Introducing your new favorite weeknight dinner: the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce. This vibrant bowl is a symphony of textures and flavors—smoky grilled shrimp, sweet crunch from corn salsa, pillow-soft avocado, and a silky, zesty drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. It’s as colorful as it is delicious, and the best part is that you can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes. This recipe feels like sunshine in a bowl, instantly satisfying and endlessly customizable. If you want to brighten up your mealtime with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, you’ll love every bite of this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce shines thanks to a cast of simple ingredients—each one brings something special to the table. Together, they create a fresh, punchy, and satisfying combo you’ll crave again and again.

Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for quick-cooking, succulent results.
Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the shrimp and keeps it juicy during grilling.
Paprika: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and subtle color to the shrimp.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the shrimp with mellow, savory depth.
Salt: Brightens and balances every element in the bowl.
Black Pepper: Gives a mild heat and sharp bite to the marinade.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): Brings a spicy kick if you love a little heat.
Frozen Corn (thawed): Perfectly sweet and crisp, corn is the backbone of the salsa.
Red Onion: Offers crunch and a gentle bite for the salsa.
Cilantro: Makes everything pop with an herbal, fresh note.
Jalapeño (optional): If you like spice, dice it up for zing in the salsa.
Lime: Adds tang and brightness to the salsa and ties the flavors together.
Mayonnaise: Gives the creamy garlic sauce its rich and luscious base.
Sour Cream: Adds a cool, tangy note that balances out the sauce.
Lemon Juice: Lifts the sauce with a fresh, citrusy zing.
Garlic: Provides bold, aromatic backbone in the crema.
Avocado: Rich and buttery—sliced, mashed, or cubed, it adds irresistible creaminess.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle for nutty crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
Green Onions: Sliced for a sharp, verdant garnish that wakes up the whole bowl.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing your shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you’re in the mood for some spice. Use your hands or a spatula to coat every shrimp generously. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep everything else—this ensures maximum flavor and that signature grilled color.

Step 2: Mix Up the Corn Salsa

In a medium bowl, combine the thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, jalapeño if you want things hot, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Give it a gentle mix until everything is glossy and cohesive. Set it aside so the flavors meld together—the lime and cilantro work their magic here!

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Heat your grill (outdoor or stovetop grill pan) to medium heat. Place the marinated shrimp on the grill in a single layer. Cook them for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn opaque with charred grill marks. They’ll cook quickly, so don’t wander off—overcooked shrimp get rubbery, and we want them juicy and tender for the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the shrimp rest, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This sauce should be velvety but pourable—give it a taste and adjust with more lemon or salt as needed. Trust me, this sauce makes the bowl unforgettable!

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

It’s time to bring it all together. Divide the corn salsa among your serving bowls, then layer on the grilled shrimp and creamy avocado (in your favorite style—sliced, cubed, or mashed). Generously drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce, then finish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Each bite is a little celebration of color, crunch, and flavor!

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

Garnishes

The right garnish takes your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce from tasty to truly spectacular. I love a dusting of sesame seeds for crunch, a shower of fresh green onions for brightness, and a few extra sprigs of cilantro for an eye-catching finish. If you like a bit more zip, a squeeze of extra lime over the top is always welcome.

Side Dishes

This bowl is satisfying on its own, but you can absolutely round out the meal. Try it with a crisp side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, a simple bowl of black bean soup, or even a scoop of warm, fluffy rice as the base. These pairings complement and highlight the bold flavors of your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your bowl Instagram-worthy by layering the ingredients beautifully: line up the shrimp in neat rows, fan the avocado slices, and artfully dollop the creamy sauce on top. You can also serve this family-style on a big platter so everyone can scoop their custom bowl—a hit for casual entertaining! Another twist is building mini versions in cups for a cute, party-ready appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the components of your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce separately in airtight containers. The salsa and creamy sauce will keep well for 2–3 days in the fridge, and the shrimp is best enjoyed within that timeframe for optimal tenderness and flavor.

Freezing

While the shrimp can be frozen after grilling and cooling (store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month), I’d recommend making the salsa and sauce fresh—avocado doesn’t freeze well, and the textures can get lost. To thaw, just place the frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight. Assemble your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce just before serving for best results.

Reheating

To reheat the shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 20-second bursts until just heated through. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can dry out quickly. The salsa and sauce are best enjoyed cold, and add the avocado and garnishes fresh when you’re ready to enjoy your bowl again.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

You can, but grilling raw shrimp gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, toss them with the spices and quickly warm on the grill or in a skillet for a few minutes to infuse flavor before assembling your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

What other protein can I substitute for shrimp?

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Try swapping the shrimp for grilled chicken, tofu, or even salmon—each brings a unique flair, but the magic of avocado, corn salsa, and creamy sauce remains.

How can I make the bowl spicier?

If you love heat, add extra cayenne to the shrimp marinade, keep the jalapeño seeds in the salsa, or sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes on top of the assembled bowl. You can even swirl your favorite hot sauce into the creamy sauce for an extra kick!

Is there a way to make the creamy sauce lighter?

Absolutely! Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and some or all of the mayonnaise to make a tangier, lighter sauce. This swap still delivers great flavor and a deliciously creamy texture in your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce.

Can I meal prep this bowl for lunches?

Definitely! Prepare the shrimp, corn salsa, and sauce ahead of time and store separately in containers. Assemble just before eating (add the avocado at the last minute to prevent browning), and you’ll have fresh, crave-worthy lunches in minutes all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that dazzles your senses and comes together effortlessly, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is it. Each element is a joy on its own, but together, they create a bowl that’s truly unforgettable. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how quickly this vibrant, satisfying dish becomes a new staple in your kitchen!

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

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant and flavorful Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is a delightful dish that combines juicy grilled shrimp with a zesty corn salsa, creamy garlic sauce, and creamy avocado. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat.
Make the Corn Salsa: Combine corn, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix gently and set aside.
Grill the Shrimp: Grill the shrimp over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the corn salsa between bowls and top with grilled shrimp, avocado (sliced, cubed, or mashed), and drizzle with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp marinade.
Make it a meal: Serve the bowls with a side salad or soup or add a cup of cooked rice to the bowl.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American