Fresh, vibrant, and packed with bold flavor, this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is everything you want in a wholesome meal. It’s light yet satisfying, full of texture and zing, and beautifully balanced. Think grilled shrimp with smoky seasoning, a punchy corn salsa, buttery avocado, and a tangy garlic sauce to tie it all together.
Whether you’re planning a light dinner or a power-packed lunch, this American-inspired bowl offers the perfect combination of nutrition and flavor. It’s also easily customizable and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Corn Salsa
- 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
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Corn Salsa
In a separate bowl, combine the corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside for the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the corn salsa between two serving bowls. Top each with grilled shrimp and avocado slices or mash. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve immediately and enjoy this colorful, nutrient-packed bowl!
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Swap proteins: Substitute grilled chicken or tofu for a different twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or chopped chili to the garlic sauce.
- Add grains: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
- Make it dairy-free: Use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt in the sauce.
Nutrition Benefits
- Shrimp: High in protein, low in fat, and a good source of iodine and selenium.
- Avocado: Packed with heart-healthy fats and fiber.
- Corn salsa: Adds antioxidants, texture, and a burst of citrus freshness.
- Creamy garlic sauce: Balances richness with acidity from lemon and garlic.
This bowl is ideal for those who want to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.
What to Serve With It
Although the bowl is a complete meal on its own, it pairs well with:
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
- Fruit-infused water or a crisp white wine
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: The corn salsa and creamy garlic sauce can be made a day in advance.
- Storage: Store all components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat shrimp gently on the stovetop or enjoy cold for a refreshing twist.
Perfect for Any Season
This bowl shines in summer with its grill-friendly elements and bright flavors but works equally well in winter when you’re craving something light yet comforting. The warm shrimp and cool toppings offer a balanced temperature profile, making it a year-round favorite.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is more than just a pretty dish—it’s a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. From the charred shrimp to the vibrant salsa and rich sauce, every bite is layered with taste and texture. It’s proof that healthy meals can also be indulgent, filling, and exciting.
Make it for your next meal prep, dinner date, or solo feast—you won’t be disappointed.
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
For the Corn Salsa
- 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
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl
- 1 avocado sliced or mashed
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Corn Salsa
- In a separate bowl, combine the corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside for the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the corn salsa between two serving bowls. Top each with grilled shrimp and avocado slices or mash. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this colorful, nutrient-packed bowl!
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