Name: Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 cup frozen corn, thawed; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional); 1 lime, juiced; Salt to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 avocado, sliced (or mashed); Sesame seeds for garnish; Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you want a meal packed with vibrant flavors, gorgeous colors, and texture in every bite, you’re in for a treat with this Grilled Shrimp Bowl featuring Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. Sweet, smoky shrimp nestle beside creamy avocado and a zippy corn salsa, all brought together by a dreamy, tangy garlic sauce that ties everything together with just the right touch of richness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but bold and cheerful enough to serve friends on a sunny weekend—every layer is crave-worthy, and the Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce easily steal the spotlight.

Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients to recreate this beautiful bowl, but each one truly shines and brings out the best of the others. Every element contributes a pop of flavor, satisfying texture, or a little visual wow factor to this Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce creation.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp bring sweet, delicate seafood flavor and juicy tenderness to the bowl.
Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness while keeping the shrimp moist and helping the spices stick.
Paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and a gorgeous red hue to jazz up the shrimp.
Garlic powder: Infuses the shrimp with a gentle, lingering garlicky warmth.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing every ingredient’s profile.
Black pepper: Lends a touch of gentle heat and earthy sharpness.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Turn up the heat to your liking with a pinch of this fiery spice.
Frozen corn: Thawed kernels are delightfully sweet and juicy—the backbone of the Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce duo!
Red onion: Diced small, it brings pops of zesty crunch and lively color to the salsa.
Cilantro: Fresh, chopped cilantro in both the salsa and sauce brightens and freshens every bite.
Jalapeño (optional): Seeds removed and minced, for salsa that packs a gentle (or bold!) kick.
Lime juice: Adds a fresh citrus zip—absolutely essential for tying together the salsa.
Mayonnaise: The ideal creamy base for your garlic sauce, balancing tang and body.
Sour cream: Adds tang and lightness, making the sauce extra luscious and spoonable.
Lemon juice: Brings brightness and a subtle burst of acidity to the garlic sauce.
Garlic: Just one clove’s worth, freshly minced, drives home that garlicky punch in the sauce.
Avocado: Sliced, cubed, or mashed, it contributes buttery texture and gorgeous green contrast.
Sesame seeds: A sprinkle for a lovely nutty crunch and finishing flair.
Green onions: Chopped fine—they add color and a fresh pop to tie the bowl together.

How to Make Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if you like some heat. Toss everything together until each shrimp is beautifully coated in spices and oil. A quick 10–15 minutes of marinating while you prep other ingredients is all it takes to infuse a ton of flavor.

Step 2: Mix Up the Corn Salsa

In another bowl, combine your thawed corn, diced red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if you want a spicy kick), fresh lime juice, and a good pinch of salt. Mix gently—just enough to let the lime and salt mingle with the veggies and open up those fresh aromas. This simple Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce pairing delivers the color, crunch, and spark that brings everything to life.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Heat your grill or a grill pan to medium. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully pink and just cooked through. Don’t walk away—they cook lightning fast and are at their best when just opaque and tender. Set aside for assembly.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Creamy and tangy, with fresh herbal and citrusy notes, this sauce is destined to be spooned over everything. The combination of Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce adds irresistible luxury to every bite.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide the corn salsa between serving bowls. Arrange grilled shrimp on top, then add slices (or swoops) of creamy avocado. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The layered textures, flavors, and colors make this Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce bowl truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

For max visual and flavor impact, shower your bowls with a handful of sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprig or two of extra cilantro. They add a fresh crunch and a pop of cheery green, making each serving even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This bowl is pretty complete on its own, but it pairs well with a side of warm tortillas, a scoop of fluffy white or brown rice, or even a pile of crispy tortilla chips for scooping up that delicious Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce pairing. A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette could lighten things up even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual bowls for casual weeknight dinners or arrange the shrimp, salsa, avocado, and Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce on a big platter for a colorful, interactive build-your-own-bowl night with friends. Or, make a DIY taco night and let everyone fill warm tortillas with their favorite fixings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftovers, keep the shrimp, salsa, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Everything will taste fresh for up to two days, but assemble bowls only just before serving to preserve texture and vibrant flavors.

Freezing

Both the shrimp and the sauce (without the avocado or salsa) freeze surprisingly well. Lay cooked shrimp flat in a single layer, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag. The Creamy Garlic Sauce can be frozen in a small container, though whisk it well after thawing as texture may change a bit.

Reheating

Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave for the shortest time possible to avoid overcooking. The salsa and avocado are best enjoyed fresh, so only make what you’re likely to eat in the next day or so. When everything is ready, reassemble and drizzle with that Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce magic.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp works well. Just season them as directed and give them a quick toss in a hot skillet or grill pan to warm and infuse flavor before adding them to your bowl.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

No problem—swap out cilantro for flat-leaf parsley for a milder, grassy flavor in both the salsa and the Creamy Garlic Sauce. It’ll still be beautifully fresh and bright.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is totally in your hands! Omit the jalapeño or cayenne for mild bowls, or dial them up if you’re a fan of spice. The cooling avocado and creamy garlic sauce help balance any heat nicely.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for the sauce—it adds tang, a little more lightness, and still pairs perfectly with the Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce combination.

Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. The shrimp, salsa, and garlic sauce can all be made up to a day in advance. Slice avocado and assemble just before eating for best color and freshness in your Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce bowl.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about this bowl—the smoky grilled shrimp, punchy salsa, creamy avocado, and that swoon-worthy Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce—that makes every bite delightful. If you’ve got 30 minutes and an appetite for color and flavor, you simply must give this recipe a try tonight!

Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together the flavors of grilled shrimp, fresh avocado, zesty corn salsa, and a creamy garlic sauce.

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat.
Make the Corn Salsa: Combine corn, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix gently and set aside.
Grill the Shrimp: Grill the shrimp over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the corn salsa between bowls and top with grilled shrimp, avocado (sliced, cubed, or mashed), and drizzle with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American