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

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect when I want something light yet satisfying. With juicy grilled shrimp, a zesty corn salsa, creamy avocado slices, and a bold garlic sauce all layered over rice or greens, this bowl is a total winner any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this shrimp bowl because it combines bold, smoky, creamy, and tangy elements all in one dish. The shrimp cook quickly on the grill, the corn salsa adds a fresh crunch, and the creamy garlic sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s colorful, customizable, and comes together fast — which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the grilled shrimp:

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Smoked paprika

• Cumin

• Salt and black pepper

• Fresh lime juice

For the corn salsa:

• Corn kernels (grilled, fresh, or canned)

• Red onion, finely chopped

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Lime juice

• Salt

For the creamy garlic sauce:

• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

• Sour cream

• Garlic, minced or grated

• Lemon or lime juice

• Salt and pepper

Other bowl components:

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice) or mixed greens

• Avocado, sliced

• Extra lime wedges for serving

directions

1. I toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime. I let it marinate while I prep the rest.

2. I mix all the corn salsa ingredients in a bowl, taste, and adjust with more lime or salt if needed. I set it aside to chill.

3. For the garlic sauce, I stir together mayo or Greek yogurt with sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. I refrigerate it while everything else comes together.

4. I preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. I grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.

5. To assemble the bowls, I start with rice or greens, then add grilled shrimp, corn salsa, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce.

6. I garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 bowls and takes about 30 minutes total — 10 minutes of prep, 10 minutes for the shrimp to marinate, and 10 minutes to cook and assemble.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the shrimp for grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu. I’ve also used black beans or grilled bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. If I want more heat, I stir some hot sauce or chipotle into the garlic sauce. When I’m craving crunch, I top it off with crushed tortilla chips or toasted pepitas.

storage/reheating

I store each component separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. The shrimp reheats well in a skillet or microwave, and the salsa and sauce keep their flavor when chilled. I wait to slice the avocado until just before serving so it stays fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. I thaw them fully and pat them dry before marinating. They grill just as well as fresh shrimp if prepared properly.

What’s the best rice to use?

I like cilantro-lime rice for extra flavor, but plain white, brown, or even cauliflower rice work depending on what I have on hand.

Can I make this bowl dairy-free?

Absolutely. I use a dairy-free yogurt or mayo alternative for the garlic sauce, and skip the sour cream or use a plant-based version.

Can I cook the shrimp on the stove?

Yes. I use a grill pan or cast iron skillet and cook them over medium-high heat until they’re pink and slightly crisp on the edges.

Is the corn salsa spicy?

It can be, depending on the jalapeño. I remove the seeds for a milder flavor or leave them in for more heat. Or I skip it entirely if I’m not in the mood for spice.

Conclusion

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, flavorful, and fast. It’s loaded with texture, color, and bold taste — all in a bowl that’s easy to love and hard to put down. Whether I’m meal-prepping or making dinner on the fly, this bowl always delivers.