This Healthy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is packed with tasty shrimp, fresh veggies, and a creamy garlic sauce that ties it all together. It’s colorful, nutritious, and oh-so-delicious!
I love how quick this meal is to whip up, making it perfect for busy days. Plus, who can resist a bowl that looks this good? Just grab a fork and dig in! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are key for this dish. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp are a great alternative—just make sure they’re thawed before cooking. For a different protein, try chicken or tofu!
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely warmth, but you can switch it for regular paprika or even cayenne for more heat. Don’t have onion powder? Fresh onions work too, just sauté them first to soften!
Corn: Fresh corn is best for the salsa, but canned or frozen corn works well when on hand. If you’re in a pinch, try black beans instead for protein and fiber.
Guacamole: Avocado is essential here. If you’re out, you could use store-bought guac or even mashed peas. Lime juice helps keep the guacamole bright and green—don’t skip it!
Greek Yogurt: For the sauce, Greek yogurt gives creaminess without the calories. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
How Do I Grill Shrimp Perfectly?
Grilling shrimp can be quick and easy, but a few tips can help ensure they turn out juicy and delicious!
- Preheat your grill or grill pan—this helps get nice char marks. Aim for medium-high heat.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill! Space shrimp out so they cook evenly and get a good sear.
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They cook fast! Look for them to turn opaque and have grill marks.
- Remove them from heat as soon as they’re cooked to avoid rubbery shrimp. Toss them lightly with lime juice right after grilling for extra flavor!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly grilled shrimp that are tender and flavorful for your bowl!
Healthy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lime
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt to taste
For the Guacamole:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, nonfat or low-fat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes total. Around 15 minutes for preparation, like marinating the shrimp and mixing up the salsa and sauces, and about 5-10 minutes for grilling and assembling all the delicious layers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes to soak up all those yummy flavors.
2. Make the Corn Salsa:
While the shrimp is marinating, grab a medium bowl and mix together the corn, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Add salt to taste and give it a good stir. Set this colorful salsa aside so the flavors can blend together.
3. Prepare the Guacamole:
In a small bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice until it’s creamy but still has a bit of texture. Stir in the finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and season with a little salt and pepper. Set this aside to enjoy later.
4. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy!
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and have beautiful grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them! Remove from heat.
6. Assemble the Bowl:
In serving bowls, add a generous scoop of the guacamole and corn salsa on one side of the bowl. Top each bowl with a hearty portion of the grilled shrimp.
7. Serve:
Finish by drizzling the creamy garlic sauce over the shrimp. Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, healthy meal!
This bowl is a perfect blend of smoky shrimp, fresh and vibrant salsa, creamy guacamole, and a tangy garlic sauce, making it not just healthy but truly delicious!
FAQ for Healthy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
How Can I Make the Corn Salsa Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the corn salsa up to a day in advance! Just mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for the Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream, regular plain yogurt, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut yogurt. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Bowl?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Chopped cucumbers, diced tomatoes, or sliced radishes would make great additions to the bowl. Just ensure they’re fresh and well-prepared!
