfect mix of smoky, creamy, and refreshing.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a vibrant dish to meal prep for the week, this shrimp bowl is a great choice. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite grains, toppings, or spice level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Done in about 30 minutes, with minimal prep.
- Healthy and Satisfying: High in protein, healthy fats, and packed with fresh ingredients.
- Full of Flavor: Smoky shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and a bold sauce in every bite.
- Customizable: Use any grain base, add beans or veggies, or adjust the spice to your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make the components ahead of time and assemble when ready to eat.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Avocado Corn Salsa:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned and drained)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
- Small pinch of salt
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Optional toppings: extra cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, lettuce, or black beans
Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, stir together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and lime juice. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Salsa
In another bowl, combine the diced avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo or Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, honey, and a pinch of salt. Add a splash of water if you want it thinner for drizzling.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and slightly charred.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Divide the rice between two to four bowls. Top with grilled shrimp, a scoop of avocado corn salsa, and a drizzle of the creamy sauce. Add any extra toppings you like.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They’re ready when they turn pink and slightly curl. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Grill the corn for extra flavor: If using fresh corn, grilling it adds a sweet, smoky flavor to the salsa.
- Adjust to your taste: Use more or less hot sauce depending on how spicy you like it.
- Swap ingredients easily: Try using quinoa, farro, or greens instead of rice, or add beans for extra fiber.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the salsa, sauce, and even marinate the shrimp ahead of time for quick assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
What’s a good substitute for mayo?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great alternative that still gives you a creamy texture with fewer calories.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely. Use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt in the sauce to keep it completely dairy-free.
How long will leftovers last?
The shrimp, sauce, and rice will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. The salsa is best fresh but will last about 1 day before the avocado starts to brown.
Conclusion
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy shrimp any day of the week. It’s simple, full of flavor, and easy to adapt to your taste. Give it a try—and if you enjoy it, share the recipe or leave a comment to let others know!
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