Fresh, vibrant, and ridiculously satisfying — these Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce are perfect for quick dinners, healthy meal prep, or a light but filling lunch. You get juicy seasoned shrimp, creamy avocado, fluffy rice, and a bright, tangy sauce that ties everything together in one delicious bowl.
Here’s a flavorful, easy version you can make at home.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt & black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lime
For the Bowls
2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
1–2 ripe avocados, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves
Cilantro Lime Sauce
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
¼ cup fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small garlic clove
Salt & pepper to taste
Splash of water (if needed for consistency)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cilantro Lime Sauce
Blend yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust thickness with a little water if needed. Chill while preparing the rest.
2️⃣ Season & Cook the Shrimp
Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Cook in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Don’t overcook — shrimp cook fast!
3️⃣ Prepare the Rice Base
Warm cooked rice and fluff with a fork. For extra flavor, mix in a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bowls
Divide rice into serving bowls. Top with shrimp, avocado slices, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cilantro.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Drizzle generously with cilantro lime sauce. Add extra lime wedges or chili flakes if you like a little heat.
💡 Flavor Tips & Easy Upgrades
Add black beans for extra protein and fiber
Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Toss rice with chopped cilantro for a fresher taste
Add mango or pineapple for a sweet tropical twist
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch
🔄 Variations
🌶️ Spicy Chipotle Version
Add chipotle powder or adobo sauce to the shrimp seasoning.
🥗 Meal Prep Friendly
Store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating to keep avocado fresh.
🐟 Salmon Swap
Replace shrimp with grilled salmon or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
🧊 Storage
Shrimp: up to 3 days refrigerated
Sauce: up to 4 days refrigerated
Rice bowls (without avocado): meal prep for 3–4 days
Add avocado fresh right before serving to avoid browning.
🌟 Final Thoughts
These Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce hit that perfect balance — fresh, creamy, tangy, and just a little spicy. They’re colorful enough for social media, nutritious enough for everyday eating, and simple enough to make even on busy weeknights.