If you’ve been searching for a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and freshness, look no further than this Juicy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe. Each component of this dish comes together beautifully, showcasing tender, perfectly grilled shrimp alongside a zesty corn salsa and a luscious creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s the kind of bowl you’ll want to make again and again for lunch, dinner, or impressing friends at your next gathering. Get ready for a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Juicy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe is simple and relies on fresh, straightforward ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each element—from the hearty shrimp to the crisp salsa and indulgent sauce—is essential in crafting a balanced and colorful plate.
- Large Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein, offering a juicy and tender bite when grilled.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps marinate the shrimp and adds a rich, fruity note to the grill.
- Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and a refreshing tang to the marinade and salsa.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle smoky heat that complements the seafood.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the shrimp and sauce with a comforting savory depth.
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy warmth to the shrimp marinade.
- Corn (2 cups, fresh or frozen): Sweet and crisp, the base of the vibrant salsa.
- Red Onion (1 small, diced): Offers sharpness and color to the corn salsa.
- Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings a fresh herbal note to brighten the salsa.
- Avocado (1 medium, sliced): Creamy richness that balances the tangy elements.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms the velvety base of the creamy sauce.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle tang and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor component throughout the recipe.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle kick to season the salsa and sauce.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Begin by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. This marinade is quick yet packed with flavor, giving the shrimp a zesty, smoky, and earthy profile. Let them soak in these spices for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
While the shrimp marinates, heat your grill to medium-high and place the corn directly over the grates. Grill the corn for 10 to 12 minutes, turning periodically, until it develops a slight char and tender texture. This caramelized corn is the base of your salsa, adding both sweetness and a hint of smoky complexity.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn Salsa
Once the corn has cooled slightly, cut the kernels off the cob and mix them in a bowl with the diced red onion, fresh cilantro, a splash of lime juice, salt, and pepper. This salsa bursts with fresh, sharp, and herbaceous flavors that pair beautifully with the grilled shrimp and avocado.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This creamy sauce provides a tangy, smooth richness that balances the smoky and fresh elements of the bowl. Whisk it well until silky and easy to drizzle.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Place the marinated shrimp onto the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for an opaque color with slight charring for maximum flavor and juiciness. The grilling process locks in the marinade’s delicious spices while giving each shrimp a succulent texture.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowl
Start with a generous scoop of that vibrant corn salsa as your base, add the perfectly grilled shrimp on top, arrange slices of creamy avocado alongside, and finish by drizzling the luscious creamy sauce over everything. This assembly ensures every bite delivers a blend of smoky, fresh, creamy, and tangy flavors.
How to Serve Juicy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl’s presentation and flavor, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime for squeezing. A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red chili flakes can add visual appeal and an extra layer of heat if desired.
Side Dishes
This shrimp bowl shines as a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or a simple quinoa salad. For added comfort, consider serving with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips to scoop up all that delicious sauce and salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish inside a halved avocado shell for a fun, edible presentation or pack all the components in a mason jar for a picnic-friendly twist. Layer the ingredients in clear bowls so the vibrant colors shine through, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the shrimp, salsa, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This method helps maintain the freshness and texture of each component without turning the shrimp rubbery or the salsa soggy.
Freezing
While the shrimp can be frozen uncooked, it’s best to avoid freezing the avocado and creamy sauce as their texture will change unfavorably. If you want to freeze, do so only with the marinated shrimp and fresh corn, and then assemble the bowl fresh after thawing and grilling.
Reheating
Reheat the grilled shrimp quickly in a hot skillet or on the grill for just a minute or two to prevent overcooking. Avoid microwaving to keep them juicy. The corn salsa is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, and the creamy sauce should be added fresh when serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work great as long as you thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures even grilling.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. The flavors will still be rich and creamy without any dairy.
How do I know when the shrimp are done grilling?
Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight firmness to the touch, usually about 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on size.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The creamy sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to maintain its smooth consistency.
What’s the best way to store leftovers to keep the avocado from browning?
To slow browning, sprinkle the avocado slices with a little lime juice before storing them separately in an airtight container. This adds a protective layer of acid to keep them fresh longer.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe is like a little celebration in a bowl—fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or a meal that’s impressive without a fuss, this bowl delivers it all. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to favorites for easy, delicious, and colorful meals. So fire up that grill and treat yourself to a bowl full of sunshine and zest!
Print
Juicy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful grilled shrimp bowl featuring juicy shrimp marinated in zesty spices, paired with fresh avocado, sweet corn salsa, and a creamy tangy sauce. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal packed with textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Corn Salsa
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Garnish
- 1 medium avocado (sliced)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Toss well to coat all the shrimp evenly. Cover and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and have slight char marks.
- Prepare the Corn Salsa: Once the corn is grilled, cut the kernels off the cob and transfer them to a bowl. Add the diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the salsa ingredients.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Set this sauce aside for serving.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a slight char, ensuring they are cooked through but remain juicy.
- Assemble the Bowls: To serve, layer corn salsa at the base of each bowl, add the grilled shrimp on top, arrange sliced avocado alongside, and drizzle with the creamy sauce for a delightful finish.
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes helps enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen corn works well; just thaw before grilling.
- Adjust chili powder quantity to control the heat level in the shrimp marinade.
- For a spicier creamy sauce, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Serve with warm tortillas or steamed rice for a complete meal option.
