Bright, colorful, and packed with flavor, this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Juicy grilled shrimp are paired with sweet corn, crisp red onion, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado, all topped with a tangy, garlicky sauce. It’s easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this bowl is vibrant, healthy, and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes
- Healthy and balanced – protein-rich shrimp with fresh vegetables
- Flavor-packed – smoky, spicy, creamy, and tangy in every bite
- Customizable – adjust spice with cayenne or jalapeño to taste
- Meal prep friendly – components can be stored separately for easy assembly
Ingredients
For the Grilled Shrimp
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined) – tender and smoky
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – prevents sticking and helps with grilling
- Paprika (1 tsp) – smoky flavor
- Garlic powder (½ tsp) – adds aroma and depth
- Salt (¼ tsp) & black pepper (¼ tsp) – essential seasoning
- Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp, optional) – adds a gentle kick
For the Corn Salsa
- Frozen corn (1 cup, thawed) – sweet, crisp base
- Red onion (½ cup, diced) – fresh crunch
- Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped) – fresh herbal note
- Jalapeño (1, minced, optional) – extra heat
- Lime juice (1 lime) – bright acidity
- Salt to taste – enhances flavors
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Mayonnaise (½ cup) – creamy base
- Sour cream (¼ cup) – tangy richness
- Cilantro (1 tbsp, chopped) – fresh flavor
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – brightens the sauce
- Garlic (1 clove, minced) – savory punch
- Salt & black pepper (¼ tsp each) – seasoning
Additional Toppings
- Avocado (1, sliced or mashed) – creamy texture
- Sesame seeds – optional garnish for crunch
- Green onions, chopped – optional garnish
Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Small bowl or whisk for sauce
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowls
Marinate the Shrimp
Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Prepare the Corn Salsa
In a bowl, combine thawed corn, red onion, jalapeño (optional), cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix gently and set aside.
Grill the Shrimp
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and let rest for a minute.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Bowl
Layer corn salsa at the base of each bowl. Top with grilled shrimp and sliced or mashed avocado. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly.
- Fresh lime juice enhances both corn salsa and shrimp flavor.
- Keep corn salsa chunky for texture.
- Make sauce ahead of time for even faster assembly.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Option – add more cayenne or use a spicy jalapeño for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version – replace shrimp with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Extra Creamy – mix avocado into the creamy garlic sauce.
- Different Base – serve over rice, quinoa, or leafy greens.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately while shrimp is warm.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with extra lime wedges for brightness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely before marinating and grilling.
How long can leftovers last?
Store corn salsa and sauce separately from shrimp in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Is this recipe spicy?
Mild by default; increase cayenne or jalapeño for more heat.
Can I cook the shrimp indoors?
Yes, a grill pan or broiler works well for 2–3 minutes per side.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is vibrant, fresh, and full of bold flavors. Juicy shrimp, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and tangy sauce come together in a healthy, satisfying bowl perfect for dinner, lunch, or meal prep. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable—bringing a restaurant-quality dish right to your kitchen.
Print
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Dive into vibrant flavors with this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. Perfect for quick dinners and healthy meals!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Marinate 15–30 minutes.
- Prepare corn salsa: Mix thawed corn, red onion, minced jalapeño (optional), cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Preheat grill over medium heat and grill shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Make creamy garlic sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble bowl: Start with corn salsa at the base, add grilled shrimp, sliced avocado, and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Optional toppings: jalapeño, sesame seeds, green onions.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American