If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying meal that feels like a celebration in every bite, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp grilled to tender perfection meet a zesty avocado corn salsa bursting with sweet, tangy, and herbal notes, all tied together by a luscious, creamy sauce that adds the perfect touch of indulgence. It’s a dish that comes together quickly yet impresses with layers of flavor and texture that make every forkful unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients, each playing an essential role to create a colorful bowl full of flavor and delight. These ingredients are easy to find and just as easy to prepare, ensuring that making this dish is as enjoyable as eating it.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the bowl, providing a tender, smoky, protein-packed base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the shrimp to grill perfectly and keeps them juicy.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth that elevates the shrimp flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers classic savory warmth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces a subtle earthy hint that complements the grilled shrimp beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into balance.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy and soft, the avocado cools down the spicy notes and adds lush texture.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Brings a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Adds brightness and a delicate bite that wakes up the salsa.
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped: Gives the salsa freshness and a hint of herbal zest.
- Juice of 1 lime: The perfect citrus punch to tie the salsa ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Infuses the creamy sauce with bright acidity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps emulsify the creamy sauce, making it luscious.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances the tangy and spicy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle kick that spices up the creamy sauce just right.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in the sauce.
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. While it warms up, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend is what transforms simple shrimp into something extraordinary, with smoky, savory, and slightly spiced notes.
Step 2: Grill the Shrimp
Place the seasoned shrimp on the preheated grill and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a gorgeous pink and start to curl slightly. Remove the shrimp and set them aside, letting them rest just a bit before assembling your bowl.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Corn Salsa
In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, sweet corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. This salsa bursts with freshness and balance — creamy, sweet, crunchy, and bright — making it the perfect topping for your grilled shrimp.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. The creamy sauce brings everything together with its tangy, sweet, and subtly spicy character, making each bite even more satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Now for the fun part — layering your bowl. Start with the succulent grilled shrimp, spoon over a generous helping of avocado corn salsa, and drizzle with the silky creamy sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors mingling in every bite.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra wow factor, consider garnishing your bowl with fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a few lime wedges for an additional zesty squeeze. A small handful of toasted pumpkin seeds could also add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the bowl wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This shrimp bowl shines as a stand-alone meal, but if you want to serve it with sides, think light and fresh. A crisp green salad, a side of black beans, or even some warm, fluffy rice pilaf would pair beautifully without overshadowing the main event. Grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make for lovely companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp bowl in hollowed-out avocado halves or colorful taco shells for a festive touch. Layering components in a clear glass bowl or mason jar lets all those vibrant colors shine through and makes for a gorgeous presentation that will impress anyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled shrimp, avocado corn salsa, and creamy sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the components separate will help preserve their textures and prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
Freezing
While the grilled shrimp freeze reasonably well when stored properly, the avocado corn salsa and creamy sauce do not freeze well due to their textures. For best results, freeze only the shrimp in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month and prepare fresh salsa and sauce when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat leftover shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid overcooking. Serve immediately with freshly prepared avocado corn salsa and creamy sauce for the best flavor and freshness experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work great; just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling to get a nice sear and avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder in the creamy sauce and the smoked paprika on the shrimp, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy — perfect for those who enjoy mild heat with lots of flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the core ingredients in the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh corn?
Frozen corn is an excellent alternative and works just as well in the salsa. Simply thaw it before mixing to avoid excess moisture in your bowl.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
The lime juice in the avocado corn salsa helps prevent browning. For additional protection, prepare the salsa close to serving time or cover it tightly with plastic wrap touching the surface of the avocado.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Sauce Recipe — it’s like summer on a plate, combining fresh, smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors all at once. It’s simple enough to make any weeknight feel like a treat, yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon; it might just become one of your new favorites!
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 flavorful Grilled Shrimp Bowl featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, a fresh avocado corn salsa, and a zesty creamy sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines smoky grilled shrimp with bright, tangy toppings for a wholesome meal ready in just 21 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 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 the grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for quick and even cooking of the shrimp.
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to coat evenly with the spices.
- Grill Shrimp: Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they 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 lime juice. Mix carefully to maintain the texture of the avocado.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place the grilled shrimp in individual serving bowls, top with the avocado corn salsa, and drizzle generously with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels as available; if using frozen, thaw and drain before mixing.
- You can adjust the chili powder in the creamy sauce to your preferred spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives.
- Serve the bowl with warm tortillas or over rice for a more filling meal.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
