There's something incredibly satisfying about a grilled shrimp bowl that hits all the right notes—smoky, juicy shrimp; crisp, colorful veggies; and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It's the kind of meal that feels indulgent, but is surprisingly wholesome and fresh.
I came up with this bowl one summer evening after a beach trip, craving something vibrant yet simple. Since then, it's become a go-to in our home when we want a meal that’s both feel-good and full of flavor, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ready to meet your new weeknight favorite? Let’s dive into this Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Get ready to fall for a bowl that's just as delicious as it is nutritious. This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is more than just pretty food—it’s a flavorful, practical choice for busy cooks.
It’s incredibly quick and easy to make. The shrimp cooks in under 10 minutes, and with just a little prep for the salsa and sauce, dinner comes together in 30 minutes flat.
Healthy without sacrificing flavor. Lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber-packed veggies make this a balanced meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
Perfect for meal prep. Make the shrimp and components ahead of time and assemble bowls throughout the week. They store beautifully, making your weekday lunches or dinners a breeze.
Totally customizable. Whether you swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or add some quinoa for extra staying power, this bowl welcomes your creativity.
The combination of textures and bright, bold flavors makes every bite feel special—even if it’s just a Tuesday night.
Ingredients Notes
This bowl is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, balanced by a creamy, tangy sauce that brings everything together.
Shrimp is the star of the show. Go for large, peeled and deveined shrimp. I like to marinate them in a blend of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. This not only enhances flavor but helps achieve that perfect char on the grill.
Avocado adds a luscious, creamy element that complements the heat of the shrimp. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure—perfect for slicing or cubing.
Fresh corn brings sweetness and a bit of crunch. I recommend grilling the corn directly on the cob until it’s lightly charred for a smoky finish. If corn isn’t in season, frozen (and thawed) works just fine.
Cherry tomatoes and red onion make the salsa pop with both color and brightness. A quick toss in lime juice and a pinch of salt brings out their natural juices and melds the flavors together.
The creamy sauce is a simple but game-changing mix of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle in adobo. It’s smoky, tangy, and just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds.
For equipment, you’ll need a grill or grill pan, a sharp knife, and a blender or food processor for the sauce. A large bowl for tossing the salsa and a cutting board round out the list.
How To Make This Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Making this bowl is as fun as it is easy. Here's how it all comes together.
Start by marinating your shrimp. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss in the shrimp and let them sit while you prep everything else—15 to 20 minutes is plenty.
Meanwhile, prep your corn salsa. Grill your corn cobs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until slightly charred. Let them cool, then cut the kernels off. Combine with diced cherry tomatoes, red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Next, make the creamy chipotle sauce. In a blender or mini food processor, combine Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, a small chipotle pepper in adobo, and a little of the adobo sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or lime if needed.
Now, grill the shrimp. Thread them onto skewers or place them directly on the grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred. Don't overcook—they turn rubbery fast!
While the shrimp are grilling, assemble your bowls. Start with a base of rice or mixed greens. Add a scoop of corn salsa, sliced avocado, grilled shrimp, and a drizzle (or generous dollop) of that creamy sauce.
From start to finish, this meal takes about 30 minutes. It’s fast, colorful, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor.
Storage Options
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl stores surprisingly well, especially when the components are kept separate.
Store grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave for best texture.
Corn salsa can be made ahead and will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days. In fact, the flavors get even better as they mingle.
The sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Store it in a jar or small container with a tight-fitting lid.
If you’re meal prepping, keep each element in its own container. Assemble just before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh.
To reheat, warm the shrimp and rice (if using) before topping with cold salsa, avocado, and sauce for the perfect hot-cold contrast.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful. You can tweak it to fit dietary needs, preferences, or just what you’ve got in the fridge.
Try swapping shrimp for grilled chicken, tofu, or salmon. The marinade works great for all of them.
For a heartier bowl, add a base of quinoa, brown rice, or even farro. It turns this into a super satisfying grain bowl.
Don’t love chipotle? Use a blend of Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a bit of honey for a milder, creamy dressing that still pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
Add extra veggies like cucumber, radishes, or grilled bell peppers to bulk it up and pack in more color and crunch.
And if you're short on time, skip the homemade salsa and use store-bought pico de gallo or corn relish. No judgment—this recipe is about ease and enjoyment.
Whether you're making it for a laid-back dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or impressing guests at a summer cookout, this Grilled Shrimp Bowl delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Once you try it, you'll find yourself craving it again and again.
Let me know if you'd like a printable version, a calorie estimate, or tips for turning this into a party platter!
PrintGrilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe
This vibrant Grilled Shrimp Bowl combines juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet corn salsa, and a tangy sauce for a perfect healthy meal. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and ideal for summer or anytime you crave a nourishing yet satisfying bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 avocados, diced
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1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
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½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
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Cooked rice or quinoa for the base
Creamy Sauce:
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¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp hot sauce
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Salt to taste
Instructions
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Marinate the shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes.
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Grill the shrimp: Heat grill or pan and cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
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Prepare the corn salsa: In a bowl, mix corn, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
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Make the creamy sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce, and salt.
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Assemble the bowl: Add rice or quinoa as the base, top with grilled shrimp, avocado, corn salsa, and drizzle creamy sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Substitute grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein.
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Add black beans or shredded lettuce for extra texture.
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Great for meal prep—store components separately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
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