Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Looking for a fresh and flavorful dinner option? This grilled shrimp bowl combines perfectly seasoned shrimp, vibrant avocado corn salsa, and a creamy garlic sauce over rice for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Grilled Shrimp Bowl Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

For the Avocado Corn Salsa:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Bowls:

• 3 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 avocado, sliced for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Tools Used to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowls

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Citrus juicer
• Wooden skewers (optional, soak in water for 30 minutes if using)
• Serving bowls

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to marinate.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Corn Salsa

1. If using fresh corn, grill the corn first until lightly charred, then cut kernels from the cob. If using frozen, thaw completely.
2. In a large bowl, combine corn, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
3. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice, honey, salt, and cilantro.
2. Refrigerate until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. If using skewers, thread the marinated shrimp onto them.
3. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the cooked shrimp.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls.
2. Top with black beans, avocado corn salsa, and grilled shrimp.
3. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over each bowl.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges.

Serving Grilled Shrimp Bowls

These vibrant bowls are best served fresh while the shrimp is still warm and the salsa is chilled. For a family-style meal, consider setting up a “bowl bar” with all the components arranged separately, allowing everyone to build their own perfect bowl.

These bowls make excellent meal prep options too! Store the components separately in airtight containers for up to three days, leaving the avocado and sauce until just before serving. When ready to eat, simply reheat the rice and shrimp, then assemble your bowl.

For a complete meal, pair with a side of watermelon cucumber bites or a light fresh spring salad with herb vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the shrimp in a pan instead of grilling?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can sauté the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Replace the rice with cauliflower rice and the black beans with additional avocado. You may also want to check out our keto BLT chicken salad recipe for more low-carb inspiration.

Can I prepare components of this meal ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. The salsa (without avocado) can be prepared a day ahead. Add the avocado just before serving. Marinate the shrimp up to 4 hours in advance.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy garlic sauce?

Replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or use all mayonnaise with a splash of water to thin the consistency.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp cook very quickly! They’re done when they turn from gray and translucent to pink and opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl too tightly into an “O,” they’re overcooked.

Final Thoughts

These grilled shrimp bowls bring together fresh, vibrant ingredients for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Try this recipe tonight for a restaurant-quality dinner at home, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media!

More Recipes to Try!

• Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls
• Healthy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
• Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
• BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
• Vibrant Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette