If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and brighten your dinner table. Imagine perfectly charred shrimp seasoned just right, resting atop a lively corn salsa complemented by silky avocado and a dreamy homemade garlic sauce—this bowl is a perfect harmony of freshness and indulgence that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe effortlessly brings a restaurant-quality experience into your kitchen in under half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious bowl. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy shrimp to the zesty garnishes, to make every bite memorable and full of flavor.
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that grills up tender and smoky for amazing flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the shrimp crisp beautifully on the grill and keeps them juicy.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet dimension to the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and brings out all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a gentle warmth that complements the shrimp well.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a hint of heat to spice things up.
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Sweet and juicy, providing a delightful pop in the corn salsa.
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced: Adds sharpness and crunch, cutting through the richness.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Brings freshness and a bright herbal kick to the salsa and sauce.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional): Gives the salsa a lively zing without overpowering.
- 1 lime, juiced: Splash of acidity that ties the salsa ingredients together beautifully.
- Salt, to taste: Adjusts seasoning for the salsa to your preference.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the luscious garlic sauce.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness to the sauce’s texture.
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped: Infuses the creamy garlic sauce with a fresh herbal note.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lifts the sauce with bright citrus flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: The heart of the sauce, delivering savory richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the garlic sauce perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle layer of spice.
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed: Creamy richness that complements the grilled shrimp and salsa.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: Provides a subtle nutty crunch and attractive finish.
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh crunch and color contrast at the end.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Shrimp
Start by tossing the shrimp in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want a little kick. This seasoning mix coats every shrimp perfectly, ensuring every bite has a wonderful blend of smoky, savory flavors that will shine through when grilled.
Step 2: Mix the Corn Salsa
For the corn salsa, combine thawed corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss everything together to marry the sweet and zesty elements. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld, creating a lively salsa that is the perfect contrast to the smoky shrimp.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink and are cooked through. This quick grilling gives them a lovely char that adds depth to the flavor and a delightful texture.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy garlic sauce is the magic finishing touch that adds luscious, tangy richness with a garlicky punch to every bite of your bowl.
Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Divide the corn salsa into serving bowls first, creating a vibrant base. Top each with the grilled shrimp and your choice of sliced or mashed avocado for creamy contrast. Finally, drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add a subtle crunch and fresh pop of color. You’ve got a bowl bursting with texture, flavor, and freshness that’s truly irresistible.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions just before serving for a delightful crunch and vibrant color. A little extra lime wedge on the side can provide a fresh citrus burst for those who love an extra zing.
Side Dishes
This grilled shrimp bowl pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads or a simple cilantro-lime rice. A chilled cucumber salad or a refreshing coleslaw can also complement the smoky shrimp and creamy sauce beautifully without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your bowl in a hollowed-out avocado for a stunning presentation or layer everything in a mason jar for a portable, picnic-friendly option. You can also swap the corn salsa for grilled vegetables or add pickled jalapeños for more tang and spice if you want to experiment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover grilled shrimp and corn salsa stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. This separation helps maintain texture and freshness so the shrimp stay juicy and the salsa crisp.
Freezing
While shrimp and sauces freeze well, the avocado and corn salsa do not maintain their texture after freezing. For best results, freeze only the cooked shrimp if needed, wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn, and thaw gently before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking them. The sauce and avocado are best served cold or at room temperature, so it’s ideal to add those fresh after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for the salsa?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will add a wonderful sweetness and crunch to the salsa. Just cut the kernels off the cob and use the same amount for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t like mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or an extra amount of sour cream as a tangier, lighter alternative in the creamy garlic sauce. Both options still provide creaminess with a bit less fat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the components separate—shrimp, salsa, avocado, and sauce—to preserve freshness. Assemble the bowls right before eating so everything stays crisp and delicious.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Adding cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning and including the jalapeño in the corn salsa both add lovely heat. You can also drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes on top when serving.
What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem. A grill pan or even a regular skillet works beautifully to cook the shrimp. Just make sure the pan is hot to get that nice sear and smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but comes together so easily. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with layers of flavor and texture—guaranteed to become a favorite for quick dinners or impressing guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly delicious it turns out. Enjoy every vibrant, creamy bite!
Print
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining tender, seasoned shrimp grilled to perfection with a zesty corn salsa, creamy garlic sauce, and fresh avocado. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner, this recipe balances smoky, spicy, and creamy elements for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 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)
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
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
Additional Toppings
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Toss thoroughly to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the Corn Salsa: In a separate bowl, mix the thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until well combined. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Grill the Shrimp: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the corn salsa evenly between serving bowls. Top each with grilled shrimp and sliced or mashed avocado. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, keep the jalapeño seeds or add extra cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning.
- Frozen corn can be substituted with fresh corn during corn season for sweeter flavor.
- The creamy garlic sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Serve with warm rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- If grilling outdoors is not an option, use a grill pan or broil the shrimp in the oven as alternatives.
