Succulent grilled shrimp delivers a satisfying protein punch, while creamy avocado provides heart-healthy fats. A comforting bed of rice serves as the foundation, and a zesty, creamy herb sauce ties every element together with a fresh, vibrant finish. This recipe is versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a summer gathering with friends. It’s also an absolute superstar for meal prep, as each component can be prepared ahead and assembled in minutes when you’re ready to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced: Each bowl offers a complete nutritional profile with lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats for sustained energy.
• WW-Friendly: Thoughtfully crafted to be low in Weight Watchers SmartPoints without ever sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
• Fresh & Flavorful: A bright combination of fresh herbs, garlic, zesty lemon, and creamy avocado makes every bite pop.
• Completely Customizable: Easily swap the base with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or your favorite grain to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Prepare the components in advance and store them separately for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Grilled Shrimp

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a touch of heat)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Rice Bowl

• 2 cups cooked brown rice (from about 1 cup uncooked)
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional, for crunch)

For the Creamy Herb Sauce

• ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or dill, chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the peeled shrimp and toss to coat them completely. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the shrimp marinates, prepare your rice according to the package directions. For an extra layer of flavor, consider cooking it in low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Herb Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, lemon juice, finely minced garlic, parsley, and cilantro (or dill). Whisk until smooth, then stir in the olive oil to add a silky richness. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover and chill the sauce until you’re ready to serve. Tip: This sauce tastes even better if made a day in advance!

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink, firm, and have beautiful char marks. Remove from the heat immediately to keep them tender.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide the warm rice evenly among four bowls. Top the rice with a handful of spinach, followed by the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced avocado. Arrange the grilled shrimp over the top and finish with a generous drizzle of the creamy herb sauce. For a final touch, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture.

Tips, Serving & Meal Prep

This rice bowl shines whether served warm or chilled, making it perfect for any season. It pairs wonderfully with sparkling water, herbal iced tea, or even a crisp white wine for a more celebratory meal.

For an extra pop of flavor, squeeze a wedge of fresh lemon over the bowl just before eating. If you love texture, add some shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for more crunch.

Meal Prep Pointers:

• Shrimp: Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Rice & Veggies: Keep the cooked rice and chopped vegetables in separate containers to maintain freshness for 3-4 days. Wait to slice the avocado until just before serving.
• Sauce: The herb sauce will keep well in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before drizzling.
• Assembly: When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the prepped ingredients in a bowl for a near-instant, wholesome meal.

Nutritional Information & WW Points

Approximate values per serving, without optional seeds.

• Calories: ~340 kcal
• Protein: ~28 g
• Carbohydrates: ~28 g
• Fiber: ~6 g
• Fat: ~13 g

WW SmartPoints (per serving)

This recipe remains low in points by focusing on lean protein, light condiments, and portion-controlled healthy fats.

• Green Plan: 4 SmartPoints
• Blue Plan: 5 SmartPoints
• Purple Plan: 5 SmartPoints

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Low-Carb Bowl: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to significantly lower the carbs and SmartPoints.
2. Grain Exchange: Use hearty quinoa or farro for a nuttier flavor and different texture.
3. Protein Switch: This recipe is fantastic with grilled salmon, diced chicken breast, or baked tofu for a vegetarian option.
4. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp marinade or drizzle your finished bowl with sriracha for a fiery kick.
5. Extra Creamy Sauce: For an even richer sauce, blend half an avocado directly into the yogurt andherb mixture.

A Bowl Full of Goodness: Health & WW Benefits

This recipe proves that indulgent-tasting food can fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Shrimp is a Weight Watchers powerhouse—it’s incredibly lean, low in fat, and packed with protein to keep you full. The avocado is carefully portioned to deliver healthy monounsaturated fats without overloading on points, while the vibrant Greek yogurt sauce offers a creamy, satisfying texture without the heaviness of full-fat alternatives.

• Shrimp: A fantastic source of lean protein, essential for muscle health and satiety.
• Avocado: Rich in potassium, fiber, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Brown Rice: A whole grain that provides steady energy and aids in digestion.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds a boost of protein and beneficial probiotics while keeping the sauce light.
• Fresh Veggies: Tomatoes, cucumber, and spinach are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before marinating. Pat them very dry with a paper towel to ensure they grill nicely instead of steaming.

2. How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
The easiest way is to replace the brown rice with cauliflower rice. You can also use zucchini noodles or simply increase the amount of baby spinach to create a salad-style bowl.

3. How long does the creamy herb sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container or a sealed jar, the sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors may even deepen and improve overnight!

4. Is this recipe spicy?
As written, it’s very mild. The optional ½ teaspoon of chili powder adds a subtle warmth but not significant heat. If you love spice, feel free to add more chili powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

5. What’s the best way to reheat the shrimp without making it tough?
The best way is to gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat for just a minute or two until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can quickly make shrimp rubbery.