Picture this: the sun setting on a warm summer evening, the grill sizzling away with the mouth-watering scent of shrimp grilling to perfection, and you’re surrounded by friends or family, enjoying the delicious flavors of a vibrant and healthy meal. This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is the perfect dish to elevate any gathering, from casual cookouts to festive holidays. It’s fresh, light, yet hearty enough to feel like a real treat, and each bite bursts with the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Inspired by the vibrant flavors of coastal cuisine, this dish features juicy grilled shrimp paired with a refreshing corn salsa, creamy avocado slices, and a tangy homemade sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking for a refreshing dish to enjoy on a sunny day, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s a simple yet impressive bowl that’s perfect for a mid-week dinner or a weekend get-together.

Ingredients: Gather the Essentials

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients to bring out the best in every bite. The combination of flavors is key, so make sure you have everything on hand to create the perfect grilled shrimp bowl.

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

For the Corn Salsa:

1 cup frozen corn, thawed (or fresh if in season)
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for spice)
1 lime, juiced
Salt to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowl:

1 avocado, sliced
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowls: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and vibrant shrimp bowls that everyone will rave about.

1. Prep the Shrimp

Start by prepping the shrimp for grilling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re looking for a spicy kick). Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture, ensuring every shrimp is coated well. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the other components of the bowl.

Pro Tip: Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in for even better taste.

2. Make the Corn Salsa

In a separate bowl, mix together the thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, then season with a pinch of salt to taste. The corn salsa should be fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor.

Pro Tip: The corn salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier.

3. Grill the Shrimp

Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery if left on the grill too long.

Pro Tip: If you’re using skewers, thread the shrimp on the skewers before grilling. This makes flipping the shrimp much easier!

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

While the shrimp are grilling, it’s time to prepare the creamy sauce that will bring this bowl together. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The result will be a smooth, creamy, and tangy sauce that complements the shrimp and corn salsa beautifully.

Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a small squeeze of lime juice to the creamy sauce!

5. Assemble the Bowls

To assemble the bowls, start by dividing cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) evenly between bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the grilled shrimp, followed by a scoop of the refreshing corn salsa. Add a few slices of creamy avocado on top for that smooth, rich texture. Finally, drizzle the homemade creamy sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.

Pro Tip: Serve with a side of chips or a crisp salad to make it a complete meal.

Flavor Variations: Customize Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl

This grilled shrimp bowl is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas to give your bowl a little twist:

1. Add Mango Salsa for Extra Sweetness

If you’re craving a bit of sweetness, try adding a scoop of mango salsa alongside the corn salsa. The juicy mango pairs perfectly with the shrimp and adds a tropical flair to the dish.

2. Make It Spicy with Extra Heat

If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade or toss in a few more minced jalapeños into the corn salsa. A drizzle of spicy sriracha sauce in the creamy sauce will take things up a notch too!

3. Go for a Different Protein

While shrimp is the star of this dish, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. Grilled chicken or grilled fish would work just as well, giving the dish a different flavor profile while maintaining that light, fresh appeal.

4. Make It Vegan

To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute the shrimp with grilled tofu or tempeh. Replace the mayonnaise and sour cream in the creamy sauce with plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. The corn salsa and avocado will still shine in this plant-based version.

Tips and Tricks: Perfect Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your grilled shrimp bowl turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Keep an eye on them as they grill, and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent them from becoming tough.
Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: The creamy sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This will save you time when you’re assembling the bowls and allow the flavors to meld together.
Customize the Bowl: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste. Add a sprinkle of feta or cotija cheese, or use a different dressing like cilantro-lime vinaigrette for added flair.
Grill the Veggies: For added smokiness, consider grilling some vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to throw into the bowl. The smoky flavors will complement the shrimp beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Bowl

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! Here’s why you’ll love it:

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of grilled shrimp, crunchy corn salsa, creamy avocado, and tangy sauce is a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave you coming back for more.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or last-minute gathering dish.
Customizable: Whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or with a different protein, this bowl can easily be tailored to suit your preferences.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and plenty of fresh veggies, this bowl is as good for you as it is delicious.

Final Thoughts: A Bowl Full of Sunshine

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also bursting with color and freshness. The Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce does just that, offering a perfect blend of tangy, creamy, sweet, and spicy elements. Whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner with family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this shrimp bowl will surely become a go-to recipe.

Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family — this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that everyone will want to savor. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and dive into this flavorful bowl that brings the best of summer to your table!

Now that you know how to make this delicious grilled shrimp bowl, it’s time to give it a try and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a weeknight dinner. This Grilled Shrimp Bowl combines perfectly grilled shrimp, a zesty corn salsa, creamy avocado, and a tangy sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Corn Salsa:
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
1 lime, juiced
Salt to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowl:
1 avocado, sliced
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat.
Make the Corn Salsa: Combine corn, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix gently and set aside.
Grill the Shrimp: Grill the shrimp over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice between bowls. Top with grilled shrimp, corn salsa, avocado slices, and drizzle with creamy sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
The corn salsa can be made ahead of time and stored for up to 24 hours.
Feel free to add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to increase the spice level.
Serve with a side salad or soup to make it a complete meal.
Customize the bowl with mango salsa for a sweet twist or grilled veggies for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes