Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

by Nina Johnson August 1, 2025

If you’re craving a colorful, fresh, and flavor-packed meal, this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is just what you need. It’s got a little bit of everything: juicy, smoky shrimp, a pop of sweet corn salsa, smooth mashed avocado, and a dreamy, spicy-tangy sauce drizzled over top. Every bite is balanced and incredibly satisfying.

Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts, this bowl delivers restaurant-style vibes with minimal effort. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite grains or leafy greens, and adjust the heat level of the sauce to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting friends or meal-prepping for the week, this vibrant shrimp bowl is guaranteed to impress.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For this bowl, large or jumbo raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) are best. They grill beautifully and maintain a juicy, tender bite. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw completely and pat dry to avoid steaming instead of grilling. Tail-on shrimp work great for presentation, but you can remove them for easier eating.

Ingredients for the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

Shrimp: The main protein, brings smoky-charred flavor and juicy texture when grilled.
Olive Oil & Spices: Used to marinate the shrimp with bold flavor. Think smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch. Grilled or sautéed corn works best.
Red Onion: For a sharp, tangy contrast in the salsa.
Cilantro: Freshness and herbaceous flavor for both the salsa and garnish.
Lime Juice: Brings brightness to the salsa and creamy sauce.
Avocado: Creamy and cooling, balances the heat and acidity.
Greek Yogurt or Mayo: Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Chipotle Sauce or Sriracha: Adds smoky heat to the creamy drizzle.
Cooked Grains or Greens: Such as rice, quinoa, or chopped romaine—the bowl base.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Corn Salsa

Combine grilled corn (cut off the cob or from a pan), chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and let it sit to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Mash the Avocado

In a small bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Leave it a little chunky for texture.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Mix Greek yogurt or mayo with lime juice and chipotle sauce or sriracha until smooth. Adjust spice level to your taste.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Start with a bed of grains or greens. Layer the grilled shrimp, corn salsa, mashed avocado, and drizzle with the creamy sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro.

How to Serve and Store the Grilled Shrimp Bowl

This bowl is best served fresh, while the shrimp is warm and the textures are vibrant. You can serve it with lime wedges on the side and even a handful of crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

For storing, keep components separate: shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and sauce in a sealed jar. Avocado is best mashed fresh. Assemble bowls right before serving to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but they won’t have the same grilled flavor. If using pre-cooked, sauté briefly to warm them up and add some seasoning.

What grain works best for the base?

Rice, quinoa, couscous, or even farro are all great choices. You can also use chopped romaine or spring mix for a low-carb version.

How spicy is the creamy sauce?

It depends on how much chipotle or sriracha you use. Start small and adjust as you go.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely. Use a dairy-free yogurt or mayo alternative for the sauce.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes! Prep the shrimp, salsa, and sauce ahead of time. Store separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Want More Shrimp Bowl Ideas?

If you’re loving this Grilled Shrimp Bowl, you’ll want to check out these other reader-favorite seafood recipes:

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a cozy comfort meal.
Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp when you’re in the mood for simplicity.
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta if you want bold Caribbean flair.
Creamy Shrimp Chowder for a warm, hearty option.
Easy Creamy Polenta Shrimp for a creamy Southern classic.

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Tried this bowl? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments. Did you go for extra spice? Swap in mango salsa? I love seeing the twists you all add to make it your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s keep the inspiration flowing.

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