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Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce – Fresh, Zesty, Irresistible!

Craving a fresh, colorful, and flavor-packed meal that feels like summer in every bite? Look no further than this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. This bowl brings together the vibrant crunch of sweet corn salsa, buttery avocado, and perfectly seasoned grilled shrimp — all tied together with a dreamy, garlicky sauce. 🍤🌽🥑 Whether you’re firing up the grill or using a stovetop skillet, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and feels like something you'd order at a coastal cafe. Balanced, bold, and endlessly customizable — this is your new weeknight go-to or meal prep superstar.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🦐 For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
🥗 For the Corn Salsa
  • 1 cup frozen corn thawed or grilled
  • ½ cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño deseeded and diced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 5/16 cup chopped fresh coriander cilantro
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
🥑 For the Bowl
  • 1 ripe avocado diced or sliced
  • 1 green onion thinly sliced
  • Cooked rice or quinoa about 2 cups total, optional
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
🧄 For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp lemon or lime juice to thin out if needed

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Season the Shrimp
  2. In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the rest.
  3. Step 2: Make the Corn Salsa
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine corn, red onion, jalapeño, chopped coriander, lime juice, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Add lemon juice to thin it out slightly if needed. Chill until serving time.
  7. Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
  8. Grill or pan-sear the shrimp over medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly charred. Remove and set aside.
  9. Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
  10. In a serving bowl, layer with:
  11. A scoop of cooked rice or quinoa
  12. Grilled shrimp
  13. Corn salsa
  14. Sliced avocado
  15. A generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce
  16. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
  17. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for that final citrusy pop.

Notes

🍽️ Variations
🌶️ Extra Spicy Shrimp Bowl
Add chili flakes to the shrimp marinade or toss with a spicy sriracha-lime glaze after grilling.
🧄 Garlic-Lovers Dream
Roast garlic for a mellower sauce or add extra fresh garlic for a stronger punch.
🥬 Low-Carb Swap
Replace rice with cauliflower rice or chopped romaine for a lightened-up, low-carb version.
🧀 Cheesy Twist
Top with crumbled cotija cheese or shredded pepper jack for extra creaminess and kick.
🥚 Protein Boost
Add a soft-boiled egg or a handful of roasted chickpeas for added texture and nutrients.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Corn salsa and garlic sauce can be made ahead and kept chilled.
Avocado is best sliced fresh.
Reheating
Shrimp: Reheat quickly in a skillet or microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid overcooking.
Rice/Quinoa: Microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Meal Prep Tip
Keep components separated until serving time to maintain freshness and texture.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.
2. Can I cook the shrimp in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes or until pink and opaque.
3. Is the corn raw or cooked?
You can use thawed frozen corn, canned, or grilled fresh corn off the cob.
4. Can I make the garlic sauce dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan mayo and skip the sour cream or sub with a plant-based version.
5. How spicy is this?
The cayenne and jalapeño bring a mild kick. Adjust to taste or omit for a milder version.
6. What’s the best rice for this bowl?
Jasmine, brown rice, or even sushi rice work well. Quinoa is great for extra protein.
7. How do I keep avocado from browning?
Toss slices with a bit of lemon or lime juice and keep airtight until serving.
8. Can I use another protein?
Yes — try grilled chicken, tofu, or even steak as a variation.
9. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Absolutely! It lightens the sauce and adds a tangy note.
10. Do I have to use a grill?
No grill? No problem. A skillet or grill pan gives similar results.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Bowls
Use large shrimp for a juicier bite and easier grilling.
Don’t overcook shrimp — they become rubbery fast! 2–3 minutes per side is plenty.
Chill the salsa and sauce while cooking the shrimp to keep things cool and crisp.
Layer with intention — start with grains, then build up flavors.
Squeeze fresh lime over everything right before eating — it brightens the entire bowl.
🏁 Conclusion
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce hits all the right notes: bright, bold, fresh, and satisfying. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week, cooking for guests, or just treating yourself to a gorgeous, flavor-packed dinner — this bowl checks every box. 🥑🍤🌽
It’s quick to make, customizable, and full of textures and flavors that make each bite better than the last. Healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and this dish proves it — beautifully.