Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe

Get ready to fall completely in love with this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce. This vibrant bowl is bursting with juicy shrimp, smoky corn salsa, creamy avocado, and a zesty drizzle that ties everything together. It’s got the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an absolute showstopper whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a nourishing dinner that feels fresh and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so colorful and flavorful! Every component of this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is carefully chosen to add a unique layer of taste. Here’s what you’ll need and exactly what makes each one special:

• Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show—shrimp cook quickly, soak up the smoky marinade, and deliver a delightfully juicy bite every time.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the shrimp marinade and helps prevent sticking on the grill.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Lends a bold, deep smokiness that elevates the shrimp’s flavor.
• Cumin (1/2 tsp): Gives the dish an earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
• Chili powder (1/2 tsp): Brings just the right hint of heat and color to the mix.
• Garlic powder (1/4 tsp for the marinade, 1/2 tsp for the sauce): Enhances the shrimp and sauce with a subtle garlicky kick.
• Lime juice (from 2 1/2 limes, divided): Brightens everything up, adding zing to the shrimp, salsa, avocado, and sauce alike.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage—don’t skip it!
• Fresh chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish): Delivers a pop of fresh, herbal goodness to the bowl and the sauce.
• Corn (1 1/2 cups, fresh, frozen, or canned): A sweet, juicy base for the salsa that adds crunch and color.
• Red bell pepper (1/4 cup, diced): For bursts of vibrant color and a mild sweetness that stands out in the salsa.
• Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): Offer a gentle onion flavor and a pop of green throughout the salsa.
• Avocados (2 ripe): Creamy, rich avocado helps create the irresistible mash you’ll want in every bite.
• Mayo or Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): The foundation for the creamy, tangy sauce—choose your favorite for custom flair.
• Hot sauce (1 tsp, optional): For those who like it spicy, this brings a lively kick to the sauce.
• Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice: Your choice of base soaks up all the tasty toppings while keeping the meal hearty and wholesome.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Let’s get started on the shrimp because this is really where the magic happens. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and a touch of salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this bold, flavorful blend and let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This quick marinade infuses every bite with a smoky, zesty punch, and because shrimp are delicate, a short marinating time is all they need.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Salsa

While the shrimp are marinating, throw together your cheerful corn salsa. Just mix the corn (grilled, frozen, or even canned), diced red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and a good squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and toss it all together, then pop the bowl in the fridge to let those flavors mingle. The salsa will turn sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible—a bright, crunchy contrast to the rest of the bowl.

Step 3: Mash the Avocado

Now, grab those ripe avocados and mash them up in a bowl with lime juice, salt, and pepper. The lime helps keep that lovely vibrant green color while adding a clean, citrusy note. Don’t over-mash; you want it creamy but with some chunks left in for texture. This layer brings a buttery richness to the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce that you’ll adore.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

This sauce is the finishing touch that pulls everything together. Whisk the mayo (or Greek yogurt) with lime juice, hot sauce if you like a little heat, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. If you prefer it a bit thinner for drizzling, add a splash of water. This sauce is tangy, herby, and just the right amount of decadent!

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

Heat up your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers or just lay them straight on the grates. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp curl up, turn pink, and pick up a gorgeous light char. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re juicy but not rubbery—perfection!

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Time for the fun part! Spoon cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice into your bowls as a hearty base. Top generously with spoonfuls of your zesty corn salsa and dollops of creamy avocado mash. Pile the smoky grilled shrimp on top and then drizzle over your creamy sauce. Finish with a flourish of fresh cilantro—your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is ready to wow!

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

Garnishes

A good garnish not only makes your bowl look restaurant-worthy but adds that last hit of flavor! Scatter plenty of fresh cilantro across the top, squeeze on extra lime wedges, or even sprinkle over some thinly-sliced jalapeños for a pop of heat. Crumbled queso fresco or cotija also works beautifully if you want a creamy, salty bite scattered over your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

Side Dishes

This bowl is super satisfying on its own, but if you’re serving a crowd or want a bigger spread, try pairing with crispy tortilla chips, grilled vegetables, or a fresh leafy salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. Even a simple black bean salad makes a fantastic side. Each option complements the vibrant flavors without stealing the spotlight from the main bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce in fun ways! Try layering all the components in individual mason jars for a picnic-friendly treat, or set up a build-your-own bowl bar so everyone can customize their own creation. You can even swap out traditional bowls for lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held version—perfect for backyard parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce as fresh as possible, store each element separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp, salsa, creamy sauce, and any extra grains will all last 2 to 3 days. Avocado mash is best fresh but can be kept for a day with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to avoid browning.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for the fresh components like avocado or corn salsa, but you can freeze cooked shrimp in a tightly sealed bag for up to 2 months. If you’re meal prepping, simply make and freeze the grilled shrimp ahead, then thaw and assemble fresh with the other ingredients when you’re ready to enjoy your next Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

Reheating

Reheat the grilled shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking. The rice or quinoa can be warmed in the microwave or in a saucepan with a splash of water. Always add fresh salsa, avocado mash, and creamy sauce after reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the marinade sticks and the shrimp grill up beautifully for your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

What base works best for the bowl?

You have lots of options—classic white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want to keep things lighter. Each absorbs the sauces and complements the flavors in a slightly different way, so pick whichever fits your vibe!

How spicy is the creamy sauce?

The sauce is as spicy as you want it to be! The hot sauce is totally optional, so you can keep the sauce mild for families or add extra if you like a zesty kick. Start light, then taste and tweak to your preference.

Can I prep any components in advance?

Absolutely! The corn salsa, creamy sauce, and cooked grains can all be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Grilling the shrimp is best just before serving, but you can marinate them a few hours ahead to maximize flavor for your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your sauces and seasonings. Just confirm your chosen hot sauce and mayo or Greek yogurt are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce truly delivers on color, taste, and texture, making it a standout choice for any meal. If you’re craving something bright, healthy, and full of bold flavors, you’re going to love every bite. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite bowl!

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