Introduction

These Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa and Lime-Chili Sauce offer a vibrant, quick-prep meal perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and fresh mango salsa creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. For more fresh salsa inspiration, try this Best Homemade Salsa Recipe. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a healthy, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

This vibrant bowl combines juicy grilled shrimp with creamy avocado and sweet mango over a bed of fluffy rice and crisp greens, all drizzled with a zesty lime-chili sauce.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1-2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 1 large ripe mango, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
• 2-3 cups lettuce or other greens
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Lime-Chili Sauce:
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp honey or agave

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and measure them accurately before you begin. This ensures a smooth cooking process without interruptions.

Chop vegetables, measure spices, and have proteins ready to go. Proper preparation is key to successful cooking.

Step 2 — Preheat Your Cooking Surface

Preheat your oven to 375°F or your stovetop pan over medium-high heat. A properly heated surface ensures even cooking from the start.

For stovetop cooking, wait until a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately upon contact.

Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in your pan and add chopped onions, garlic, or other aromatics. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Stir frequently to prevent burning. The aroma should be noticeable but not acrid.

Step 4 — Cook Main Ingredients

Add your primary ingredients like meat or vegetables. For meats, cook until no longer pink or until internal temperature reaches safe levels.

Chicken should reach 165°F internally, while beef can be cooked to your preferred doneness.

Step 5 — Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in any broth, wine, or other liquids called for in your recipe. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavorful browned bits.

Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. Remember you can always add more seasoning later.

Step 6 — Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover if directed, or leave uncovered for reduction.

Simmering time will vary by recipe, but allow at least 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld properly.

Step 7 — Check for Doneness

Test vegetables for tenderness with a fork. Check meats with a thermometer for proper internal temperatures.

Sauces should coat the back of a spoon, and grains should be cooked through but not mushy.

Step 8 — Adjust Seasoning and Texture

Taste your dish and adjust salt, acid, or sweetness as needed. If too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add more liquid.

Balance is key—aim for harmonious flavors where no single element dominates.

Step 9 — Rest and Serve

Allow meats to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Let casseroles settle for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of oil for visual appeal and added flavor dimension.

Nutritional Information

Calories	…
Protein	…
Carbohydrates	…
Fat	…
Fiber	…
Sodium	…

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey — Lighter protein with savory poultry notes, perfect for meatballs and sauces
• Cauliflower rice — Lower-carb base with mild, nutty flavor that absorbs seasonings well
• Coconut milk — Creamy dairy-free alternative with subtle tropical sweetness for curries and soups
• Almond flour — Gluten-free baking option with rich, buttery taste and tender crumb
• Nutritional yeast — Cheesy, umami flavor without dairy, ideal for sauces and toppings
• Fresh herbs — Bold, aromatic flavor boost to reduce sodium while enhancing freshness
• Avocado oil — Neutral high-heat oil with heart-healthy fats for sautéing and dressings

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a light lunch.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a comforting dinner.
• Perfect for picnics and potlucks when portioned into individual containers.
• Elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
• Create an elegant appetizer by serving in small ramekins or on toasted crostini.
• Complement with a glass of chilled white wine for a sophisticated meal.

These serving ideas help transform this dish to suit any occasion, from casual family meals to more formal gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure proper browning and avoid steaming your ingredients.
• Mistake: Not preheating your cooking surface. Fix: Always allow your pan or oven to fully preheat for even cooking and better texture.
• Mistake: Inaccurate ingredient measurements. Fix: Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with baking, as volume measurements can vary.
• Mistake: Overmixing batters and doughs. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which leads to toughness.
• Mistake: Underseasoning throughout the cooking process. Fix: Season in layers, tasting as you go, to build a more complex and balanced flavor profile.
• Mistake: Using dull knives. Fix: Keep your knives sharp for safer, more efficient prep and cleaner cuts that cook evenly.
• Mistake: Ignoring resting times for meat. Fix: Let cooked meat rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
• Mistake: Substituting ingredients without considering their role. Fix: Understand the function of an ingredient (e.g., leavening, fat, flavor) before making a swap.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), either in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.

Always use shallow containers for quicker cooling and to maintain food safety.

Conclusion

These vibrant shrimp and avocado bowls with mango salsa are a perfect, healthy meal. If you enjoy seafood dishes, you might also love our Fish Tacos. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below—subscribe for more fresh recipes!

Print

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A vibrant and fresh bowl featuring sautéed shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet mango salsa, and a tangy lime-chili sauce served over rice and greens.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1–2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 1 large ripe mango, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
• 2–3 cups lettuce or other greens
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Lime-Chili Sauce:
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp honey or agave

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
3. Mix diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper to make the mango salsa.
4. Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chili powder, lime zest and juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the lime-chili sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Assemble the bowl with mixed greens, cooked rice, cooked shrimp, sliced avocado, and mango salsa.
6. Drizzle with lime-chili sauce, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Use ripe mango and avocado for the best flavor. Adjust the jalapeño amount in the salsa to control the heat level. The lime-chili sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 190mg

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be prepared in advance. Follow the instructions up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for best results.

What can I use as a substitute for buttermilk?

You can create a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the recipe for up to five days or freeze it for up to three months.