If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, textures, and colors, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: the Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe. This bowl is a festival of juicy, smoky shrimp paired perfectly with a bright avocado corn salsa and a luscious, tangy creamy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly fresh and light, making it ideal for any day you want something special yet quick to prepare. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe always shines on the table and keeps everybody coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. From the succulent shrimp and smoky spices to the creamy avocado and sweet crisp corn, each element balances taste, texture, and color beautifully.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that grills beautifully for a perfect smoky flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the shrimp marinade soak in flavor and promotes a nice char when grilling.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering—garlic always makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky kick that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a warm earthiness that rounds out the spice blend.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a lively citrus brightness to both marinade and salsa.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet, crunchy bites that add texture and color contrast.
- 1 ripe avocado, diced: Creamy richness that pairs gorgeously with the fresh salsa ingredients.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Sharpness and a bit of crunch to enhance the salsa.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced: Juicy and colorful, they add a refreshing burst with each bite.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Herbaceous brightness that ties the salsa together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream): The creamy base for the sauce that adds tang and smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: A touch of richness in the creamy sauce to balance flavors.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the creaminess and acidity.
How to Make Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by whisking together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in this flavorful marinade to ensure every bite is packed with taste. Letting them rest for at least 15 minutes helps the shrimp soak up all those wonderful spices. If you’re prepping ahead, refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for even deeper flavor infusion.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Corn Salsa
While the shrimp marinates, mix up your fresh avocado corn salsa. Combine corn kernels, diced avocado, chopped red onion, juicy cherry tomatoes, and cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle lime juice over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together to keep the avocado creamy and intact, creating a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and zesty.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn bright pink and opaque, with a slight char adding smoky depth. Remove the shrimp and set aside to keep warm while you prepare your sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey if you want a hint of sweetness. Season with salt and pepper, then adjust flavors as needed. This creamy sauce brings the whole dish together with its tangy, rich, and smooth texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Choose your base—rice, quinoa, or even crisp lettuce for a lighter touch—and layer it at the bottom of your bowl. Top generously with the grilled shrimp, then add a hearty scoop of the avocado corn salsa. Finish by drizzling the creamy sauce over everything for a luscious finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant. Each bite offers a perfect blend of smoky, creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that make this bowl an unforgettable experience. Get ready for all the compliments!
How to Serve Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or freshly sliced green onions on top. A wedge of lime on the side adds a zesty punch that guests can squeeze to their liking. For a bit of texture contrast, some toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips also pair wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, consider serving it with a simple side of black beans or a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad. These sides complement the flavors and add extra nutrients without overshadowing the vibrant shrimp bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting the components deconstructed by laying grilled shrimp, avocado corn salsa, and the creamy sauce artistically on a large platter for a shareable, family-style meal. Alternatively, for a fun twist, use colorful tortilla bowls or even crispy tostada shells as the base to add a crunchy element and make your Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe really pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, store the grilled shrimp, avocado corn salsa, and creamy sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the ingredients from getting soggy and helps retain their flavors and textures for up to two days.
Freezing
While it’s not ideal to freeze the avocado corn salsa or creamy sauce due to texture changes, you can freeze the marinated, uncooked shrimp separately for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling for a quick meal prep option.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet or microwave just until warmed through—you want to avoid overcooking to keep them tender. Serve with fresh salsa and sauce added cold for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating so they absorb all those delicious flavors nicely.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the creamy sauce?
You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt to keep the creamy texture and tang.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the smoked paprika and cumin, but it’s very gentle on heat. You can add cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you want a little kick.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just be sure your pantry staples like mayonnaise and spices are labeled gluten-free.
What’s the best base for the bowl?
Rice and quinoa are both excellent choices for a hearty bowl, but lettuce makes a wonderful low-carb, fresh option that lets the toppings really shine.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about the Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe that makes it a go-to for any occasion. It’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and so easy to customize that you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again. Give it a try and watch your family and friends fall in love with this colorful, tasty bowl of goodness!
Print
Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl features perfectly marinated and grilled shrimp served with a fresh avocado corn salsa and a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s a bright, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare, combining smoky spices, fresh vegetables, and a luscious dressing for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Avocado Corn Salsa
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the avocado corn salsa: In a separate bowl, gently mix together corn kernels, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, diced cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Add lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir carefully to combine all ingredients without mashing the avocado.
- Grill the shrimp: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place marinated shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the grill and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the bowl: To serve, place a base such as cooked rice, quinoa, or fresh lettuce in each bowl. Top with grilled shrimp, followed by a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the combination of smoky shrimp, fresh salsa, and creamy dressing in every bite.
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp longer enhances the flavor but avoid exceeding 30 minutes to prevent texture changes.
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor, but frozen or canned corn works well too—just drain and pat dry.
- If you prefer, substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer sauce.
- Serve bowls with cooked quinoa or rice for a more filling meal, or on a bed of lettuce for a lighter option.
