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

If you’re after a dish that’s equal parts vibrant and satisfying, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is about to become your new obsession. Each bite bursts with sweet, smoky, and creamy elements – all piled high in one irresistible bowl that’s just as perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as it is for impressing your friends on a sunny weekend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a few staple ingredients—nothing fussy! Each one plays a special role: the shrimp brings the smoky, juicy protein, while the corn salsa adds sweetness and crunch. And don’t even get me started on the Creamy Garlic Sauce—it ties all the textures and flavors together in the most dreamy way.

• Large shrimp (1 lb., peeled and deveined): They grill up quickly and soak up every bit of flavor from the seasoning.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For luscious shrimp and a hint of richness.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth, subtle spice, and that beautiful bronzed color.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the shrimp with irresistible garlic aroma.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): The key to bringing all the flavors into balance.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds bite and complexity to the marinade.
• Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A little extra kick for those who like it spicy!
• Frozen corn (1 cup, thawed): Sweet corn is the perfect juicy base for your salsa.
• Red onion (1/2 cup, diced): For crunch and that signature tang.
• Cilantro (1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon, chopped): Freshness galore—use some for the salsa and some for your sauce.
• Jalapeño (1, seeded and minced, optional): Adds a bright, crisp heat to the salsa if you like things lively.
• Lime (1, juiced): The acidity makes every part of the bowl taste even more vibrant.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy backbone of that crave-worthy garlic sauce.
• Sour cream (1/4 cup): For a little tang and extra velvety texture in your sauce.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the creamy sauce so it’s not too heavy.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds sharp, savory notes—absolutely essential for the sauce!
• Avocado (1, sliced or mashed): Creamy, mellow, and beautifully green.
• Sesame seeds: A final nutty touch on top, with a little crunch.
• Green onions (chopped): Adds a delicate oniony freshness as a finishing touch.

Variations

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is endlessly versatile. Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or to tweak flavors for your favorite crowd—customization is the name of the game!

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the shrimp for grilled halloumi, seasoned tofu, or roasted chickpeas—the bowl stays hearty and flavorful.
• Add Grains: Layer the whole bowl over fluffy rice, quinoa, or farro for an even more filling meal.
• Pile on Extra Veggies: Toss in grilled zucchini, roasted sweet potatoes, or a handful of leafy greens for color and crunch.
• Mild or Spicy: Adjust the jalapeño and cayenne or add hot sauce to ramp up (or mellow out) the heat.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a little cayenne if you like a kick. Coat them really well—you want every shrimp to shine with flavor. Set aside for about 10 minutes while you whip up the other parts of the bowl.

Step 2: Make the Corn Salsa

Combine thawed sweet corn, diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if you’re in a spicy mood), chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and a bit of salt in a bowl. Gentle mixing keeps the corn juicy and the salsa colorful—taste and add more lime or salt if needed.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Get your grill or grill pan good and hot, then lay the marinated shrimp down in a single layer. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side—shrimp go from translucent to opaque lightning-fast, so don’t wander off. You’re after a slight char and that snap when you bite in!

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This sauce is cool, tangy, and just garlicky enough to bring everything together—don’t be shy with it when assembling your bowls!

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

Spread the corn salsa as the base, add the grilled shrimp, and slide on the creamy, buttery avocado (slice, dice, or mash as you please). Drizzle generously with the Creamy Garlic Sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and springy green onions for a bowl that’s bursting with color and flavor. That’s your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce—done!

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

Garnishes

Don’t hold back—pile on extra sesame seeds and green onions for crunch and color, and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro if you’re a fan. For extra zing, a lime wedge on the side invites everyone to add a little more freshness to their bowl.

Side Dishes

This bowl is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of tortilla chips, a crisp green salad, or a simple black bean soup. You can also spoon everything over a scoop of rice or quinoa if you’re extra hungry!

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a “bowl bar” for family or guests with all toppings in little bowls, letting everyone build their own perfect Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. For fun party vibes, try assembling in wide-mouthed mason jars or mini cups for easy serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover components in separate airtight containers in the fridge—the shrimp, salsa, and sauce all stay fresh for up to two days. Avocado is best sliced fresh, but if you have extra, squeeze lemon or lime juice over it before storing to prevent browning.

Freezing

Grilled shrimp freeze beautifully if you want to prep ahead—just let them cool, then store in a freezer bag for up to one month. Avoid freezing the corn salsa or avocado, as their textures don’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat for just a minute or two until heated through. Steaming or microwaving can quickly overcook them, so the stovetop is your best friend for leftovers in this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to hit every flavor and texture craving than with a Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. I hope you’ll give it a try—make it your own, share it with friends, and savor every zesty, saucy bite. You’re about to discover pure bowl happiness!

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