Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines smoky grilled shrimp with creamy avocado, tangy corn salsa, and a rich creamy sauce. It’s a perfect option for a healthy, quick meal that is both filling and packed with vibrant flavors. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this bowl is bound to become a go-to favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or 1 can of drained corn)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Avocado:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (optional for a base)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Corn Salsa:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh corn kernels (or canned corn), diced tomato, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Prepare the Avocado:
- Dice the avocado and toss it with lime juice and a pinch of salt to keep it fresh and prevent browning.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
6. Assemble the Bowl:
- Start by adding a layer of cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (if using) at the bottom of each bowl. Arrange the grilled shrimp, corn salsa, avocado, and a drizzle of creamy sauce on top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes:
- Rice Option: You can use any type of rice for the base, such as brown rice, white rice, or even a cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Customize: Feel free to swap out the corn for other ingredients like black beans, roasted peppers, or a mix of greens to make the bowl even more filling.
- Make it Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the corn salsa or creamy sauce for a spicy kick.
- Grilling Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the shrimp in a grill pan on the stove or sauté them in a pan.
Tips:
- Shrimp Cooking: Shrimp cook quickly! Be sure to monitor them closely on the grill to avoid overcooking. When the shrimp turns pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Avocado: To keep the avocado from browning, toss it with lime juice immediately after cutting. If you have leftover avocado, store it in an airtight container with some extra lime juice to keep it fresh.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the corn salsa, creamy sauce, and marinated shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge for 1-2 days. Assemble the bowl just before serving.
- Meal Prep: This dish works well for meal prep! Simply prepare the shrimp and toppings and store them separately. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp and assemble the bowl.
Servings:
- This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish, or 6 as a lighter meal or appetizer.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal (without rice or quinoa)
- Carbohydrates: 18g (mainly from corn and avocado)
- Protein: 30g (from shrimp and Greek yogurt)
- Fat: 20g (healthy fats from avocado, shrimp, and creamy sauce)
- Fiber: 6g (from corn, avocado, and cilantro)
- Sugar: 5g (natural sugars from corn and tomatoes)
- Sodium: 500-600mg (from shrimp seasoning and sauce)
Health Benefits:
- High in Protein: Shrimp provides a lean, low-calorie source of protein, which supports muscle building and repair.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help keep you full and support brain health.
- Packed with Fiber: The corn salsa adds fiber, which helps with digestion and supports a healthy gut.
- Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants: Cilantro and lime add vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting your immune system and supporting skin health.
- Low in Carbs: You can make this bowl lower in carbs by using cauliflower rice or omitting the rice altogether.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen shrimp work great! Just make sure to thaw them properly in the fridge or under cold running water before marinating and grilling.
Q: Can I make the creamy sauce vegan? A: Absolutely! You can replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt (like almond or coconut yogurt) and use a vegan mayo substitute.
Q: Can I add other veggies to the bowl? A: Yes! You can add any veggies you like—grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted sweet potatoes would be excellent additions.
Q: Can I make this bowl spicier? A: Yes! You can add chopped jalapeños to the corn salsa, mix some hot sauce into the creamy sauce, or sprinkle chili flakes over the shrimp for extra heat.
Q: How can I make this dish low-carb? A: For a low-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or simply enjoy the shrimp, corn salsa, and avocado on their own.
Q: Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp? A: Yes! This recipe works with grilled chicken, fish (like salmon), or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Enjoy this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce as a healthy, satisfying meal that’s full of vibrant flavors and textures! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, weekend gathering, or meal prep.