Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors and a little kick, these Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa will steal your heart! Sweet, juicy mango and creamy avocado balance smoky, chili-lime shrimp, all nestled together with fluffy rice and crunchy cabbage. This is a bowl that’s as sunny and bold as summer itself—a feast for your taste buds and your eyes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients, Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa truly come to life. Each component has a role to play—whether it’s crunch, heat, or a pop of color—and together, they create a perfectly balanced meal you’ll crave over and over.

• Raw Shrimp (1 lb, peeled & deveined): Opt for large or extra-large shrimp for juicy, satisfying bites—the star protein that soaks up all those bold spices.
• Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Helps the spices stick to the shrimp and ensures everything cooks up golden and flavorful.
• Chili Powder (2 tsp) & Cumin (1 tsp): This dynamic duo brings smoky, earthy warmth that makes the shrimp pop.
• Salt (1 tsp), Smoked Paprika (½ tsp), Garlic Powder (½ tsp), Black Pepper (¼ tsp), Cayenne Pepper (⅛ tsp, optional): A robust blend that creates layers of flavor and that classic zesty finish.
• Shredded Green Cabbage: Adds crunch, freshness, and balances the heat—plus, it keeps every bowl feeling light.
• White Rice, Cooked: Perfect for soaking up all those juices and flavors; swap for brown rice or cauliflower rice, if you like.
• Limes, for Serving: The finishing touch—lime wedges squeezed over the top wake everything up.
• Tortilla Chips (optional): Great for scooping or snacking alongside each bowl.
• Mango (2 small or 1 large, diced): Sweet, sunshiny mango contrasts beautifully with the chili-lime shrimp.
• Avocado (1 large, diced): Adds creamy richness and a touch of luxury to every bite.
• Red Onion (¼ cup, chopped): For color and a sharp crunch to brighten the salsa.
• Jalapeño (1, deseeded & finely chopped): A hit of heat that you can adjust to your liking—leave out for milder salsa.
• Cilantro (2 Tbsp, chopped): Fresh, herbal flavor that ties the salsa together.
• Lime Juice (from 1 lime): Brings all the salsa ingredients to life with tangy brightness.

Variations

One of the most delightful things about Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa is just how flexible they are! You can easily swap, add, or omit ingredients to suit your taste buds, dietary goals, or simply what’s in your fridge tonight.

• Grain Swap: Try brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice to fit your grain preference or add extra fiber.
• Protein Switch: Substitute the shrimp for grilled chicken, tofu, or even flaky fish for a delicious twist.
• No-Mango Salsa: Swap in pineapple or peaches for a different fruit-forward salsa that still brings sweetness and color.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp entirely and pile on black beans or crispy chickpeas for plant-based protein.
• Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes, shredded carrots, or chopped bell pepper for more texture and color.

How to Make Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Make the Mango-Avocado Salsa

Start by preparing your salsa so the flavors can meld while the shrimp cooks. Combine the diced mango, creamy avocado, red onion, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice in a large bowl. Toss everything together and give it a taste—add a little more lime if you want extra brightness. This salsa truly makes each bite of Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa unforgettable, so don’t skimp on the citrus!

Step 2: Mix the Shrimp Seasoning

Next, stir together the chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne (if you like it spicy) in a small dish. This powerful spice mix gives the shrimp its signature zesty character—the secret behind every bold, mouthwatering forkful.

Step 3: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels (this helps them sear nicely). Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, then sprinkle over the spice mixture. Mix until each shrimp is fully and evenly coated—this step is your ticket to that crave-worthy color and deep flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly golden around the edges. You may need to cook in batches—the secret is not to crowd the pan so the shrimp sear, not steam.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Spoon a bed of warm white rice into each bowl, then layer with the freshly cooked shrimp, vibrant green cabbage, and a generous helping of mango-avocado salsa. Finish with a hearty squeeze of lime—and don’t forget a few tortilla chips on the side if you’re feeling festive. Your Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa are ready to devour!

How to Serve Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño, or an extra squeeze of lime juice over the top make these bowls look (and taste!) even more irresistible. If you like a bit of crunch, add a handful of toasted pepitas or a scattering of crumbly queso fresco for another layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

While Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa are wonderfully filling on their own, they pair beautifully with a side of warm tortilla chips or soft corn tortillas. If you’re feeding a crowd, serve with a light cucumber salad or smoky grilled corn to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Pile everything inside lettuce cups for hand-held bites, layer into mason jars for vibrant picnic lunches, or serve “taco-bar style” for build-your-own fun at parties. The bright colors and textures of these Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa are guaranteed to impress however you serve them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa, store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This way, everything stays fresh and the flavors don’t muddle, especially those bright salsa notes.

Freezing

While rice and shrimp freeze well, the mango-avocado salsa is best enjoyed fresh. If you want to freeze shrimp, cool them completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Make a new batch of salsa just before serving for maximum color and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the shrimp and rice in a skillet or microwave until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp so they stay tender and juicy. Add the salsa and fresh toppings after everything’s reheated for that same vibrant crunch and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s bursting with sunshine and bold flavors, you can’t go wrong with Zesty Shrimp Bowls with Mango-Avocado Salsa. Colorful, delicious, and wonderfully easy, these bowls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen—don’t be surprised if you start craving them all year long!

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