If you’re ready to brighten up your mealtime, look no further than this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix of perfectly grilled shrimp, sweet and fresh avocado corn salsa, and a luscious creamy sauce that brings every bite together. Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or aiming to impress friends with a burst of flavor and texture, this bowl delivers all that and more in just about 20 minutes. It’s bright, tangy, creamy, and a little smoky, making it a go-to for warm-weather dinners or any time you want a dish that feels like a celebration on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple, honest, and chosen to bring out the best in each other. From the spices that add warmth and depth to the fresh components that deliver crunch and brightness, these essentials come together beautifully and effortlessly.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, quick to cook and full of flavor when well-seasoned.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the shrimp grill to juicy perfection and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet background note that complements the shrimp splendidly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings an earthy warmth that pairs perfectly with the smoky paprika.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy and buttery, it provides a cooling balance to the spice.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Adds a pop of sweetness and a nice crunch that contrasts the shrimp.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Sharp and slightly sweet, giving a fresh bite to the salsa.
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped: Bright, herbal freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- Juice of 1 lime: Brings zesty acidity that ties the salsa components together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: The creamy base for the sauce, adding tang and smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Contributes richness to the creamy sauce, making it irresistibly luscious.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds bright acidity to the sauce to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths the sauce and gives it a velvety finish.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the chili powder perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Gives just the right kick without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt, to taste: Brings harmony to the creamy sauce flavors.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, so it’s nice and hot for cooking. While waiting, toss the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend gives the shrimp a smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor that will shine through once grilled.
Step 2: Grill the Shrimp
Place the seasoned shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll want them pink and opaque, with just the right amount of char from the grill. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside to rest briefly. This quick grilling time keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Corn Salsa
In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocado, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Give everything a gentle mix so the lime juice lightly coats the ingredients but the avocado doesn’t get mushy. This salsa bursts with color, fresh flavors, and a delightful mix of textures.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, and salt until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the perfect finishing touch — tangy, a hint sweet, with a smoky chile background that ties the whole bowl together.
Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
To serve, arrange the grilled shrimp in your favorite bowl, top generously with the avocado corn salsa, and drizzle the creamy sauce all over. Serve immediately to enjoy the luscious mix of textures and flavors while everything is fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl with extra pops of color and flavor by adding a few lime wedges for squeezing, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, or even a handful of toasted pepitas for crunch. These little details make the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This bowl is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp green salad, garlic-lime quinoa, or simple grilled veggies. Each side adds balance and complements the bold flavors without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ingredients deconstructed so everyone can build their own bowl, or plate the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice for a more substantial meal. Using colorful bowls or even edible tortilla bowls can make your presentation pop and add a festive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled shrimp and salsa can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the creamy sauce in its own container to maintain its texture and freshness.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, the avocado corn salsa and creamy sauce do not freeze well because of their fresh and creamy textures. It’s best to prepare and enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers rather than freezing.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through so they don’t get rubbery. Serve the salsa and sauce cold or at room temperature to preserve their vibrant flavors and creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling to get the best texture and flavor.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in the creamy sauce?
You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option that still brings creaminess and tang.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out shrimp for grilled mushrooms, tofu, or even chickpeas to create a delicious vegetarian version with all the other flavors intact.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook the shrimp on a grill pan or in a hot skillet on the stovetop; just make sure to get a nice sear for that smoky flavor.
How spicy is the creamy sauce?
The sauce has a mild kick thanks to the chili powder balanced with honey and lime juice, making it flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels fresh, exciting, and effortlessly impressive, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with layers of flavor and texture, and perfect for sharing at any casual dinner or special occasion. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and quick Grilled Shrimp Bowl featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, topped with a fresh avocado corn salsa and drizzled with a zesty creamy sauce. This dish combines smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors for a perfect light meal in just 21 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Avocado Corn Salsa
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Creamy Sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for cooking the shrimp evenly.
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until fully coated with the seasoning blend.
- Grill Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Prepare Avocado Corn Salsa: In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and the juice of one lime. Mix carefully to keep the avocado intact.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, and salt until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place the grilled shrimp in serving bowls, top generously with the avocado corn salsa, and drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen corn depending on availability; if using frozen, thaw before mixing.
- Adjust seasoning on the shrimp to your taste preference, adding extra chili powder for more heat if desired.
- This recipe works great with a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the creamy sauce.
- Serve with a side of rice or greens for a more complete meal.
