If you are craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with bold flavors, then the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. This dish perfectly balances smoky, juicy shrimp with the creamy richness of avocado and a zesty corn salsa that bursts with color and freshness. Topped off with a luscious garlic sauce that brings everything together, it’s a bowl that feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfyingly light lunch. Once you dive into this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite that’s bursting with texture, flavor, and nutrition all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe truly sing, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role — from the smoky seasoning on the shrimp to the fresh zing of lime in the salsa and the rich, garlicky kick of the sauce — every bite is a harmony of tastes and textures.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for easy grilling and perfect tenderness.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Brings a smoky depth and vibrant color to the shrimp.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Packs a mild garlicky undertone that’s essential for flavor layering.
- Salt and black pepper (¼ tsp each): Basic seasoning to balance and enhance taste.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp, optional): Adds a gentle spicy warmth if you want a little kick.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Thawed and juicy, to add sweetness and crunch.
- Red onion (½ cup): Diced finely to give a sharp, crisp bite to the salsa.
- Cilantro (¼ cup + 1 tbsp): Fresh herbs that brighten every element in the dish.
- Jalapeño (1, optional): Minced to add a fresh, spicy note to the salsa if you like heat.
- Lime juice (1 lime): The key to a zesty, citrusy pop in your salsa.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): For the creamy base of the garlic sauce that’s so luscious.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds tanginess and smoothness to the sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Gives the garlic sauce a fresh, bright contrast.
- Garlic (1 clove): Minced to deliver that essential garlic punch in the sauce.
- Avocado (1): Sliced or mashed to bring buttery creaminess to the bowl.
- Sesame seeds: Garnish that adds a subtle nuttiness and crunch.
- Green onions: Chopped for a mild oniony freshness and finishing touch.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Begin by tossing the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. This simple marinade locks in flavor and makes sure every bite is smoky, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned before hitting the grill.
Step 2: Make the Corn Salsa
Next, mix the thawed corn with red onion, cilantro, jalapeño if using, lime juice, and salt. This salsa is where the dish gets its fresh crunch and brightness. Letting the flavors mingle while you prepare the shrimp really enhances the final taste.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Heat a grill pan over medium heat and place the shrimp on it, cooking them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and have lovely char marks. Grilling brings out the shrimp’s natural sweetness and adds a smoky finish that’s key to this recipe.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This luscious, garlicky sauce is the perfect cooling complement to the warm, spiced shrimp and vibrant salsa elements.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Start with a base of the corn salsa in each bowl, add the grilled shrimp on top, then layer on avocado slices or mash. Generously drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The colors and flavors combined make this bowl as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over your assembled bowls for that final pop of texture and vibrant green color. If you want to add a little extra zing, a wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to squeeze some fresh juice for an even brighter flavor.
Side Dishes
This bowl is rich and filling all on its own but pairs beautifully with a light side salad or a simple quinoa pilaf if you’re serving it to guests. A crisp cucumber salad or even some grilled vegetables on the side can also add extra layers of freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe in colorful mini bowls or edible lettuce cups as a fun appetizer. You can also lay the ingredients out buffet-style for a DIY bowl party where everyone can pile theirs up just how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the shrimp, salsa, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and helps the flavors stay fresh for up to two days.
Freezing
While the shrimp can be frozen cooked, the avocado and creamy garlic sauce do not freeze well as their texture changes. It’s best to freeze only the seasoned shrimp if needed and use fresh salsa and sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid overcooking. Add fresh avocado and drizzle with the garlic sauce just before eating to keep the bowl tasting fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a sweeter, crunchier texture, especially if it’s in-season. Just cut the kernels off the cob and use them as you would frozen, perhaps with a quick sauté to soften if desired.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
Not at all. The cayenne is optional and can be left out if you prefer a milder flavor or want to keep the dish kid-friendly. The paprika and garlic already give the shrimp plenty of flavor.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This is a quick 25-minute recipe perfect for busy days. Most of the time is hands-off while grilling and mixing, so it’s easy to prepare even on tight schedules.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the sauce?
Yes! You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the sauce and add extra tang, or use a dairy-free mayo if you’re avoiding dairy.
What can I serve instead of grilled shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your thing, grilled chicken or tofu seasoned similarly work beautifully. Adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure your protein is perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is a vibrant, wholesome dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent at once. Its balance of smoky, creamy, zesty, and fresh elements makes it a standout meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite to share with friends and family. So go ahead, fire up that grill pan and give this bowl a go — your taste buds will thank you!
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Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Grilled Shrimp Bowl featuring juicy marinated shrimp, fresh avocado corn salsa, and a tangy creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal packed with bold tastes and textures.
Ingredients
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 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasonings.
- Make the Corn Salsa: In another bowl, mix thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt to taste. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Grill the Shrimp: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Place the seasoned shrimp on the pan and grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the prepared corn salsa evenly into two bowls. Top each with the grilled shrimp and sliced or mashed avocado. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the bowls, then garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra spice, leave the jalapeño seeds in or increase the cayenne pepper in the shrimp seasoning.
- Substitute fresh corn if available instead of frozen for a sweeter salsa.
- This recipe works well with other proteins like chicken or tofu if preferred.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute mayo and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Grill shrimp just until pink to avoid overcooking and maintain juiciness.
