Hi, I’m Jordan Bell—a home cook from Asheville, NC, who turned my 80-pound weight loss journey into a passion for creating clean, nourishing recipes inspired by Southern comfort food. On Easy Detox Recipes, I share flavorful dishes that help you feel great without giving up the foods you love. That’s exactly what this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is all about! It’s a dish that’s as vibrant and satisfying as a Southern porch swing on a summer evening, but packed with goodness that makes you feel amazing inside and out.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Flavorful Journey
Meet Jordan Bell: Your Guide to Deliciously Healthy Eating
After losing 80 pounds, I realized that healthy eating didn’t have to mean boring food. My kitchen became my happy place, where I’d take those comforting Southern flavors I grew up with and make them clean and nourishing. This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a perfect example of that philosophy. It’s all about feeling fantastic without ever feeling deprived. Come on in, I can’t wait to share this deliciousness with you!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Bowl
- It’s super quick to make – ready in about 30 minutes!
- Packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients that make you feel good.
- The combo of grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, zesty corn salsa, and that dreamy garlic sauce is just *chef’s kiss*!
- It’s a fantastic healthy dinner recipe that’s super adaptable.
- Perfect for when you want grilled shrimp side dishes or something light yet satisfying.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! To make this amazing Grilled Shrimp Bowl, you’ll want to gather these goodies. I’ve found that having everything ready makes the whole process so much smoother, just like a well-loved Southern porch swing. We’re talking fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together in a flash. Don’t worry if some things are optional; this recipe is all about making it work for *you*!
Shrimp and Marinade Essentials
First up, the star of the show: 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined – it just makes life easier! For the marinade, grab 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon of paprika for that lovely color, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. If you like a little kick, toss in ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper too. Just toss it all together and let those flavors mingle!
Vibrant Corn Salsa Components
Now for the salsa, which is just bursting with flavor! You’ll need 1 cup of frozen corn (just let it thaw, no need to cook it!), ½ cup of red onion that’s been finely diced (you want those little pops of onion, not big chunks!), and ¼ cup of fresh cilantro, chopped up nice. If you’re feeling brave and want a bit of heat, add in a minced jalapeño – just make sure to take out the seeds first so it’s not too fiery. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and a little salt to taste. It’s like sunshine in a bowl!
Creamy Garlic Sauce Ingredients
Oh, this sauce! It’s what brings everything together. It’s super simple: take ½ cup of mayonnaise and mix it with ¼ cup of sour cream for that perfect creamy texture. Then, add another 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for brightness, and 1 clove of garlic that’s been minced super fine. A little ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper finishes it off. Whisk it all up until it’s smooth and dreamy!
Fresh Toppings and Garnishes
To finish off our masterpiece, we need some fresh toppings. Grab 1 avocado – you can slice it or mash it, whichever you prefer! Then, have some sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions ready for a sprinkle. They just add that perfect little something extra, both in flavor and looks.
Crafting Your Delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this show on the road! Putting together this Grilled Shrimp Bowl is almost as fun as eating it. It’s really straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy meal that tastes like you spent hours on it. Trust me, the Southern in me loves a shortcut that still tastes amazing!
Preparing the Shrimp for the Grill
First things first, let’s get these shrimp ready to hit the grill. Take that bowl with the shrimp and all those yummy spices – the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if you’re using it. Give it a good toss with your hands, making sure every single shrimp is coated. It’s like giving them a little flavor spa treatment! Let them hang out for a bit while you get the other bits ready. They don’t need a long marinade, just enough for those spices to start working their magic.
Assembling the Fresh Corn Salsa
Now for that bright and zesty corn salsa! Grab a medium bowl and gently mix together the thawed corn, the finely diced red onion, the chopped cilantro, and the jalapeño if you’re adding it. Squeeze that fresh lime juice all over everything, then sprinkle in a little salt. Give it a gentle stir – we don’t want to mash anything up! This salsa is best when it’s cold, so pop it in the fridge while we grill the shrimp. It’ll give the flavors time to really meld together beautifully.
Creating the Velvety Creamy Garlic Sauce
This sauce is pure magic, y’all. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Now, just whisk it all together until it’s super smooth and creamy. Taste it and see if it needs a tiny bit more salt or lemon juice – you’re the boss! It should be luscious and pourable, ready to drizzle all over your delicious bowl.
Grilling the Shrimp to Perfection
Time to grill! Get your grill heated up to medium heat. Carefully place those marinated shrimp onto the hot grill grates. They cook super fast, usually just 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can get a little tough! We want them perfectly tender and juicy.
Assembling and Garnishing Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Grab your bowls. Start by spooning a nice layer of that fresh corn salsa into the bottom. Then, pile on those perfectly grilled shrimp. Next, add your sliced or mashed avocado. Drizzle that dreamy creamy garlic sauce generously over everything. For the final touch, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and chopped green onions. It looks as good as it tastes, and it’s ready to be devoured!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Grilled Shrimp Bowl
What are good side dishes to go with this shrimp bowl?
Oh, this bowl is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re looking for some extra goodness, think light and fresh! Some great Side Dishes To Go With Shrimp would be a simple quinoa salad, some grilled asparagus, or even just some crusty bread to sop up that amazing sauce. These are perfect Grilled Shrimp Side Dishes that won’t weigh you down!
Can I make the components of the Grilled Shrimp Bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic dish for meal prep. You can make the corn salsa and the creamy garlic sauce a day or two in advance and keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp are best grilled fresh, but you can marinate them a few hours ahead of time. Just assemble everything right before you’re ready to eat!
Are there healthy sauce alternatives for bowls like this?
You know, this creamy garlic sauce is surprisingly light and uses wholesome ingredients like mayo and sour cream, so it’s already pretty good for you! But if you wanted something even lighter, you could try a base of Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. It’s a great way to get that creamy texture. There are lots of Healthy Sauces For Bowls out there, but this one is my favorite for a reason!
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions for Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl
When I create recipes, I really think about why each ingredient is there. It’s not just about throwing things together; it’s about making them taste amazing *and* make you feel good. For this Grilled Shrimp Bowl, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. If you’re looking for ideas, maybe check out some Grilled Avocado Recipes for inspiration!
Avocado Preparation Options
The avocado is such a creamy, dreamy counterpoint to the zesty salsa and shrimp. You can totally slice it up into thin wedges, or if you’re feeling it, mash it right into the bowl with a fork. Either way works beautifully! For a fun twist, you could even grill avocado halves for a few minutes until they get those lovely char marks. Just make sure it’s ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape.
Spice Level Adjustments
Now, I know everyone’s spice tolerance is different, and that’s perfectly okay! The cayenne pepper in the shrimp marinade and the jalapeño in the salsa are totally optional. If you like things mild, just leave them out. If you’re like me and love a little heat, feel free to add a bit more cayenne to the shrimp or leave some of the jalapeño seeds in when you mince it. You can always add more heat later, but you can’t take it away!
Tips for Success with Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl
You know, I learned a few tricks along the way that really make this Grilled Shrimp Bowl sing. It’s all about those little details that take a good dish to a great one. My goal is always to make healthy eating feel like a treat, not a chore, and these tips help make sure you get that fantastic flavor and texture every single time!
Achieving Perfectly Grilled Shrimp
Shrimp cook SO fast, y’all! The biggest tip I can give you is to watch them like a hawk on the grill. They go from perfectly cooked to tough in about 30 seconds. You want them to turn pink and opaque, with just a slight curl. Don’t overcrowd the grill either; give them a little breathing room so they cook evenly. And for goodness sake, don’t poke them too much while they’re grilling!
Keeping the Corn Salsa Fresh
This corn salsa is so bright and happy, and we want it to stay that way! The lime juice is key here, as it helps preserve the freshness. If you’re making it ahead of time, stir in the lime juice and salt right before you’re ready to serve. This keeps the onions from getting too soft and the corn crisp. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two for peak flavor and texture!
Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but sometimes you want a little something extra, right? It pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments. Think about serving it alongside some roasted sweet potato wedges or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. These are wonderful Sides For Grilled Shrimp that complement the flavors without overpowering them. If you’re looking for Sides For Fish Dinner, this bowl works perfectly too, offering a lighter, brighter option that still feels satisfying and oh-so-delicious!
Storage and Reheating Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Leftovers of this amazing Grilled Shrimp Bowl are fantastic, but you gotta store ’em right! Once it’s cooled down a bit, pack the components separately if you can – the shrimp, salsa, avocado, and sauce. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll usually stay good for about 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find it’s best not to microwave the shrimp, as they can get rubbery. Instead, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or even eat them cold! The salsa and sauce are great cold, and the avocado is always best fresh, so you might want to add a new slice when you’re ready to dig in again.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Just so you know, this is an estimate, but one serving of this fantastic Grilled Shrimp Bowl generally comes in around 450 calories. You’re looking at about 25g of fat, 28g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates, with 7g of that being fiber. It’s a great way to fuel your body with good stuff and still enjoy all those amazing flavors!
PrintGrilled Shrimp Bowl: 30 Min Joy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Jordan Bell, a home cook from Asheville, NC, shares this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. This recipe is inspired by Southern comfort food and designed to be clean and nourishing, helping you feel great without sacrificing flavor. It’s a perfect example of how healthy eating can be delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a bowl.
- Mix corn, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt for the salsa. Set aside.
- Grill shrimp over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for the sauce.
- Assemble your Grilled Shrimp Bowl: layer corn salsa, shrimp, and avocado in bowls.
- Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- This recipe is part of Jordan Bell’s mission to create clean, nourishing recipes inspired by Southern comfort food.
- The ingredients are chosen to help you feel great without giving up the foods you love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg