Name: Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for coating; 1 cup Jasmine rice, cooked according to package instructions; ⅓ pineapple, diced; ¼ red onion, diced; 1 Roma tomato, diced; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes, to taste; ½ avocado; 2 tbsp Greek yogurt; ¼ cup cilantro; 2 green onion stems; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; ⅓ cup water (adjust for desired consistency); 1 avocado, sliced

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hey, friend! Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with this Shrimp & Rice Bowl, topped off with a refreshing pineapple salsa that will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe combines the juicy, tender shrimp with a savory base of rice, balanced perfectly by the bright, sweet notes of pineapple. It’s a little bit tropical, a little bit savory, and a whole lot of delicious. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even for a get-together with friends, it’s sure to shine. Here’s why this bowl will become your new go-to:

Versatile: You can easily adapt it for any occasion. Want a light weeknight dinner? Done. Hosting a casual get-together? This is your dish. You can even prep everything ahead and have a stress-free meal ready in no time.
Budget-Friendly: Using ingredients that are likely already in your pantry and fridge, this meal delivers big on flavor without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those pantry staples while still feeling fancy!
Quick and Easy: The steps are simple and straightforward, perfect for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the salsa is a breeze to whip up.
Customizable: Love extra spice? Add a dash of chili powder to your shrimp or salsa. Want to keep it milder? Leave out the jalapeños. This dish is all about making it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: This one’s a crowd favorite. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends, everyone will love how fresh and vibrant this bowl tastes. The balance of flavors is chef’s kiss.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to bring this bowl to life:

Shrimp: The star of the show! These little guys bring a satisfying, tender bite with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with all the fresh ingredients in this dish.
Rice: A fluffy bed to soak up all the flavors. I love using jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and soft texture, but feel free to use whatever rice you prefer.
Pineapple: Fresh, juicy, and sweet! The pineapple salsa is what takes this dish from good to amazing. Its sweetness balances perfectly with the savory shrimp.
Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, this herb adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the salsa.
Lime: A squeeze of lime brings brightness and acidity to both the shrimp and the salsa, making everything taste just a little more vibrant.
Jalapeño: For those who like a little kick, this adds a mild heat to the salsa. If you’re not into spicy, you can always leave it out.
Avocado: Creamy and rich, the avocado is the perfect addition to the bowl, giving it a smooth texture that complements the other ingredients.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle over the shrimp while cooking adds flavor and ensures they’re perfectly seared.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering bowl:

Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large pan over medium heat and drizzle it with a bit of olive oil. We want it hot and ready for those shrimp.
Cook the Shrimp: Season your shrimp with a little salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice. Once the pan is hot, toss the shrimp in and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and perfectly tender.
Make the Pineapple Salsa: In a bowl, combine your diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, jalapeño (if using), diced avocado, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Stir it all together and season with a pinch of salt to taste. This salsa is fresh, zesty, and oh-so-delicious.
Assemble the Bowl: Start with a scoop of cooked rice in each bowl, then top it with the cooked shrimp. Spoon a generous amount of pineapple salsa on top, and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. You can even throw in a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit more heat, if you like!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more special with a few simple accompaniments:

Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the rich and sweet flavors of the shrimp and salsa.
Grilled Veggies: Think roasted asparagus or grilled bell peppers. A smoky veggie side pairs wonderfully with the tropical shrimp.
Tortillas: If you want to make it a more casual meal, serve the shrimp and salsa in soft tortillas for a fun taco-style meal.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt balances the spice and adds an extra layer of richness.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Make the salsa the night before and store it in an airtight container. This lets the flavors marinate, making it even more delicious the next day.
Make it Spicy: If you love spice, add some chili powder to the shrimp or a bit more jalapeño to the salsa.
Storage Tips: Store leftover shrimp and rice in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For the salsa, store it separately and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Rice Options: You can use quinoa or brown rice if you prefer. Both work great and add a different texture to the bowl.
Double the Shrimp: If you want more shrimp or plan on leftovers, don’t be afraid to double the amount—shrimp keeps really well for a day or two!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken or tofu would be great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the rice, shrimp, and salsa ahead of time and store them separately. Just assemble when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the shrimp and rice in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the salsa separate for the freshest taste.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While the shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months, the salsa is best eaten fresh. I’d recommend freezing only the shrimp and rice.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat the shrimp?
A5: Reheat the shrimp gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking. You can also microwave the rice.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! This recipe is super easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd. Just double the ingredients and make sure to cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.

Q7: What kind of rice should I use?
A7: I recommend jasmine rice for its aroma and texture, but any long-grain rice or even quinoa works just as well.

Q8: Can I add other toppings to this dish?
A8: Yes, feel free to add things like crumbled feta, sliced radishes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little extra flair!

Q9: Is this dish gluten-free?
A9: Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and ensure your other ingredients are free of gluten.

Q10: Can I use canned pineapple for the salsa?
A10: Fresh pineapple is best for its sweetness and texture, but canned pineapple can work if fresh is unavailable. Just be sure to drain it well.

Conclusion

There you have it! The Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is a tropical delight that combines fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it at a gathering, this dish will always hit the spot. So grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it!