These Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls combine spicy, citrus-infused shrimp with creamy avocado, crisp greens, and a tangy cilantro-lime sauce. They’re vibrant, nutritious, and ready in just 25 minutes—ideal for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with fresh flavors and satisfying textures, these bowls are a balanced meal in one dish. The shrimp’s smoky spice blends beautifully with creamy avocado and bright rice. Topped with a zesty, herb-rich sauce, each bite is refreshing and wholesome. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality bowl at home effortlessly.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lime

For the Bowls:

2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
1 large avocado, sliced
½ cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
¼ cup sliced green onions or red cabbage (optional)

For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon lime zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon chili flakes or hot sauce (optional)

directions

Season and Cook Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until charred and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, minced garlic, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, salt, pepper, and chili flakes or hot sauce (if using). Whisk until creamy, then chill until ready to serve.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with shredded lettuce or spinach, avocado slices, grilled shrimp, and optional green onions or cabbage.
Dress and Serve
Drizzle each bowl generously with cilantro-lime sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 bowls
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Approximate calories per serving: 410 kcal

Variations

Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken, tofu, or fish instead of shrimp.
Grain Alternatives: Substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro.
Add Fresh Veggies: Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or roasted corn.
Extra Heat: Add chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace yogurt with mashed avocado or dairy-free yogurt; skip mayonnaise.

storage/reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep sauce chilled. Reheat shrimp and rice gently in the microwave or skillet until warmed. Add fresh toppings and sauce before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess water.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Grill on a barbecue or indoor grill for 2–3 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.

How can I make the sauce smoother?

Blend all sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender for extra silkiness.

Is it suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Assemble components for several bowls in advance and combine when ready to eat.

Can I omit the dairy in the sauce?

Yes, substitute yogurt and mayo with mashed avocado or a dairy-free alternative.

How spicy is the cayenne and chili flakes?

They provide a mild heat. Omit or adjust to taste if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I add extra greens?

Yes—kale, arugula, or mixed greens are all great additions.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss slices in lime juice and add them to the bowls just before serving.

Can this be served cold?

Yes, it also works as a chilled bowl; just drizzle with sauce before eating.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily—just adjust cooking time for shrimp batches.

Conclusion

Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce are a colorful, flavorful, and nutrient-packed meal. Quick to prepare and fully customizable, this dish brings bright, fresh flavors to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a wholesome meal prep solution—dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!