I just tried this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe, and I can’t stop thinking about it! It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The shrimp grill perfectly while the corn salsa adds a sweet crunch, and that creamy garlic sauce? Absolute perfection.

I love how everything comes together in one vibrant, satisfying bowl. Honestly, this recipe has become my go-to for a quick and healthy dinner. You can also enjoy similar treats like The Best Valentines Day Muddy Buddies Recipe for a sweet snack after your meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this bowl of deliciousness. I’ve included some tips to make each ingredient shine:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined – fresh or thawed works best for a juicy bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil – helps the shrimp grill evenly and adds a mild flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika – gives a subtle smokiness.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the shrimp without overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – adds a gentle kick.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional – for a little heat if you like spice.

For the Corn Salsa:

1 cup frozen corn, thawed – sweet and tender, but fresh corn works beautifully too.
1/2 cup red onion, diced – adds crunch and sharpness.
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped – brightens the flavor.
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced, optional – for a subtle spicy touch.
1 lime, juiced – adds freshness and balances sweetness.
Salt to taste – brings out all the flavors.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise – provides a creamy base.
1/4 cup sour cream – adds tang and richness. You can also pair this with something like Creamy 4-Ingredient Valentines Day Dip Recipe for a quick appetizer.
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped – gives a fresh, herbal note.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – balances richness with acidity.
1 clove garlic, minced – the star of the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon salt – enhances the taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – adds mild spice.

For Serving:

1 avocado, sliced or mashed – creamy texture that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Sesame seeds for garnish – adds visual appeal and subtle crunch.
Green onions, chopped, for garnish – adds freshness and color.

Note: several servings as per the ingredients quantity.

Variations

You can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream for a dairy-free version.
Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to lighten up the sauce.
Add diced mango or pineapple to the corn salsa for a tropical twist.
Sprinkle smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper flavor.
Serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for a heartier bowl.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
Mixing bowls with lids – for marinating and mixing ingredients.
Large cast iron grill pan – grills shrimp evenly and adds nice char marks.
Mandolin slicer or food chopper – quick and uniform slicing of veggies.
Herb scissors – makes chopping cilantro effortless.
Citrus juicer – ensures maximum juice from lime and lemon.
Whisk – blends the creamy sauce smoothly.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe?

Prep the Shrimp

I start by tossing the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Coating them well ensures they cook evenly and get a beautiful flavor boost.

Make the Corn Salsa

In a separate bowl, I mix thawed corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. It’s light, sweet, and a perfect contrast to the savory shrimp.

Grill the Shrimp

Next, I heat a grill pan over medium heat. The shrimp only take 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred – so fast and satisfying.

Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the shrimp cook, I whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. This sauce brings everything together with a rich, tangy punch.

Assemble the Bowls

I layer the corn salsa first, then top it with the grilled shrimp and sliced avocado. Drizzling the garlic sauce on top and finishing with sesame seeds and green onions makes it irresistible.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks can take this bowl to the next level:

I like to let the shrimp marinate for 15 minutes to intensify flavor.
Adding a squeeze of fresh lime before serving makes it extra zesty.
Toasting the sesame seeds lightly enhances their nutty aroma.
Using ripe, creamy avocado ensures a smooth, buttery texture.

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Presentation makes a big difference. I usually serve in wide bowls, layering ingredients so every bite has a bit of shrimp, avocado, and salsa. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for color. Pair with tortilla chips or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving:

Calories: approximately 400
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 22g
This bowl is filling, protein-rich, and a balanced mix of healthy fats and carbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: You can store leftover shrimp, salsa, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Grilled shrimp doesn’t freeze well; it’s best to make fresh, but you can freeze uncooked shrimp seasoned and ready to grill.
Reheating: Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet for a few minutes. Assemble the bowl fresh to keep avocado and salsa vibrant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you need convincing, here’s why I can’t get enough:

Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Healthy and balanced: Protein-rich shrimp and nutrient-packed avocado make it a wholesome meal.
Customizable flavors: Spice it up or keep it mild, and swap ingredients to fit your diet.
Beautiful presentation: Vibrant colors make this dish almost too pretty to eat.
One-bowl meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor – my favorite combo.

Ash Tyrrell