If you love vibrant flavors, fresh textures, and a burst of color in every bite, you’re going to fall head over heels for owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce. This beautiful dish brings together plump, juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet mango, and a zingy sauce for a bowl that absolutely sings. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving friends at a sunny backyard dinner, this zesty bowl is here to deliver flavor fireworks with minimal fuss.

owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special to the party, from sweet juicy mango to tangy lime, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color in every bite.

Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Plump shrimp make for tender, satisfying bites that soak up all the bold flavors.
Avocados (1-2 ripe, sliced): Creamy slices of avocado add richness and healthy fats to every bowl.
Mango (1 large, diced): The sweet juiciness of mango brightens up the dish and pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Cooked rice or quinoa (2 cups): The hearty base brings everything together, whether you like fluffy rice or nutty quinoa.
Fresh cilantro, chopped: A punchy garnish that adds freshness and vibrant green color.
Lime wedges (for serving): Squeezing extra lime over your bowl gives a citrusy kick that wakes up all the flavors.
Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Makes the lime-chili sauce wonderfully creamy and tangy.
Mayonnaise (1 tbsp, optional): Adds extra silkiness to the sauce, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
Chili powder (1 tsp): Gives the shrimp and sauce a warm, smoky heat.
Lime zest and juice (from 1 lime): Both zest and juice offer double the citrus flavor for the perfect sauce tang.
Honey or agave (1 tsp): A touch of sweetness helps balance the chili and lime.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
Red onion (1/4 cup, diced): Adds crunch and a mild bite to the salsa.
Jalapeño (1 small, finely chopped, optional): For those who want a little heat in their mango salsa.
Fresh cilantro (1-2 tbsp, chopped): More cilantro for even more freshness in the salsa.

How to Make owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce

Step 1: Make the Mango Salsa

This is where those tropical flavors start to shine! In a mixing bowl, combine your diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if you like a bit of kick), lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good mix so the citrus and herbs coat the juicy mango. Pop the bowl in the fridge while you make the rest of your owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce to let all the aromas and flavors mingle together.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Lime-Chili Sauce

Take your Greek yogurt, a spoonful of mayonnaise, chili powder, fresh lime zest and juice, a drizzle of honey (or agave), and a bit of salt and pepper. Whisk these together until smooth and irresistible. Give it a taste and add a pinch more salt, honey, or lime if you need to. This sauce is the creamy, tangy crown jewel for your owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry first, then season generously with chili powder, a sprinkle of garlic powder (if you’d like), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high with a little olive oil; once it’s hot, add your shrimp and cook them for just two to three minutes per side. You’re looking for that gorgeous pink color and some beautiful sear marks. They finish quickly, so keep an eye out!

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Now the fun part – building your bowls! Start with a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa in each bowl. Artfully arrange your grilled shrimp, creamy avocado slices, and a hearty scoop of mango salsa over the top. Each component in your owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce brings a new layer of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish

Finish by drizzling that dreamy lime-chili sauce generously over the top, then shower everything with fresh chopped cilantro. Tuck in some lime wedges on the side for a final splash of citrus. Grab your fork (or chopsticks!), give the bowl a gentle toss, and dig in while everything is fresh and bright.

How to Serve owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, consider adding extra chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few microgreens. Each garnish can add color, crunch, or a burst of herbal aroma, turning your owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Side Dishes

Keep things fresh and simple: try serving with a light cucumber salad or roasted sweet potato wedges. For extra crunch, some tortilla chips or plantain chips on the side work wonders with the bold flavors of the bowls. The cooling effect of a citrusy cucumber salad pairs especially nicely with the gentle heat of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not have a little fun? Serve owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce in wide shallow bowls for a stunning layered look, use mason jars for individual grab-and-go portions, or build a bowl bar where guests can customize their own. Pile ingredients in sections or swirl into a pinwheel of colors for a total showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce, you’re in luck! Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator: the shrimp, the mango salsa, the lime-chili sauce, and the rice or quinoa. Everything will stay fresh for up to two days, and this helps keep the textures just right when you assemble leftovers.

Freezing

While rice, quinoa, and cooked shrimp freeze well, avocado and fresh mango salsa do not. Freeze only the cooked shrimp and grains; store the rest fresh for the best taste and texture. Simply thaw frozen shrimp and grains in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating

Gently reheat shrimp and rice or quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add the chilled salsa, fresh avocado, and drizzle with extra sauce after reheating for a perfect, just-made taste every time you return to your owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking, so they sear perfectly and don’t end up watery.

What can I use instead of mango if it’s out of season?

If mangos aren’t available, diced pineapple, peach, or even strawberries can make a vibrant substitute in your salsa. Each brings its own sweet tang, giving your owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce a seasonal twist.

Is there a dairy-free option for the lime-chili sauce?

Yes! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a coconut or cashew yogurt, and skip the mayo or use a vegan version to keep your sauce creamy and dairy-free.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. Prepare all the ingredients in advance, store them separately, and assemble your bowls right before eating so everything stays fresh and vibrant.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you choose quinoa or gluten-free rice and ensure that all your seasonings are gluten-free, your owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce are naturally gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

Give owls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce a whirl and see how effortless it is to create something gorgeous, delicious, and nourishing. Every bowl is a celebration of color, flavor, and good vibes—perfect for weeknights or sharing with people you love. Let these bowls become a staple in your kitchen, and prepare for lots of happy, well-fed smiles!