Name: Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 ripe avocado (diced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); ½ cup canned corn (drained); ¼ cup diced red onion; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 small garlic clove; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt to taste; 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

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If you’re looking for something vibrant, fresh, and loaded with flavor, these Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce are about to become your go-to meal. Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and zippy tomatoes sit atop a fluffy rice base, with everything tied together by an irresistibly tangy cilantro lime sauce. This bowl truly delivers on every level—fast, easy, nourishing, and absolutely bursting with color and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these bowls has a special role, working together to create a dish that’s both stunning and satisfying. Nothing is fussy or hard to find, but the results pack a serious punch of flavor, crunch, and creaminess.

Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for quick cooking and soak up bold spices beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps the shrimp cook evenly in the skillet.
Chili powder: Delivers mild heat and savory notes to the shrimp.
Cumin: Ground cumin gives the shrimp an earthy, warming layer.
Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Garlic powder: Provides subtle, deep garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer and making the flavors pop.
Cooked white or brown rice: The perfect hearty base—choose whichever you prefer for texture and nutrition.
Avocado: Diced ripe avocado adds creamy richness that balances all the zesty components.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
Canned corn: Sweet, crisp corn brings sunny flavor to each bite (fresh or frozen work too).
Red onion: Diced onion adds sharpness and color contrast.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings vibrant, aromatic freshness.
Lime juice: Offers that signature zing and brightness.
Plain Greek yogurt (for sauce): The creamy base for your sauce, loaded with protein.
Fresh cilantro leaves (for sauce): More herby flavor, blending beautifully into the sauce.
Lime juice (for sauce): Enhances the zippy, citrusy vibes in the sauce.
Honey: Balances the tang and rounds out the flavors in the sauce.
Garlic clove: Adds punchy depth to the sauce.
Olive oil (for sauce): Makes the sauce extra luscious and silky.
Salt (for sauce): A pinch brings all those sauce flavors together.
Water: Thin out the sauce until it’s just the right drizzly consistency.

How to Make Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Give everything a good stir so each shrimp is evenly coated in those delicious spices. This step ensures your shrimp sizzle up packed with flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add your marinated shrimp. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly caramelized on the outside. Don’t overcook—shrimp can turn rubbery if left in the pan too long! Transfer them to a plate and set aside while you assemble your bowl.

Step 3: Make the Cilantro Lime Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, honey, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend it all up until smooth and vibrant green, adding water as needed to reach your ideal sauce consistency. This sauce will bring your Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce to life with its creamy tang and fresh herb flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the warm rice between four bowls. Top each bowl with the seared shrimp, then add diced avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, spicy red onion, and a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. Arrange everything in colorful sections or pile it high—the choice is yours!

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle your homemade cilantro lime sauce generously over each bowl. Finish with an extra squeeze of lime juice if you love even more citrusy brightness. Serve immediately and get ready for rave reviews on your Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce.

How to Serve Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Garnishes

To make your bowls truly pop, go for fresh garnishes: a few lime wedges for squeezing, extra chopped cilantro, or even some thinly sliced red chili for heat. If you want a little crunch, crush up some tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the top right before serving.

Side Dishes

While the Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce are quite satisfying on their own, they also pair beautifully with light sides. Consider a crisp green salad, skillet-seared veggies, or warm black beans. For something extra special, homemade pico de gallo or tangy pickled onions will brighten the meal even further.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into a mini fiesta by serving everything buffet-style, letting guests build their own bowls. Or try layering ingredients in glass jars for a fun picnic lunch. Stack the shrimp and veggies over greens instead of rice for a fresh salad take—don’t forget the signature cilantro lime sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce fresh, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Cooked shrimp, rice, and veggies will last up to 2 days. The sauce keeps well for about 3 days—just give it a stir before using.

Freezing

While the shrimp and rice freeze well (store them in separate zip-top bags), avocado and fresh toppings are best added fresh after thawing. The cilantro lime sauce isn’t ideal for freezing as yogurt can sometimes separate when defrosted, but you can quickly blend up a new batch in no time.

Reheating

Reheat the shrimp and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Once heated, assemble your bowls with fresh toppings and drizzle over that bright, tangy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry so the spices stick and they sear up nicely in the skillet.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cilantro lime sauce?

Yes, substitute plain Greek yogurt with a thick coconut yogurt or your favorite non-dairy yogurt. You’ll still get that creamy tang to tie the bowl together.

How spicy are these bowls?

The recipe delivers flavor with a mild, balanced heat from chili powder and smoked paprika. If you like extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños for a kick.

Can I meal prep Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce in advance?

They’re fantastic for meal prep! Prepare and refrigerate the rice, shrimp, and sauce ahead of time, then assemble with fresh veggies and avocado just before eating.

What are the best rice options for this recipe?

Both fluffy white rice and hearty brown rice work beautifully—choose whichever fits your preference or dietary goals. Cauliflower rice is also a great option for a lighter bowl.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dig into these Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce as I am to share them with you. With every colorful, flavor-packed bite, you’ll see just how easy it is to create something truly special right in your own kitchen. Give them a try, and let them brighten up your week!

Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce are a flavor-packed meal featuring tender shrimp, creamy avocado, and a tangy cilantro lime sauce served over a bed of rice. This Mexican-inspired dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rice Bowls:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 ripe avocado (diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup canned corn (drained)
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 small garlic clove
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

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Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Cook in a skillet until pink and opaque.
Make the Cilantro Lime Sauce: Blend Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, honey, garlic, olive oil, and salt until smooth, adding water to reach desired consistency.
Assemble the Rice Bowls: Divide cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with cilantro lime sauce and lime juice. Serve.