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

Succulent grilled shrimp nestled alongside creamy avocado slices and vibrant mango salsa creates a tropical flavor explosion in every bite. These colorful bowls deliver the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, all brought together with a zesty lime-chili sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that brightens even the most ordinary weeknight.

I first created these bowls after returning from a beach vacation where fresh seafood and tropical fruits dominated every menu. Wanting to recapture that carefree vacation feeling at home, I experimented until finding this perfect combination of flavors. The way the sweet mango plays against the smoky shrimp while the creamy avocado and zingy sauce tie everything together creates pure magic in a bowl. My family now requests these "vacation bowls" whenever we need a mood boost, proving that sometimes the right meal can transport you to your happy place regardless of your actual location.

Fresh Ingredient Selection

• Large Shrimp: Provides satisfying, protein-rich bites that cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully
• Ripe Mango: Offers tropical sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the entire dish
• Creamy Avocado: Contributes buttery richness and healthy fats that balance the bold flavors
• Jasmine Rice: Creates a fragrant, slightly sticky base that absorbs the delicious sauces
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, vibrant flavor and beautiful purple color to the mango salsa
• Fresh Jalapeño: Provides customizable heat that wakes up your taste buds
• Fresh Cilantro: Infuses bright, herbaceous notes throughout the dish
• Greek Yogurt: Forms the tangy, creamy base for the lime-chili sauce
• Fresh Lime: Contributes essential acidity and zesty brightness to both the salsa and sauce
• Chili Powder: Adds smoky depth and beautiful color to both the shrimp and sauce
• Honey: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness in the lime-chili sauce

Creating Bowl Perfection

Craft Vibrant Mango Salsa:

Combine diced ripe mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Toss gently to combine, then refrigerate while preparing the other components. This brief resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop complexity.

Mix Zesty Lime-Chili Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste, adding more lime for tanginess or honey for sweetness as needed. The sauce should be creamy yet pourable.

Prepare Perfect Shrimp:

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season generously with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, then cook shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook.

Slice Avocado With Care:

Cut ripe avocados in half, remove the pit, and slice into thin segments while still in the skin. Using a large spoon, gently scoop the slices out intact. This method preserves the beautiful shape while preventing the avocado from becoming mushy.

Prepare Grain Base:

Cook jasmine rice according to package directions, then fluff with a fork and season lightly with salt. For added flavor, consider cooking the rice in coconut milk or chicken broth instead of water.

Assemble With Artistry:

Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls, creating an even base. Arrange grilled shrimp, avocado slices, and a generous spoonful of mango salsa atop the rice, keeping each component separate for visual appeal. Drizzle the lime-chili sauce over everything, allowing it to pool slightly in the bowl.

Finish With Freshness:

Garnish each bowl with additional chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and perhaps a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or toasted coconut flakes for texture contrast. These final touches add both flavor and visual appeal.

Serve Immediately:

Present bowls while the shrimp is still warm and the contrasting temperatures—warm shrimp and rice against cool avocado and salsa—create a delightful sensory experience.

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My family particularly loves these bowls during warm weather months when mangoes are at their peak sweetness. I've found that adding diced pineapple to the mango salsa creates an even more tropical variation that's especially popular with the children. My husband prefers his bowl with additional jalapeño for extra heat, while I enjoy adding sliced radishes for their peppery crunch.

I originally developed this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed to use the ingredients in my refrigerator before leaving for a trip. The combination was so successful that it's become one of our most-requested meals year-round. The bright flavors and beautiful presentation elevate everyday dinner into something special, proving that thoughtful combinations of simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

Perfect Pairings

These vibrant bowls shine alongside complementary beverages and sides that enhance their tropical essence. Serve with ice-cold coconut water or a chilled limeade for refreshing hydration that echoes the bowl's flavors. For a more festive occasion, pair with frozen mango margaritas or mojitos garnished with fresh mint. As a side, offer warm corn tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for scooping up any escaped salsa. For a full spread, start with a simple guacamole and chips before serving these bowls as the main course. End the meal with a light coconut sorbet or grilled pineapple for dessert to maintain the tropical theme from start to finish.

Creative Variations

Transform these versatile bowls by exploring different protein and produce combinations while maintaining the tropical spirit. Create a Polynesian-inspired version by substituting grilled pineapple for mango and adding a drizzle of teriyaki glaze. For a Caribbean twist, use jerk-seasoned shrimp and add black beans to the rice. Vegetarians might enjoy substituting the shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu seasoned with the same spice blend. For a heartier option, replace the rice with quinoa or farro for added protein and texture. Seafood lovers can use a combination of shrimp and scallops for an elevated version perfect for entertaining.

Storage Solutions

Maximize the freshness of these vibrant bowls with smart storage strategies for components and leftovers. Store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, keeping it separate from other components until serving. The mango salsa will keep for up to three days refrigerated, though its texture is best within the first 24 hours. Prepare the lime-chili sauce up to five days ahead, storing in a sealed jar or container. For rice, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days, adding a splash of water when reheating to restore moisture. Slice avocados just before serving to prevent browning. For meal prep, portion all components except avocado and sauce into containers, adding these fresh elements right before eating.

I've served these bowls at countless summer gatherings, from casual family dinners to backyard parties, and they never fail to impress with their vibrant appearance and complex flavors. What makes them truly special is how they bring people together—there's something magical about a meal that encourages sharing and customizing to individual tastes. The first time I made these for friends, conversation practically stopped as everyone savored their first few bites. That moment of food-induced joy is what cooking is all about for me. No matter what's happening in our busy lives, these colorful bowls have a way of brightening the table and creating a miniature vacation experience, even if just for one meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these bowls ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the components separately and store in the refrigerator. The mango salsa and lime-chili sauce will keep for 2-3 days. Cook the shrimp just before serving for the best texture, or reheat gently if prepared ahead.

→ What can I use instead of shrimp?

This recipe works great with grilled chicken, salmon, or for a vegetarian option, try grilled tofu or black beans. The tropical flavors of the mango salsa and lime-chili sauce complement many proteins.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sauce?

Absolutely! Replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or use all mayonnaise instead. Coconut yogurt makes a great tropical-flavored substitute that complements the other ingredients well.

→ What other grains can I use for the base?

Besides rice or quinoa, these bowls work well with cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option), farro, couscous, or even a bed of mixed greens if you prefer a lighter meal.

→ How spicy is this dish?

With the jalapeño in the salsa and chili powder in the sauce, it has a mild-to-medium heat level. You can easily adjust the spice by omitting the jalapeño, reducing the chili powder, or using a milder chili powder variety.