Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa

Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa are the fresh, vibrant dinner solution that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in just 20 minutes. These colorful bowls combine perfectly seasoned shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet mango salsa, and zesty lime-chili sauce for a meal that feels indulgent while being incredibly healthy and satisfying.

Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something light yet filling, or for impressive dinner parties that require minimal effort but deliver maximum wow factor. The bright tropical flavors transport you straight to a beachside café, making every bite feel like a mini vacation on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
• Light and healthy but completely satisfying and full of flavor
• Beautiful presentation that impresses guests with zero stress
• Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for various diets
• Fresh tropical flavors that taste like summer year-round

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
• Serving bowls

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 large mango, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• Juice of 2 limes
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Ingredient Notes

Fresh shrimp work best here, but frozen shrimp are perfectly fine – just thaw them completely and pat very dry before cooking to get that nice sear. Look for wild-caught shrimp when possible for better flavor and sustainability. Size-wise, medium to large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) are ideal for these bowls.

The mango should be ripe but still firm enough to dice cleanly without turning mushy. To test ripeness, give it a gentle squeeze – it should yield slightly but not feel soft. The jalapeño is optional but adds a nice kick; remove all the seeds and membranes for mild heat, or leave some seeds in if you like it spicy. Fresh cilantro is essential here – the bright, citrusy flavor really makes the dish pop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Mango Salsa

In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and half the cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Toss gently to combine and set aside to let the flavors meld while you cook the shrimp.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a good sear. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Toss the shrimp in this seasoning mixture until evenly coated on all sides.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with slightly crispy edges.

The shrimp will curl into a C-shape when perfectly cooked – avoid overcooking or they’ll become rubbery. Remove from heat and squeeze the remaining lime juice over the shrimp.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocados

While the shrimp cool slightly, dice the avocados into bite-sized cubes. To prevent browning, you can toss them with a tiny squeeze of lime juice.

Step 5: Make the Lime-Chili Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of chili powder. This quick sauce adds an extra layer of brightness and ties all the components together beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the diced avocado among serving bowls as your base. Top with the cooked shrimp, then add a generous scoop of mango salsa. Drizzle the lime-chili sauce over everything, garnish with the remaining fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Buy pre-peeled shrimp to save time on prep work
• Make the mango salsa up to 4 hours ahead for deeper flavor
• Use a grill pan for beautiful char marks on the shrimp
• Add cooked quinoa or rice to make the bowls more filling
• Double the lime-chili sauce – it’s addictively good on everything

Tips & Variations

Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado is best diced fresh, but you can prep everything else ahead. Reheat shrimp gently to avoid overcooking, or serve cold over salad greens for a refreshing twist.

Try substituting grilled chicken or seared scallops for the shrimp, or make it vegetarian with crispy tofu. Add black beans and corn for a Southwest-inspired version, or swap the mango for pineapple or peaches when in season. For a spicy kick, add sriracha or hot sauce to the lime-chili drizzle.

Serving Suggestions

These bowls are perfect on their own but pair beautifully with tortilla chips or crispy tostadas for scooping. Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a simple cucumber salad. For drinks, try pairing with a cold Mexican beer, margaritas, or fresh agua fresca for a complete tropical experience.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the shrimp – they cook fast so watch them closely
• Not drying shrimp before cooking – wet shrimp steam instead of searing
• Using unripe mango – it won’t have the sweet tropical flavor you need
• Prepping avocado too far ahead – it will brown and look unappetizing
• Forgetting to season each component – every element needs salt and acid

What to Serve With Shrimp and Avocado Bowls

These bowls pair perfectly with crispy plantain chips, elote (Mexican street corn), or a simple arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve over coconut rice or with warm flour tortillas on the side for building your own tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen mango?

Yes, but thaw completely and drain well since frozen mango releases water. Fresh mango has better texture for the salsa.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, curl into a C-shape, and feel firm. This takes just 2-3 minutes per side.

Can I make this dairy-free?

This recipe is already naturally dairy-free! Just double-check that your seasonings don’t contain any hidden dairy.

What if I can’t find fresh cilantro?

Fresh parsley works as a substitute, though the flavor will be different. You could also use fresh mint for a unique twist.

How do I cut a mango easily?

Stand the mango on end and slice down both sides of the flat pit. Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern, then scoop out with a spoon.

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