Name: Baja Shrimp Bowl (Grain Bowl Salad)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 28, 2026

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of a Baja Shrimp Bowl, a tantalizing grain bowl salad featuring marinated shrimp, fresh lettuce, creamy avocado, tangy pickled onions, and a zesty cilantro garlic sauce. Customizable and versatile, this recipe allows you to mix and match ingredients like mango salsa, edamame salad, and more. Elevate your taste buds with this colorful and satisfying dish inspired by the sunny shores of Baja California.

Baja Shrimp Bowl (Grain Bowl Salad) cover

From the Cook

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Baja Shrimp Bowl (Grain Bowl Salad)

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningShellfish and 3 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Cooking the Shrimp

In a plastic bag, combine the oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, onion powder, paprika, freshly ground pepper, and salt). Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences.

Seal the bag tightly and shake it well to mix the ingredients and create the marinade.

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the plastic bag. Seal the bag securely, ensuring there are no leaks.

Gently massage the shrimp in the bag, making sure they are evenly coated with the marinade.

Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.

Remove the shrimp from the bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.

Grill the shrimp on the preheated grill or cook them in a hot pan for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain their tenderness.

Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill or pan and serve immediately.

Enjoy the flavorful marinated shrimp as an appetizer, in salads, or as a main course.

Make the Cilantro Garlic Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the full-fat Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, chopped cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined. If using roasted garlic cloves, ensure they are soft and tender before blending.

Making Grain Bowl

Prepare your chosen grain (barley, quinoa, rice) according to the package instructions. Fluff it up and set it aside.

Take your serving bowls and start by adding a generous portion of the prepared grain as the base.

Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the grain, placing them as the centerpiece of each bowl.

Surround the shrimp with fresh lettuce leaves.

Slice a ripe avocado and divide the slices among the bowls, placing them next to the shrimp.

Sprinkle some tangy pickled onions over the bowls, adjusting the amount to your taste preferences.

Finally, drizzle the cilantro garlic sauce generously over the entire bowl, ensuring each ingredient gets coated in the flavorful sauce.

Serve the Baja Shrimp Bowl with a lime wedge on the side, allowing your guests to squeeze some fresh lime juice over their bowls for added tanginess if desired.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Shrimp Marinade Magic 🦐
Marinate shrimp for no more than 15 minutes to prevent the lime juice from breaking down the delicate protein and turning them tough.
Grain Bowl Base Technique 🥣
Toast your chosen grain (quinoa, rice, or farro) in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall texture.
Pickled Onion Pro Tip 🧅
Quick-pickle red onions by soaking in lime juice and salt for 30 minutes to soften their sharp bite and add a bright, tangy element to the bowl.
Shrimp Seasoning Hack 🌶️
Mix your dry spices (paprika, cumin, chili powder) in advance and store in an airtight container for consistent, perfectly balanced seasoning every time.
Avocado Fresh Preservation 🥑
Cut avocado just before serving and sprinkle with lime juice to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color and creamy texture.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.