The moment the warm summer breeze drifts through my kitchen window, I’m reminded of lazy afternoons spent by the grill, creating meals that celebrate the season’s freshest flavors. One of my go-to dishes is this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. Picture this: plump, succulent shrimp kissed by the grill, sitting on a bed of vibrant corn salsa, all drizzled with a creamy garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds.
It’s a culinary affair that’s not only ideal for casual weeknight dinners but is also quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you crave homemade goodness without the hassle. Plus, it’s a nutritious option that keeps your heart happy—what’s not to love? Let’s dive into this recipe that brings together the best of sunshine and soul, ready to impress anyone who dares to taste!
Why is this Grilled Shrimp Bowl special?
Simple Preparation: This recipe is easy to make, ensuring that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Nutrient-Packed: With fresh shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty corn salsa, this bowl is loaded with essential vitamins and healthy fats.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky grilled shrimp and tangy, creamy sauce creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to personalize it! Swap out proteins or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
Perfect for Entertaining: Serve this dish at gatherings or casual dinners—it’s visually stunning and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Quick and Healthy: Whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for those busy nights when homemade comfort food is a must!
Grilled Shrimp Bowl Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- Large Shrimp – Use thawed shrimp for even cooking and optimal flavor.
- Olive Oil – Adds moisture and helps shrimp grill perfectly; avocado oil is a good substitute.
- Paprika – Provides a pop of color and smoky flavor; smoked paprika can add extra depth.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the garlic essence without peeling; fresh minced garlic works if you prefer a bold kick.
- Salt – Essential for amplifying all the wonderful flavors; adjust to your taste.
- Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat; cracked black pepper elevates the flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper – Optional for that spicy lift; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
For the Corn Salsa
- Thawed Frozen Corn – Brings sweetness and texture to the salsa; fresh corn can enhance freshness when in season.
- Red Onion – Adds a crunchy bite and sharpness; consider shallots for a milder flavor.
- Jalapeño – Optional for an extra kick; omit for a more gentle salsa.
- Cilantro – Infuses the dish with freshness; parsley is a milder alternative if you’re not a fan.
- Lime Juice – Brightens everything up; lemon juice can also work well in a pinch.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the sauce; Greek yogurt serves as a lighter, healthier option.
- Sour Cream – Adds tangy creaminess; use additional yogurt for a fluffier consistency.
- Lemon Juice (for sauce) – Elevates flavor with acidity; lime juice is an excellent backup choice.
- Minced Garlic (for sauce) – Intensifies the garlic flavor; you can use garlic powder instead.
For Garnish
- Sesame Seeds – Adds a nutty flavor and delightful texture; optional if you’re missing them.
- Chopped Green Onions – For a fresh finish; chives can be a wonderful replacement.
With these fresh ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from creating a vibrant grilled shrimp bowl with avocado, corn salsa & creamy garlic sauce that will brighten your day!
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl
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Prepare Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss well to ensure each shrimp is coated evenly.
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Make Corn Salsa: In another bowl, mix together thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir until all ingredients are combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.
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Grill Shrimp: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
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Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Assemble Bowls: Divide the corn salsa into serving bowls, then top each with the grilled shrimp and either sliced or mashed avocado for an extra dose of creaminess.
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Finish: Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the shrimp bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Serve with additional lime wedges on the side for extra zing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Shrimp Bowl
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Room Temperature: Enjoy the grilled shrimp bowl freshly made for the best texture and flavor. It’s best not to leave leftovers out for more than 2 hours.
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Fridge: Store leftover shrimp bowl components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp, corn salsa, and creamy garlic sauce separate for optimal freshness.
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Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze shrimp and corn salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 1-2 months. The creamy garlic sauce can also be frozen—just be aware it may change texture upon thawing.
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Reheating: Reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Salsa and sauce can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, bringing joy to your Grilled Shrimp Bowl whenever you crave it!
Expert Tips for Grilled Shrimp Bowl
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Choose Quality Shrimp: Always select fresh or properly thawed shrimp to ensure great flavor and texture. Avoid using shrimp that smell fishy.
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Don’t Overcook: Grill shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
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Mix Flavors: Feel free to add extra ingredients to the corn salsa, such as diced tomatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition in your Grilled Shrimp Bowl.
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Customize the Sauce: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or introduce herbs like dill to the creamy sauce for an unexpected twist.
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Prep Ahead: You can marinate the shrimp in the seasoning for an hour prior to grilling to enhance the flavor, making mealtime effortless.
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Shrimp Bowls with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the corn salsa and creamy garlic sauce up to 3 days in advance, which saves tons of time on busy weeknights. Simply mix the corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in an airtight container, and refrigerate. Additionally, you can marinate the shrimp in olive oil and spices 24 hours ahead; this helps to deepen the flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, just grill the shrimp for around 2-3 minutes on each side until they are perfectly cooked and serve everything fresh for a quick, delicious dinner!
What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Elevate your dining experience by complementing this delightful bowl with scrumptious side dishes and drinks.
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their subtle sweetness and crisp exterior beautifully contrast the savory flavors in the bowl. Serve them as a fun finger food option!
- Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice: This fresh, fluffy rice will soak up the vibrant flavors from the bowl, making each bite a burst of sunshine. It’s perfect for adding a bit more substance.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender, charred asparagus spears offer a smoky, fresh element that pairs well with both the shrimp and avocado. Their earthy flavor adds depth to the meal.
- Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad with a hint of lemon and mint will provide a cool contrast, balancing the richness of the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
- Margaritas: Sip on a refreshing margarita to complement the dish’s zesty notes. The citrus notes bring out the flavors in the shrimp and salsa!
- Avocado & Tomato Salad: A light salad featuring ripe avocados and juicy tomatoes complements the dish while adding another layer of creaminess. It’s a delightful way to enhance those fresh flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into leftover sauce—a comforting addition that is perfect for those who love robust flavors.
- Watermelon Agua Fresca: This vibrant, cooling drink is sweet and hydrating, balancing out the spicy notes from the cajun spices and offering a refreshing finish to your meal.
Whichever you choose, these pairings will make your Grilled Shrimp Bowl even more memorable!
Grilled Shrimp Bowl Variations
Customize your bowl with delightful twists that elevate your meal and cater to your unique tastes!
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Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or salmon for a different seafood experience that still captures that grilled essence.
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Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with marinated tofu, giving it a nice char on the grill—this way, you still enjoy the creamy sauce without sacrificing flavor.
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Grain Base: Use quinoa or brown rice instead of corn for a hearty base that adds nutty flavor and extra health benefits.
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Enhanced Heat: Spice things up by adding diced serrano peppers to the corn salsa for those who crave an extra kick—feel the warmth with every bite!
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple into the corn salsa for a sweet twist that brightens the dish and brings a tropical flair.
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Herb Variations: Try different herbs in the salsa like basil or mint for a fresh, unexpected flavor that might become your new favorite.
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Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or almonds on top for that additional crunch and a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
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Creamy Alternative: Swap the mayonnaise in the sauce with avocado for a completely different creamy experience that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Let your imagination run wild with these variations! Each swap not only changes the texture and flavor but creates a new experience with every bite of your Grilled Shrimp Bowl.
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for my Grilled Shrimp Bowl?
I recommend using large, thawed shrimp for this recipe to ensure even cooking. Fresh shrimp is always ideal as it delivers the best taste, but frozen shrimp that has been properly thawed can also work beautifully. Just be sure to avoid any that have a strong fishy smell; they’re not up to snuff!
How can I store leftovers from the Grilled Shrimp Bowl?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the components in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp, corn salsa, and creamy garlic sauce should be kept separate to maintain their textures and flavors. Enjoy them within 3 days for the best quality.
Can I freeze the components of the Grilled Shrimp Bowl?
Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze the shrimp and corn salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 1-2 months. Just a note, the creamy garlic sauce can be frozen too, but it might change texture when you thaw it. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat!
What should I do if my shrimp turns out rubbery?
If your shrimp comes out rubbery, it likely means it was overcooked. Be sure to monitor cooking time closely—grilling shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque should do the trick. Always remember that shrimp continue to cook for a bit after you take them off the grill!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for this recipe?
For those with allergies, this Grilled Shrimp Bowl contains shellfish, and the creamy sauce has mayonnaise and sour cream, which may contain eggs and dairy. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider substituting with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. And if you have pets, be sure to keep the leftovers away, as onions are harmful to them!
Delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado & Corn Salsa
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss well to ensure each shrimp is coated evenly.
- In another bowl, mix together thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir until all ingredients are combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Divide the corn salsa into serving bowls, then top each with the grilled shrimp and either sliced or mashed avocado for an extra dose of creaminess.
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the shrimp bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch.