If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, you’ll fall head over heels for this Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of smoky, tangy, creamy, and crisp all wrapped into one easy-to-make bowl. Whether you’re craving a bright lunch or a satisfying dinner, this bowl promises to deliver tantalizing tastes and textures with each bite, making it an instant favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but power-packed, balancing flavor, texture, and color beautifully in this bowl. Each item plays a starring role, from the juicy shrimp to the creamy avocado, making this recipe as delightful to eat as it is simple to prepare.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for easy eating and quick cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and helps the spices cling to the shrimp for grilling.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Brings a delicious depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle smoky note that complements the grill.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and earthiness to the shrimp marinade.
- Lime juice (3 tablespoons total): Brightens the shrimp, salsa, and sauce with fresh acidity.
- Corn kernels (1 cup): Provides sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
- Ripe avocado (1): Creamy texture and healthy fats that balance the spice.
- Red onion (1/2, finely chopped): Adds a sharp bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, diced): Juicy bursts of flavor and vibrant red tones.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh herbal notes that lift the overall taste.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (1/2 cup): Creates the luscious base of the creamy sauce.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce.
- Honey (1 teaspoon, optional): Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each component perfectly.
How to Make Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by mixing olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into this marinade and let them soak up all those flavors for at least 15 minutes. This simple marinating step is the secret to juicy, flavor-packed shrimp that shine on the grill.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Corn Salsa
While the shrimp marinates, combine corn kernels, diced ripe avocado, finely chopped red onion, diced cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro in another bowl. Splash in lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Gently stir the salsa to keep that creamy avocado from mashing—it’s a refreshing, textured contrast to the smoky shrimp.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Heat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high, then cook the shrimp about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just opaque. The grill marks and smoky flavor elevate this dish from everyday to extraordinary in just minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This velvety creamy sauce is the perfect finishing touch—a cool, tangy drizzle that pulls the entire bowl together.
Step 5: Assemble Your Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Build your bowl starting with a base such as fluffy rice, quinoa, or crunchy lettuce leaves. Layer the grilled shrimp on top, followed by generous spoonfuls of avocado corn salsa. Finish with a drizzle of your creamy sauce to tie all the components into one unforgettable combination.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dig in right away for the freshest experience. Each bite is a vibrant medley of juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp corn, and the zingy creamy sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Serve Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top for a pop of herbal freshness. A wedge of lime on the side invites you to add a burst of extra citrusy brightness. For a touch of heat, scatter a few red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Side Dishes
This shrimp bowl pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp mixed greens salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside warm tortillas or crusty bread to scoop up every delicious bite of the creamy sauce and salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this bowl in halved avocado shells for a fun, eye-catching presentation. Alternatively, build mini shrimp bowl parfaits in glass jars layered with rice, shrimp, salsa, and sauce for a festive party appetizer or lunchbox treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover shrimp, salsa, and creamy sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the elements separate preserves their textures — shrimp stay firm, avocado salsa remains fresh, and the sauce stays silky.
Freezing
While grilled shrimp can be frozen, the avocado corn salsa and creamy sauce do not freeze well due to their delicate textures. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the marinated shrimp uncooked and grill fresh when needed for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover shrimp in a skillet or microwave just until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep them tender. Serve immediately with freshly mixed salsa and sauce for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they grill evenly and get that perfect char.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the creamy sauce?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, plain vegan yogurt or even a light cashew cream works beautifully to create that creamy texture without compromising flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add a kick with chili powder in the shrimp marinade or by adding jalapeños to the salsa.
Can I prepare the shrimp bowl for meal prep?
Yes! Keep the shrimp, salsa, and sauce stored separately and assemble the bowl just before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What’s a good base for the shrimp bowl?
Rice, quinoa, or mixed greens are all excellent options. Choose your favorite grain or leafy base depending on whether you want something hearty or lighter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about crafting a meal that feels both fresh and indulgent, and this Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe does just that. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that’s fast enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it one of your go-to dishes for joyful, flavorful eating.
Print
Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful grilled shrimp bowl featuring succulent marinated shrimp, fresh avocado corn salsa, and a zesty creamy lime sauce. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Avocado Corn Salsa
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the avocado corn salsa: In a separate bowl, mix together the corn, diced avocado, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Add the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine without mashing the avocado.
- Grill the shrimp: Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the grill and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bowl: Place a base of rice, quinoa, or lettuce into serving bowls. Top with the grilled shrimp, a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa, and drizzle with the creamy lime sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this grilled shrimp bowl.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor, but frozen or canned works fine as well.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or warm tortillas.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop works well for cooking the shrimp.
