If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful meal that bursts with flavor, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce is the answer! It’s a vibrant medley of juicy shrimp, zesty salsa, and luscious garlic sauce over fluffy rice, all coming together in under half an hour. Every bite is balanced—smoky and savory from the shrimp, creamy and tangy from the sauce, and bright, crisp, and just a touch sweet from the corn-and-avocado salsa. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or want something special for lunch, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for these shrimp bowls is delightfully simple and widely available, but each ingredient serves a special purpose that elevates the entire dish. From the sweet crunch of corn to the smoky spices on the shrimp and the rich finish from the creamy garlic sauce, nothing is here by accident!

Shrimp: Choose large shrimp for a plump, juicy bite that holds up on the grill and takes on all the spices beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices stick to the shrimp for even charring.
Smoked paprika: This spice brings deep flavor and gorgeous color, making the shrimp irresistibly savory and slightly smoky.
Cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin ties together the Mexican-inspired flavors in the bowl.
Chili powder: Just a dash gives a gentle heat and a pop of color to the shrimp.
Garlic powder: Subtle garlic flavor infuses the shrimp without burning on the grill.
Salt and pepper: Essentials for bringing out all the flavors in this hearty combination.
Cooked rice: The bed for your bowl; try white, brown, or cauliflower rice depending on your mood or dietary preferences.
Avocado: Adds a creamy, buttery texture and cooling contrast to the warm shrimp.
Corn kernels: Use fresh, canned, or grilled—corn adds sweet crunch and a sunny, summery flavor.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness and slight acidity brighten up the salsa and the whole dish.
Red onion: Finely diced for a punchy bite that keeps the salsa from falling flat.
Lime juice: All about freshness; lime ties together every layer with its citrusy zing.
Cilantro: A small addition that brings huge herbal freshness to the salsa.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of your garlic sauce, making it indulgently silky.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tang, lightens the sauce, and brings a lovely balance to the richness.
Garlic clove: The star of the sauce, lending big garlicky flavor that mellows when mixed with the creamy ingredients.
Additional lime juice: Echoes the salsa and keeps the garlic sauce bright and lively.
Salt: Just the right amount is key for the sauce to make every other flavor sing.
Water: A splash helps you achieve the perfect drizzling consistency for the sauce!

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, plus salt and pepper. Give everything a quick mix until the shrimp take on a beautiful reddish hue—this seasoning combo will sizzle up fantastically when grilled, guaranteeing that each shrimp has tons of flavor and a gorgeous color.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat up your grill, grill pan, or a trusty skillet over medium-high. Lay out the shrimp and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re pink, opaque, and gently charred. Don’t overcook; you want them to stay juicy and tender. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

Step 3: Make the Avocado Corn Salsa

In a fresh bowl, combine diced avocado, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, a good squeeze of lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Gently stir to coat the veggies and season with a pinch of salt. This salsa is all about balancing brightness and crunch—make it just before assembling so the avocado stays vibrant.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Creamy Garlic Sauce

For that dreamy drizzle, whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, finely minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and salt in a small bowl. If you want it thinner for easy drizzling, just add a splash of water. This sauce is what takes the bowl from delicious to craveable—it adds richness and a gentle garlic bite to every forkful.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

To bring together your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce, divide your cooked rice into four bowls. Top each with a generous helping of grilled shrimp, a scoop of salsa, and let everyone finish with a luscious drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce. The first forkful is guaranteed to impress!

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Before serving, try a final sprinkle of fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges on the side, or even a few slices of fresh jalapeño if you’re feeling bold. These little touches let everyone customize their Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce just to their liking and make the presentation pop with color and personality.

Side Dishes

This bowl is pretty complete on its own, but it shines even brighter with a simple side or two. Try pairing it with crispy tortilla chips, a fresh leafy green salad, or some black beans for extra protein and heartiness. A chilled fruit salad also adds a refreshing contrast on a warm day!

Creative Ways to Present

You can have a lot of fun with your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce by serving it as a “build-your-own-bowl” bar when friends come over. Lay out all the components and let everyone assemble their own masterpiece. Or, layer the elements into clear mason jars for a stunning portable lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be safely stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce components apart so everything stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

While shrimp freezes well, the salsa and sauce are best enjoyed fresh. If you want to prep ahead, grill extra shrimp and store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to a month. Defrost and reheat just before assembling new bowls.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Avoid microwaving the avocado salsa—it’s best served cold. Gently microwave or warm the rice separately, then assemble your bowl as usual.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a good sear on the grill.

What’s the best substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

If you’re out of Greek yogurt, try sour cream or even a non-dairy yogurt to keep the creamy tang in the garlic sauce. Mayo-only will also work in a pinch for a richer flavor.

How can I make this bowl low-carb?

Easy! Just swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or serve the grilled shrimp and salsa over a bed of leafy greens. The Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce is very flexible for different diets.

Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

Definitely—chicken, tofu, or even grilled fish are all delicious in this bowl. Just use the same spice rub and grilling method, adjusting cook times as needed.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

It’s great for meal prep! Prep the shrimp, salsa, and sauce in advance; just store everything separately to keep it fresh. When it’s time to eat, reheat the rice and shrimp, then assemble your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce for a quick meal.

Final Thoughts

This bowl is a cheerful blend of flavors and textures, and I can’t recommend it enough for meal times that need a little something special. Whether you’re a shrimp lover or just looking to add more vibrant, healthy meals to your week, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce is sure to become a repeat favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is!

Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delightful and flavorful meal with this Grilled Shrimp Bowl featuring a zesty Avocado Corn Salsa and a luscious Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grilled Shrimp:

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

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
1 avocado, diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

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Instructions

Prepare the Grilled Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked. Set aside.
Make the Avocado Corn Salsa: Combine avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt.
Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lime juice, salt, and water until smooth.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls, top with grilled shrimp, salsa, and creamy garlic sauce. Serve.