Name: Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish); 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; 2 ripe avocados; Juice of 1/2 lime; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mayo or Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, to taste); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp chopped cilantro; Salt to taste; Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

Jump to Recipe

There’s something instantly uplifting about a colorful, build-your-own bowl, and the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce might just be the happiest, most satisfying meal you’ll make all summer. Imagine juicy, smoky grilled shrimp piled high with cool, zesty corn salsa, ultra-creamy mashed avocado, and a tangy, irresistibly swirly sauce—all over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. Every bite bursts with different flavors and textures, making this dish as fun to eat as it is beautiful to serve. Whether you’re spoiling yourself for lunch or bringing friends together for dinner, this bowl turns fresh, everyday ingredients into something unforgettable.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is how it elevates a handful of approachable ingredients with smart seasoning and lively colors. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to balance richness, freshness, and crunch in every bite—don’t skip any of them!

Large shrimp: Choose high-quality, peeled and deveined shrimp for juicy texture and easy prep.
Olive oil: Coats the shrimp and helps all those spices stick for delicious charring on the grill.
Smoked paprika: Adds deep, smoky warmth to both shrimp and creamy sauce.
Cumin: Brings earthy undertones and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
Chili powder: Gives a gentle, not overpowering, kick to the grilled shrimp.
Garlic powder: Infuses everything from shrimp to sauce with subtle, savory goodness.
Lime juice: The backbone of bright, summery flavor throughout the marinade, salsa, avocado, and sauce.
Salt and pepper: Season every layer to bring out the best in each component.
Fresh cilantro: Mandatory for garnish and flavor—don’t be shy!
Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet in-season corn is dreamy, but frozen or canned works great too.
Red bell pepper: Pops of fresh, crunchy color in your salsa.
Green onions: Add a gentle bite and a splash of vivid green to the salsa.
Avocados: Go for ripe but firm, for mashing into creamy, chunky goodness.
Mayo or Greek yogurt: Either base makes your creamy sauce thick, tangy, and deliciously drizzly.
Hot sauce (optional): Sneak in a bit if you like some zip in your sauce.
Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice: Pick your favorite bowl base for soaking up all those amazing flavors.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Kick things off by whisking the olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, fresh lime juice, and a good pinch of salt and pepper in a roomy bowl. Add the shrimp, toss very well (use your hands if you like!), and let them soak in those lively flavors for 15 to 20 minutes—just enough to infuse every bite without overwhelming their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Salsa

While the shrimp marinate, assemble a quick and vibrant corn salsa: in a mixing bowl, combine your corn of choice, diced red bell pepper, green onions, chopped cilantro, a big hit of lime juice, and salt to taste. Give it a toss and pop it in the fridge. This chill time melds all those summery flavors together and keeps the salsa extra crisp.

Step 3: Mash the Avocado

Scoop ripe avocados into a bowl, then add a generous squeeze of lime juice, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash everything together until you’ve got a creamy-yet-chunky texture. This layer adds a melty richness to every bite in your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk mayo or Greek yogurt with lime juice, a touch of hot sauce if you love heat, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. For a perfect consistency, thin the sauce with a tiny splash of water if needed—it should be pourable but not runny, ready to dollop generously over everything.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer, taking care not to crowd them. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they’re pink, opaque, and lightly charred around the edges. Pull them off the heat as soon as they’re ready for the juiciest results.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

In your prettiest bowls, start with a cozy base of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Layer on a generous scoop of corn salsa, creamy mashed avocado, and a pile of hot-off-the-grill shrimp. Drizzle with your creamy sauce and shower with fresh cilantro. Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is ready to serve!

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

Garnishes

Garnishing is pure joy with this bowl! A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or even a few microgreens all add a restaurant-worthy finish. For brightness, scatter on a few lime wedges so everyone can squeeze more citrusy zing as they eat.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving a crowd or turning the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce into a dinner party centerpiece, keep side dishes light and fresh. Think crispy tortilla chips, a citrusy slaw, or a cooling cucumber salad. Iced tea, sparkling water, or a juicy white wine will round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun DIY dinner, set up each component in separate bowls and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Or, try layering the ingredients in clear jars for a picnic-ready option. For a festive appetizer, serve tiny “mini bowls” in pretty cups or shells with one or two shrimp each—a guaranteed hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store each component of your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce separately in airtight containers. Shrimp, salsa, and sauce will keep well for up to two days in the refrigerator. Mash fresh avocado right before you eat for the best color and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze grilled shrimp in a zip-top bag or container for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The corn salsa and sauce don’t freeze well (they’ll become watery), and avocado mash is best fresh, so only freeze the shrimp if you’re prepping ahead!

Reheating

Reheat the shrimp in a hot skillet or microwave in short bursts until just warmed through—try not to overcook, or they’ll dry out. Assemble your bowl with fresh rice, salsa, avocado, and sauce for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the shrimp, salsa, and sauce one day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Mash up the avocado right before serving for the most vibrant, creamy layer.

What can I substitute for shrimp if I don’t eat shellfish?

Grilled chicken or tofu work beautifully in place of shrimp. Marinate and cook the same way, adjusting the cooking time if needed until your protein is done to your liking.

Is the sauce spicy?

The sauce is as spicy as you want it to be! The hot sauce is optional, so start with a little and taste as you go, or leave it out entirely for a milder, tangy drizzle.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp are a fantastic, convenient option. Simply thaw them in the fridge or under running cold water, pat dry, and proceed with the marinade and grilling as instructed.

What’s the best rice for this bowl?

Jasmine or basmati rice adds a lovely, fragrant base, but feel free to use classic white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re going grain-free. Any fluffy, neutral base will let the flavors shine!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re already a fan of shrimp or just looking for a vibrant, fresh meal to liven up your week, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is a showstopper that never fails to delight. Treat yourself and loved ones to this flavor-packed bowl soon—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

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

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines juicy grilled shrimp with a zesty corn salsa, creamy avocado, and a tangy sauce. Perfect for a fresh and satisfying meal!

Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 15–20 minutes.
Prepare the Corn Salsa: In another bowl, combine corn, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix and chill.
Mash the Avocado: Scoop avocado into a bowl, mash with lime juice, salt, and pepper until creamy but slightly chunky.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayo (or yogurt), lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, and salt. Adjust thickness with a splash of water if needed.
Grill the Shrimp: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred.
Assemble the Bowl: Add rice or quinoa to the base of a bowl. Top with corn salsa, avocado mash, grilled shrimp, and drizzle with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican