If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious, look no further than this Grilled Shrimp Bowl featuring the irresistible Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. The combination of smoky grilled shrimp, fresh and crisp corn salsa, buttery avocado slices, and a luscious garlic sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s fresh, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to put together, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a sunny weekend lunch with friends.

Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the smoky paprika seasoning that gives the shrimp a rich depth, to the fresh vegetables that add zest and crunch, these simple components come together beautifully to make the Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce truly shine.

Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined, these are the star protein for a juicy, smoky base.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the shrimp grill perfectly without sticking and adds subtle richness.
Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm, smoky flavor that complements the shrimp wonderfully.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild garlic aroma that enhances the overall seasoning.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
Lime juice (2 limes, divided): Adds a bright, citrusy zing both in the shrimp marinade and fresh salsa.
Corn (1 cup): Whether fresh, canned, or frozen, corn adds sweet crunch and color to the salsa.
Red bell pepper (1 medium, diced): Provides sweetness and a beautiful pop of red against the yellow corn.
Red onion (1 small, diced): Gives a sharp bite and depth to the salsa’s flavor.
Jalapeño (1, minced, optional): Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their salsa.
Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh herbal brightness that ties the salsa together.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Creates the creamy base of the garlic sauce, balancing the acidity.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds smooth richness and body to the sauce.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Provide punchy, fresh garlic flavor for the creamy sauce.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings subtle acidity and helps lift the creamy garlic sauce.
Avocados (2 medium, sliced): Offer soft texture and a buttery, mellow contrast to the other ingredients.
Cooked rice or quinoa (optional): Serves as a wholesome, hearty base for building your bowl.
Lime wedges (as needed): For a fresh burst of citrus when serving.

How to Make Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Shrimp

First, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat so it’s sizzling and ready when the shrimp go on. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the juice of one lime. Toss the shrimp in this zingy marinade until every piece is well coated. This simple step is key to infusing the shrimp with smoky, tangy, and aromatic flavors that make the dish so memorable.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp

Place the marinated shrimp on the hot grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and have those gorgeous charred grill marks. Cooking them this way locks in juice and flavor while giving the shrimp a slightly smoky, caramelized crust that perfectly complements the fresh salsa and creamy sauce.

Step 3: Make the Corn Salsa

While the shrimp cooks, mix together corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, minced jalapeño (if you like it spicy), fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This vibrant Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce component is where texture and brightness come into play—the sweetness of the corn and bell pepper balances the sharp onion and the heat from jalapeño creates warmth without overpowering.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In another bowl, vigorously whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and luscious. This creamy garlic sauce provides a cooling, tangy contrast to the smoky shrimp and fresh salsa and it’s an absolute must for elevating your bowl to the next level of deliciousness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Begin with a base of warm cooked rice or quinoa for a satisfying foundation. Add a generous handful of grilled shrimp, spoon over a big dollop of corn salsa, layer on slices of ripe avocado, and finish by drizzling your homemade creamy garlic sauce all over. Don’t forget to garnish with extra lime wedges for that final citrus burst that ties everything beautifully.

How to Serve Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Bright cilantro sprigs, extra lime wedges, and even a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions add additional pops of color and zing. These simple touches not only look stunning but enhance the flavors and invite everyone to customize their bowl.

Side Dishes

This bowl is fantastic on its own for a complete meal, but it also pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides. Think along the lines of a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a warm, soft tortilla for making quick shrimp tacos. A side of black beans or grilled corn on the cob can add even more satisfying flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or casual gatherings, assemble the bowls in pretty glass jars or wide bowls so the layers of grilled shrimp, colorful corn salsa, vibrant avocado, and creamy garlic sauce are clearly visible. You could even serve the components separately as a DIY bowl station—letting everyone customize their own with various add-ons like pickled onions, radish slices, or extra hot sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover shrimp, corn salsa, or creamy garlic sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the components separate helps maintain freshness and texture, especially since the avocado and sauce are best added fresh.

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing once assembled because the corn salsa and creamy sauce can separate or become watery. However, you can freeze the seasoned shrimp raw in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw and grill fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover grilled shrimp in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking. It’s best to add the corn salsa, avocado, and creamy garlic sauce fresh at serving time for the most vibrant flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I make the Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. Use a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or tempeh instead of shrimp for a delicious vegan bowl.

What can I use if I don’t have a grill?

If a grill isn’t available, a grill pan or even a regular skillet works well. Just make sure it’s hot enough to get a nice sear on the shrimp for that signature smoky flavor. You can also broil the shrimp in the oven if needed.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level mainly depends on whether you include the jalapeño in the salsa. Leaving it out will keep the dish mild and friendly for all palates. You can always add a dash of hot sauce later for extra heat if you like.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures a nice sear when grilling.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Because the avocado and creamy garlic sauce are freshest when added right before eating, you can prepare the shrimp and corn salsa ahead and assemble the bowls when ready. Keep components refrigerated separately for best results.

Final Thoughts

There is something wonderfully satisfying about the fresh, smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy notes all coming together in one vibrant bowl. This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a true celebration of summer flavors, but its simplicity makes it perfect all year round. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how quickly it can become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful grilled shrimp bowl featuring smoky paprika-seasoned shrimp, fresh avocado, zesty corn salsa, and a luscious creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal served over rice or quinoa.

Instructions

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the shrimp evenly and quickly.
Prepare Shrimp Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the juice of one lime. Add the shrimp and toss until they are well coated with the marinade for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Grill Shrimp: Place the shrimp on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and are fully cooked through. Remove them from the grill and set aside to keep warm.
Make Corn Salsa: In a separate mixing bowl, combine corn, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well to create a fresh, flavorful salsa.
Prepare Creamy Garlic Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance garlic and tanginess.
Assemble Bowls: Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa if you like. Layer on the grilled shrimp, then spoon on the corn salsa. Add slices of avocado and generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top.
Serve: Garnish with lime wedges on the side for extra zing and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add extra jalapeño or some cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade.
You can substitute the sour cream in the sauce with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Using fresh corn will enhance the salsa’s sweetness and crunch, but frozen or canned work well in a pinch.
Serve with your choice of rice, quinoa, or a leafy green base to make it more filling or keto-friendly.
Grill the shrimp quickly on high heat to avoid overcooking and keep them juicy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American