Craving something fresh, bold, and seriously satisfying—without the mess of tacos or the heaviness of takeout? This grilled shrimp salsa bowl is everything you love about Taco Tuesday, but lighter, cleaner, and totally tortilla-optional.
It starts with juicy, chili-spiced shrimp hot off the grill, tossed over a bed of crisp greens or fluffy rice, and topped with sweet corn salsa, creamy avocado, and a tangy lime-yogurt drizzle that pulls it all together. It’s a fiesta of flavor in every bite, and the best part? You can throw it together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners, healthy lunches, or meal prep wins.
Whether you’re hosting a casual summer gathering, setting up a DIY shrimp bowl bar for friends, or just want a refreshing meal to enjoy poolside with a glass of sangria, agua fresca, or a margarita in hand—this bowl delivers all the punchy flavors of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, no taco shell required.
Easy, nourishing, and endlessly customizable—this shrimp bowl might just become your new warm-weather staple.
Grilled Shrimp Salsa Bowl with Corn, Avocado & Creamy Lime Dressing
Mexican Shrimp Bowl with Sweet Corn Salsa & Creamy Lime
This grilled shrimp bowl recipe combines juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, bright corn salsa, and a zesty lime dressing. A perfect light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sweet Corn Salsa
- 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
For the Creamy Lime Dressing
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 1 ripe avocado, diced or sliced
- Cooked rice or quinoa (optional – about 1 cup per bowl if using)
- Shredded red cabbage or lettuce (optional, for crunch)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Extra chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors soak in while you prep the rest.
Make the Corn Salsa
In a separate bowl, mix together the corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Stir in the lime juice and a pinch of salt. Give it a quick toss and let it sit to develop flavor.
Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt or sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, sweetener (if using), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Grill the Shrimp
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink, opaque, and have a little char. Be careful not to overcook—they cook fast!
Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the rice, quinoa, or greens between two bowls. Add the grilled shrimp, corn salsa, and avocado. Drizzle generously with the lime dressing. Add shredded cabbage or lettuce if you like extra crunch.
Garnish and Serve
Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while the shrimp is still warm and the dressing is cool and creamy.
Tips and Variations
Make It a Party: Hosting friends? Set everything out buffet-style and let guests build their own bowls. It’s fun, interactive, and works great for picky eaters.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the corn salsa and lime dressing up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge. The shrimp is best grilled fresh, but it reheats well, too, if you want to double the batch.
Add Protein and Fiber: Toss in black beans, grilled chicken, or tofu for an extra boost of staying power.
Swap the Base: Not into grains? Go all-in with shredded lettuce or baby greens for a shrimp salad vibe. Or add tortilla chips on the side for dipping.
This grilled shrimp salsa bowl brings all the bright, zesty flavors you crave with none of the fuss.
It’s the perfect combination of easy, healthy, and ridiculously good—whether you’re soaking up sunshine on a summer evening, meal prepping for the week ahead, or just skipping takeout and keeping things fresh.
