Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels special, then you’ve come to the right place! The Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is all about fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also great for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.

What makes this dish truly special is how it brings together juicy grilled shrimp with vibrant corn salsa, creamy avocado, and a zesty garlic sauce. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. So grab your apron; I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a tasty meal that everyone will love.
• Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the goodness of wholesome ingredients like shrimp, avocado, and corn.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy customizing their bowls with their favorite toppings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the salsa and sauce in advance for easy assembly later.
• Flavorful and Healthy: This bowl is packed with nutrients while still being incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the simple, wholesome ingredients you’ll need for this delightful dish! Most of these items are staples you may already have on hand, making it easy to throw together a healthy dinner.

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 Assembly

• 1 avocado (sliced or mashed)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (chopped, for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: If shrimp isn’t your thing, try using chicken or tofu instead. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or diced tomatoes into the corn salsa for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more jalapeño or even a dash of hot sauce to the creamy garlic sauce.
• Try different toppings: Consider adding cheese or nuts for an added crunch.

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

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine your shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. This step is essential because it infuses flavor into your shrimp before grilling!

Step 2: Make the Corn Salsa

In another bowl, mix together the thawed corn, diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Gently combine these ingredients and set them aside. The freshness of this salsa adds a delightful crunch to your bowl!

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill over medium heat and lay those seasoned shrimp on it! Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This grilling time ensures that they are cooked through while maintaining their juiciness.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy garlic sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully!

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Divide your corn salsa among serving bowls. Top each one generously with grilled shrimp and slices of avocado (you can also mash it if you prefer). Drizzle over that creamy garlic sauce you’ve made earlier. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for some extra flair!

And there you have it—a colorful Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce that’s not just a feast for your eyes but also a delight for your taste buds! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Creating a delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl is easier than you think—here are some tips to make it even better!

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can work too, but thaw them completely before marinating to ensure even seasoning.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. If you love spice, add more; if not, skip it or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
• Experiment with Avocado: Whether you choose to slice or mash your avocado, consider adding a pinch of salt and lime juice to enhance its taste. This simple step adds brightness and balances the richness of the avocado.
• Customize Your Salsa: Don’t hesitate to add other ingredients to your corn salsa, like diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. This allows you to play with flavors and textures while making it your own!
• Make Ahead: Prepare the corn salsa and creamy garlic sauce in advance. Both can be stored in the fridge for a day or two, which makes assembling your bowls quick and easy during busy weeknights.

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

Serving this vibrant dish is all about presentation! Here are some fun ideas on how to elevate your meal:

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s fresh flavor profile.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for added brightness; diners can squeeze fresh lime over their bowls just before enjoying.
• Sliced Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes provide crunch and a beautiful visual contrast against the other ingredients.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon dressing complements the bowl nicely while adding extra nutrients.
• Grilled Veggies: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus make a fantastic side that brings out smoky flavors in your grilled shrimp.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can absorb some of that creamy garlic sauce beautifully—perfect for soaking up every last bit!
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for scooping up any leftover corn salsa or sauce while providing an enjoyable textural contrast.

Enjoy crafting this colorful and flavorful dish! It’s truly a delightful meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is not only a delight to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Keep the corn salsa and creamy garlic sauce in separate containers to maintain freshness.
• Avocado can brown quickly; if prepped ahead, consider using lemon juice to help preserve its color.

Freezing

• It’s best not to freeze the shrimp once cooked, as it may change the texture.
• However, you can freeze the corn salsa for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
• Allow frozen salsa to thaw in the fridge before using.

Reheating

• To reheat shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
• The corn salsa can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed in the microwave.
• Avoid reheating avocado; add fresh slices just before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp in the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Absolutely! This bowl works wonderfully with grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Is the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce healthy?

Yes! This recipe is packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients like shrimp, avocados, and corn. It’s a heart-smart meal that’s both filling and nutritious.

How can I customize my Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try adding diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even black beans!

Can I prepare the corn salsa ahead of time?

Yes! The corn salsa can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to bring vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients together in one satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own—cooking should always be fun! Enjoy every bite!