Okay, friends, gather ‘round because I’ve got a recipe that’s going to make your taste buds sing and your weeknights so much easier: these amazing Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili! Seriously, this is the kind of meal that looks fancy but is ridiculously simple to whip up. Cooking has always been my happy place, where I get to play with flavors and create something truly comforting. Here at Reciqa, my goal is to share that joy with you – simple, go-to dishes that are packed with goodness and just plain delicious. I love finding ways to make healthy eating feel like a treat, not a chore, and these bowls are a perfect example of that. They’re vibrant, they’re fresh, and they’re proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make something spectacular!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili
Seriously, who doesn’t love a meal that’s as good for you as it tastes? These Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili are a weeknight dream. They come together in a flash, which means less time stressing and more time enjoying. You’ll adore the explosion of fresh flavors – that sweet mango salsa, the creamy avocado, and the zesty kick from the lime-chili sauce are just divine. Plus, they’re packed with healthy goodness!
- Super quick to make – perfect for busy evenings!
- Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that just scream summer.
- Healthy and satisfying, loaded with good-for-you ingredients.
- Totally customizable – swap proteins or adjust the spice!
Ingredients for Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili
Alright, time to talk ingredients for these fantastic Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili! It might look like a lot, but trust me, it all comes together so beautifully. We’re talking fresh, bright, and oh-so-satisfying. Don’t be intimidated; most of it is just simple chopping and whisking. The key is to use good quality, fresh ingredients – they really make all the difference in a dish like this.
| For the Mango Salsa: | |
| 1 large ripe mango | peeled, pitted, and diced |
| 1/4 cup red onion | finely diced |
| 1 small jalapeño | finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, optional) |
| Juice of 1 lime | freshly squeezed |
| 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro | plus more for garnish |
| Salt | to taste |
| For the Lime-Chili Sauce: | |
| 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt | (full-fat or 2% works best for creaminess) |
| 1 tbsp mayonnaise | (optional, adds extra richness) |
| 1 tsp chili powder | (use mild or adjust to your spice preference) |
| Zest and juice of 1 lime | freshly zested and squeezed |
| 1 tsp honey or agave nectar | for a touch of sweetness |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
| For the Bowl Assembly: | |
| 1 lb large shrimp | peeled and deveined |
| 1 tbsp olive oil | for cooking |
| 1 tsp chili powder | for seasoning shrimp |
| 1/2 tsp garlic powder | for seasoning shrimp |
| Salt and pepper | to taste, for shrimp |
| 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa | your favorite kind, warm or cold |
| 1–2 ripe avocados | sliced |
| Lime wedges | for serving |
How to Prepare Your Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these incredible Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili is a breeze, and honestly, it’s kind of fun. It all breaks down into a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous, healthy meal ready to go. Trust me, the payoff in flavor is HUGE for the little bit of effort involved!
Making the Vibrant Mango Salsa
First things first, let’s get that gorgeous mango salsa going. You want to grab your ripe mango – the softer, the sweeter! Peel it, get rid of that pit, and dice it up into nice bite-sized pieces. Toss those mango chunks into a medium bowl. Now, add in your finely diced red onion; it gives it that little bit of sharp bite that balances the sweet mango. If you’re feeling a little adventurous and like a touch of heat, toss in that finely chopped jalapeño now. Remember, you can always take the seeds out if you don’t want it too spicy! Squeeze in the juice of one fresh lime – this is key for brightness – and stir in a couple of tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. Give it all a good mix, season with a pinch of salt to really make those flavors pop, and then pop that bowl in the fridge. It needs a little time for those flavors to get acquainted.
Crafting the Zesty Lime-Chili Sauce
Next up, the sauce! This is what ties everything together with a creamy, zesty, slightly spicy hug. In a small bowl, grab your Greek yogurt. I like using full-fat or 2% because it gives the sauce a really nice, smooth texture. If you want it extra rich, stir in that tablespoon of mayonnaise – it’s optional but totally worth it! Now, sprinkle in the chili powder. Start with a teaspoon; you can always add more if you like it spicier. Zest a whole lime right in there – that zest has so much amazing flavor! Then, squeeze in the juice from that same lime. A little drizzle of honey or agave nectar is perfect for balancing the tartness and spice. Whisk it all together until it’s super smooth and creamy. Taste it! Does it need more salt? More lime? A touch more honey? Adjust it until it tastes just right to you. This sauce is liquid gold, folks!
Grilling the Perfect Shrimp
Now for the star protein! Pat your shrimp really, really dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting a nice sear and preventing them from steaming instead of grilling. Once they’re dry, sprinkle them all over with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get a grill pan or a skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add just a drizzle of olive oil – you don’t want too much, or they’ll fry rather than grill. Carefully lay your seasoned shrimp in the hot pan. Don’t crowd the pan; cook them in batches if you need to. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for them to turn pink and get those lovely little charred edges. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery fast, so keep an eye on them! Once they’re done, take them right off the heat.
Assembling Your Delicious Bowls
Okay, the moment of truth! Grab your bowls. Start with a generous base of your cooked rice or quinoa. I love using quinoa for an extra protein boost, but rice is fantastic too. Pile on those beautifully grilled shrimp. Next, arrange your creamy, sliced avocado. Add a good scoop (or two!) of that bright, fresh mango salsa you made earlier. Drizzle that amazing lime-chili sauce all over everything – don’t be shy! Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, and serve it up with some lime wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of zing. Ta-da! Your gorgeous Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili are ready to devour!
Tips for Success with Your Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili
Want to make these Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a few little secrets! First off, ingredient quality really matters here. Make sure your mango is ripe and sweet – it makes a huge difference in the salsa. For the shrimp, patting them super dry before seasoning is key to getting that lovely sear. Don’t overcook them; they cook fast! If you’re not a fan of heat, just skip the jalapeño in the salsa or use a mild chili powder. And that lime-chili sauce? Taste and adjust it! It’s your sauce, make it sing to your taste buds. A little extra lime or a pinch more salt can elevate everything. You can also prep the salsa and sauce ahead of time, which makes assembly a total breeze!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Shrimp and Avocado Bowls
Let’s talk about some of the stars in these Shrimp and Avocado Bowls! For the mango, make sure it’s ripe – you want it soft and sweet, not hard and tart. If you can’t find a ripe mango, you could try using diced pineapple or even some sweet peaches in a pinch, though mango is really best here. For the lime-chili sauce, Greek yogurt is fantastic for creaminess, but if you don’t have it, sour cream or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative would work. The mayonnaise is totally optional; it just adds a little extra richness, but the sauce is still delicious without it! If you’re not a big fan of shrimp, no worries at all! Grilled chicken breast, firm tofu, or even some seasoned black beans would be wonderful substitutes. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is cooked nicely before adding it to your bowl. And for the base, while rice or quinoa are my go-tos, you could even use a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, salad-style bowl.
Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili
These vibrant Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili are pretty much a complete meal on their own, but if you want to round things out, I have a few ideas! A simple side of black beans, maybe seasoned with a little cumin and garlic, would be absolutely delicious and fits the theme perfectly. Some lightly dressed greens, like a simple romaine or mixed greens salad with a lime vinaigrette, add a nice fresh crunch. And for drinks? You can’t go wrong with a refreshing agua fresca, like a watermelon or cucumber lime, or even just some ice-cold water with extra lime wedges. It’s all about keeping those fresh, bright flavors going!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Shrimp and Avocado Bowls
Got leftovers of these amazing Shrimp and Avocado Bowls? Lucky you! The best way to store them is to keep the components separate if possible. If you’ve already assembled the bowls, pack them tightly in an airtight container. The shrimp and salsa should be good in the fridge for about 1-2 days, but honestly, the avocado is best eaten fresh, so I’d aim to enjoy leftovers within 24 hours. To reheat, you can gently warm the shrimp and base (rice or quinoa) in the microwave or on the stovetop. The lime-chili sauce is great cold, and the mango salsa is also best served fresh, so you might want to add those right before serving again. If you have separate components, store the shrimp and sauce in the fridge, and the salsa and avocado can be stored separately too, though avocado does best when dressed right before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili
Got questions about whipping up these fantastic Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few things folks often ask:
Q1. Can I make the mango salsa and lime-chili sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can totally make the mango salsa and the lime-chili sauce a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors actually meld together even better overnight! Just give them a good stir before assembling your bowls.
Q2. What if I don’t have a grill pan for the shrimp?
No worries at all! If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular skillet works just fine. You can also grill the shrimp on an outdoor grill if you have one. The key is to get the pan or grill nice and hot so the shrimp cook quickly and get those lovely little seared edges without getting tough.
Q3. How can I make these bowls spicier?
If you love a kick, there are a few ways to amp up the heat in your Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili! You can add more jalapeño to the mango salsa, or even leave the seeds in for extra fire. For the lime-chili sauce, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You could also season the shrimp with a spicier chili powder blend.
Q4. Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time too?
You can season the shrimp ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a few hours. However, I really recommend cooking them right before you assemble the bowls. Cooked shrimp are best enjoyed fresh; they can get a little chewy if reheated too much or stored for too long after cooking.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Please remember these are just estimates, as exact values will vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But for a general idea, one serving of these delicious Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili typically looks something like this:
| Serving Size | 1 bowl |
| Calories | Approx. 400-500 kcal |
| Fat | Approx. 15-25g |
| Protein | Approx. 25-35g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 40-50g |
5-Star Shrimp and Avocado Bowls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing bowl featuring grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet mango salsa, and a zesty lime-chili sauce served over rice or quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1–2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp honey or agave
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 diced mango
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside in the fridge.
- Make the lime-chili sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chili powder, lime zest and juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Assemble the bowls by adding a base of cooked rice or quinoa to each bowl. Arrange grilled shrimp, sliced avocado, and mango salsa on top.
- Drizzle lime-chili sauce generously over the bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted pepitas, chopped nuts, or tortilla strips over the bowls.
- Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- If you prefer, substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- To adjust spice levels, reduce or omit the jalapeño in the salsa or use mild chili powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired