This Healthy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is packed with fresh veggies and tasty shrimp, all topped with a creamy garlic sauce. It’s colorful, vibrant, and oh-so-delicious!
I love how easy this bowl is to whip up for lunch or dinner. Just grill the shrimp, mix in your favorite veggies, and enjoy every bite of that creamy goodness! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for a meaty bite. If shrimp isn’t an option, try grilled chicken or tofu as a delicious alternative.
Olive Oil: This healthy fat helps cook the shrimp perfectly. You can substitute it with avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil you have on hand.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or a bit of cayenne can work in a pinch. Adjust based on your spice preference!
Greek Yogurt: This gives the sauce a creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, opt for coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream as alternatives.
Avocado: For guacamole, choose a ripe one that gives slightly when you squeeze it. If you can’t find ripe avocados, mix in some store-bought guacamole for convenience.
How Do I Get My Shrimp Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling shrimp might seem tricky, but it’s simple with a few tips. The key is not to overcook them since they can turn rubbery quickly. Here’s how to do it:
- Marinate the shrimp for 10-15 minutes to soak in flavor.
- Use medium-high heat for grilling—this gets a nice char without cooking them too fast.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re completely opaque and slightly firm. Keep an eye on them!
By following these steps, you’ll cook perfect shrimp every time!
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 ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, grilled or sautéed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
For Guacamole:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful grilled shrimp bowl takes about 30 minutes to prepare, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without the fuss. You’ll need about 15 minutes for marinating the shrimp and prepping the ingredients, and around 15 minutes for grilling and assembling the bowl. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by marinating the shrimp. In a medium bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
2. Grill the Shrimp:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are charred and fully cooked, turning them once during cooking. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Make the Corn Salsa:
In a separate bowl, combine the grilled or sautéed corn kernels, diced red onion, red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well and set the salsa aside.
4. Prepare the Guacamole:
In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocado using a fork. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. You can keep it smooth or leave it slightly chunky, depending on your preference!
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly for that creamy goodness.
6. Assemble the Bowl:
Now it’s time to put everything together! In a serving bowl, place a scoop of guacamole, followed by a generous portion of corn salsa. Top it all off with the delicious grilled shrimp.
7. Drizzle the Creamy Sauce:
Finally, drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the shrimp just before serving. This adds a wonderful touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Healthy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is now ready! Enjoy every flavorful bite of this nutritious meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. Dig in and savor the goodness!
FAQ for Healthy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
How Can I Store Leftover Shrimp Bowl?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the components fresh, store the creamy garlic sauce separately. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Can I Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce a day in advance! Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Give it a good stir before using it in your bowl for the best texture.
What Can I Add for Extra Vegetables?
Feel free to customize your bowl with additional veggies! Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded lettuce are great options. You could also add some avocado slices for an extra creamy texture.
