Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick, fresh, and visually stunning dinner, these Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce are a must-try. Packed with tropical flavors, creamy avocado, juicy shrimp, and a zesty lime-chili drizzle, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a light but satisfying lunch.

From the bright, fruity mango salsa to the perfectly grilled shrimp, every bite is a harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Here’s a complete, SEO-optimized guide to making this delicious dish at home, with step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and nutritional information.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, including prep and cooking.
• Fresh and healthy: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
• Colorful and Instagram-worthy: Perfect for sharing or impressing guests.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
• Meal prep friendly: Ingredients can be prepped in advance for quick assembly later.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 bowls.

For the Shrimp Marinade

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 lime, juiced

For the Mango Salsa

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

For the Lime-Chili Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin)
• Pinch of salt

Additional Components

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• Extra lime wedges for garnish
• Fresh cilantro or green onion for topping (optional)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Grill pan, outdoor grill, or stovetop skillet
• Spoon or spatula for tossing
• Whisk for lime-chili sauce
• Rice cooker or pot for rice
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and set aside for 15–20 minutes. This step infuses the shrimp with flavor while allowing the natural juices to stay locked in.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Cook white or brown rice according to package directions. Once done, fluff with a fork and keep warm. Rice acts as the base of the bowl, providing a neutral backdrop for the vibrant toppings.

Step 3: Make the Mango Salsa

In a separate bowl, gently combine diced mango, tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Chill the salsa for at least a few minutes to let the flavors meld. The salsa adds sweetness, acidity, and crunch to balance the rich shrimp and creamy avocado.

Step 4: Whisk the Lime-Chili Sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, chili garlic sauce, water, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the water to achieve a drizzling consistency. This sauce adds spicy tang and creaminess, tying all the elements together.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Don’t overcook, as shrimp become rubbery quickly.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

1. Start with a base of rice in each bowl.
2. Arrange shrimp on top.
3. Add sliced avocado.
4. Spoon mango salsa over the shrimp and avocado.
5. Drizzle lime-chili sauce over everything.
6. Garnish with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, or green onions as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Avocado & Mango Selection: Choose ripe but firm avocados and mangoes for the best texture and presentation.
• Marinating Shrimp: Even a short marination enhances flavor dramatically. Don’t skip it.
• Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño or chili garlic sauce for your preferred heat.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Keep shrimp, rice, salsa, and sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
• Protein Variations: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh for an alternative protein option.
• Rice Alternatives: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for different textures and nutritional profiles.

Flavor Profile

• Sweet & tropical: Mango adds natural sweetness that complements the creamy avocado.
• Savory & smoky: Grilled shrimp with paprika and cumin delivers depth.
• Tangy & zesty: Lime juice in marinade and sauce brightens every bite.
• Creamy & spicy: Lime-chili sauce adds richness with a gentle kick.
• Fresh & herbaceous: Cilantro and optional green onion garnish bring a bright finish.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g, Unsaturated Fat: 18 g)
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Cholesterol: 180 mg

Dietary Notes: High-protein, healthy fats, moderate carbs. Naturally gluten-free. Can be made lower-carb using cauliflower rice.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Shrimp: Marinate ahead, then grill just before serving.
• Rice: Cook in advance and store in an airtight container.
• Mango Salsa: Make a day ahead; keeps well in the fridge for 1–2 days.
• Sauce: Prepare and store separately in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

Q: Can this be made vegetarian?
A: Replace shrimp with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: Mild by default; adjust jalapeño and chili sauce to your preference.

Q: Can I use other fruits for salsa?
A: Absolutely! Try pineapple, peach, or papaya for a different tropical twist.

Q: Can I assemble bowls ahead of time?
A: Prep all components separately, but assemble just before serving to keep avocado fresh and shrimp warm.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Shrimp Marination	15–20 minutes
Rice Cooking	15–20 minutes
Salsa Prep	5 minutes
Sauce Prep	5 minutes
Shrimp Cooking	6 minutes
Assembly	5 minutes
Total	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with extra lime wedges for added brightness.
• Add a side of leafy greens or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Perfect for lunchboxes or meal prep bowls, with components kept separate until serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Mango Shrimp Bowls: Add extra jalapeño or sriracha for heat.
2. Grilled Chicken Version: Swap shrimp for thinly sliced grilled chicken breasts.
3. Low-Carb Bowls: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
4. Tropical Fruit Mix: Mix mango with pineapple or papaya in the salsa.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp

• Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, making it a lean, flavorful protein source.
• Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for even cooking and easy eating.

Mango

• Mango adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
• Use firm but ripe mangoes to avoid a mushy texture in the salsa.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly; remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
• Marinate briefly: Even 15 minutes enhances flavor without making shrimp mushy.
• Balance flavors: The sweet mango, spicy sauce, and creamy avocado create a perfect contrast in every bite.
• Layer thoughtfully: Place heavier components like rice at the bottom, and delicate ingredients like avocado on top to maintain presentation.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Shrimp: Best cooked fresh; can freeze raw shrimp in marinade for up to 1 month.
• Rice: Store separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Mango Salsa: Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Avocado: Slice fresh before serving; store halves with lime juice to reduce browning.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Bowl)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	30 g
Fat	24 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Unsaturated Fat	18 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	10 g
Sodium	680 mg
Cholesterol	180 mg

Expanded Conclusion

These Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce are the perfect combination of flavor, color, and nutrition. With juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, zesty lime-chili sauce, and sweet tropical salsa, this dish is a complete meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead, or looking for a fresh and healthy lunch, these bowls deliver bold flavor and balanced nutrition with minimal effort. Give it a try, experiment with toppings, and enjoy a tropical feast right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make meals that don’t compromise on taste. Serve it up, snap a photo, and savor the explosion of flavors in every bite!

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