Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

Ready to elevate your dinner routine with something bold, fresh, and fast? If you’re looking for a delicious meal that feels like a celebration, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is just what you need. This dish combines smoky grilled shrimp, creamy avocado mash, and a vibrant corn salsa that bursts with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a favorite in your home!

Imagine serving this colorful bowl at your next dinner party or packing it for lunch during the week. It’s not only healthy but also so versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself after a long day, this bowl will definitely bring smiles to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun textures and vibrant colors, making it an enjoyable meal for everyone.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly during the week—great for lunches!
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce:

For the 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)
• 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 easily adapt it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try chicken breast or tofu instead of shrimp for a different twist.
• Change up the grains: Use brown rice or farro as a base instead of regular rice or quinoa.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some black beans or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you love a kick!

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

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by mixing together olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade will infuse your shrimp with tons of flavor. Toss the shrimp into the marinade and let them sit for 15–20 minutes. This step is key because it allows all those spices to really penetrate each shrimp!

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Salsa

In another bowl, combine corn (whether fresh off the cob or canned), red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Give it a good mix! Letting it chill in the fridge while you prep everything else helps marry those flavors together beautifully.

Step 3: Mash the Avocado

Scoop out your ripe avocados into a bowl. Add lime juice along with salt and pepper. Mash until creamy but still slightly chunky—this adds great texture! The lime juice not only keeps it vibrant but also enhances that rich avocado flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In another bowl (yes, we are getting our dishes dirty), whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, hot sauce if using, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, and salt. Adjust thickness by adding a splash of water if needed; this sauce adds creaminess that ties all elements together perfectly.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

Heat up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill each marinated shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and lightly charred. This step gives them that smoky flavor we crave in grilled dishes!

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Now comes the fun part! Start by adding a base layer of cooked rice or quinoa in each bowl. Top it off generously with corn salsa, creamy avocado mash, grilled shrimp—and don’t forget that luscious creamy sauce drizzled on top! Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color.

And there you have it—a beautiful Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce that’s sure to impress at any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

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

Making this dish is all about simplicity and flavor, and with a few pro tips, you can take it to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and ripe avocados will yield the best flavor and texture. They make a significant difference in how vibrant the dish tastes.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly—just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so keep an eye on them!

• Customize your toppings: Feel free to mix it up! Add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra kick.

• Make-ahead options: Prepare the corn salsa and avocado mash ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to save time during busy weeknights.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder and hot sauce. Tailoring spice levels ensures everyone at your table enjoys the meal.

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

Serving this colorful bowl is part of the fun! Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop and enhance your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh lime wedges: A squeeze of lime adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the grilled shrimp and creamy sauce.
• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
• Sliced radishes: Thinly sliced radishes provide a crunch and vibrant hue that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Crispy tortilla chips: Serve alongside for a crunchy element that can scoop up all those delicious toppings!
• Mexican street corn salad: This creamy corn salad is packed with flavor from lime, cilantro, and spices—perfect alongside your bowl.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette balances out the richness of the bowl while adding freshness.
• Grilled vegetables: Marinated zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can be grilled alongside the shrimp for an extra dose of vegetables on your plate.

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. Enjoy crafting your own version as you dive into this delightful recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is an excellent choice for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance, making your weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store it properly to keep everything fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover shrimp and avocado mash separately from the corn salsa and sauce to maintain freshness.
• Use airtight containers for each component—this helps prevent the avocados from browning.
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking; they should be consumed within 2-3 days.

Freezing

• While grilled shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them uncooked in marinade if you plan to prepare them later.
• Avoid freezing the avocado mash or corn salsa as they don’t thaw well; instead, make these fresh when ready to serve.
• If freezing shrimp, place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

• For shrimp, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through (about 3-4 minutes).
• Avoid reheating the avocado mash; instead, prepare it fresh or enjoy it cold!
• The corn salsa can be served cold or at room temperature; no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

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

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work great. Just ensure they’re fully thawed before marinating and grilling for the best results.

How do I keep the avocado from browning in my Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce?

To keep your avocado mash fresh, add extra lime juice and store it in an airtight container. You might also consider covering it tightly with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure.

What can I serve with my Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce?

This bowl pairs wonderfully with various sides such as tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or even grilled vegetables for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this vibrant Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce! It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a fun meal prep option. The combination of flavors makes every bite delightful. Enjoy making this dish and savoring all those fresh ingredients! Happy cooking!