Zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos with South of the Border Corn and Cotija Salsa.
Let’s make a deal.
We eat all of our tacos this summer with fresh fruit salsa (cause I could live on fruit salsa)?
Sound good? Mmm k – cool!
Technically this taco really isn’t a fruit salsa, it’s a cheese salsa (oh my gosh, yes!!), BUT I of course just had to add some summer fruit, so I threw in some watermelon. I tried so hard to fit the watermelon part into the title, but the options where just too insanely long, even for me, and you know I like a long title.
And don’t be freaked by watermelon in with your taco, promise, it’s so crazy good, especially with a zesty shrimp like this. Really though, you can use any fruit you love, peaches, nectarines, berries, mangos and pineapple would all work. I’d be extra proud if you even went ahead and made not only this Corn and Cotija Salsa, but also a summer fruit salsa with mixed summer fruits. In fact, let me just write out a little guide fo ya.
- 2 cups fresh summer fruit, chopped (a mix of stone fruits, berries and either pineapple and or mango is ideal)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1-2 jalapenos, seeded + chopped
- juice of 1 lime
Add it all to a bowl and toss. DONE. Now eat with a spoon….oops, I mean add to your tacos 🙂
Ok, ok, sidenote time.
My cousins are currently texting me photos of recipes of mine they just made and it’s totally making my day. Marge made this salmon with a BOAT load of veggies and I swear, it looks better than mine. She had the perfect colors on her veggies and salmon. Two thumbs up to her for sure. She said she loved it, so guys, check out the recipe!
And Abby made these tarts from Friday…using a magic bullet. I was surprised, but she said the bullet worked, and the tarts looked great, so cool! Also, she said she was going to be fat from eating them all, but I quickly reminded her that the tarts are practically healthy…and then all was good with the world again. So if you’re looking for a healthy, easy summertime dessert you should probably check these tarts out too.
Abby and friends approved…yes!
OH AND, I feel like I should mention that I get just as excited when you guys show me photos of the dishes you have made on Instagram. I try to look at them every night before I go to bed and I swear, it’s my favorite part of the day. So please, please, please, if you make something of mine, tag #halfbakedharvest in your photo. I’ll surely give you a “like” and you will surely make me smile!!
No really, do it.
Why not start tonight? Instagram a photo of these zesty grilled shrimp tacos. It will make my Monday, and I’m pretty sure it will make yours too. See, it’s a win, win situation!
Plus, the tacos are literally the easiest thing to make. Definitely one of my easier recipes on the site, and if you don’t feel like starting up the grill, the shrimp can easily be sautéed in a skillet. I love the flavor the grill adds, but either way the shrimp is going to be awesome. It’s super fresh with just a little smokyness and spice. Perfect combo.
But umm, can we talk about this south of the border salsa?? It’s made up of cotija cheese (you can sub feta if needed), grilled corn, jalapenos, cilantro, basil and lime and it’s pretty much my world right now. Just like the fruit salsa, I totally ate this with a spoon. It’s better with chips though and even better on these tacos. Clearly.
But really, cheese based salsa?? That’s what’s up!
Ok, and finally before I go, I just have to say that we tried to get the goats over the weekend. The fam (minus me, Creighton, Trevor, Brendan, Malachi and Red…so really just mom, dad and Asher) drove two+ hours down to Loveland, CO only to have the women text my mom when they got nearby and say that she was sorry, she missed all messages my mom left, but she has to go church now, so she can’t sell the goats today after all.
Ahh, what?!?! Yeah, I am serious. LAME.
Maybe next weekend.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos with South of the Border Corn and Cotija Salsa.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cheese, corn, cotija, shrimp, tacos
Technically this taco really isn't a fruit salsa, it's a cheese salsa (oh my gosh, yes!!), BUT I of course just had to add some summer fruit, so I threw in some watermelon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled + deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- juice + zest of 1 lemon
- juice + zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup watermelon diced
- 6-8 flour or corn tortillas warmed
- quinoa or rice for serving
- fresh cilantro and basil chopped for serving
South of the Boarder Corn and Cotija Salsa.
- 1/2 cup Cotijia cheese crumbled (may sub feta cheese)
- 1 ear grilled corn kernels removed
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 jalapeno seeded + diced
- 1/4 cup basil chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- juice of 1/2 a lime
Instructions
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Add the shrimp to a bowl. Add the olive oil, juice + zest of 1 lemon, juice + zest of 1 lime, garlic, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, cumin and salt. Toss well and let the shrimp sit for 15-30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, make the salsa. In a bowl, combine the cotija cheese, corn, jalapeno, basil, cilantro and lime juice. Toss to combine. Gently stir in the diced avocado. Cover and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
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Heat a grill or grill pan to high. Thread the shrimp on skewers if using an outdoor grill (or use a grilling basket). Once hot, grill the shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side or until light char marks appear. I like to brush some of the marinade left in the bowl over the shrimp when I first put the shrimp on. Once done cooking, remove the shrimp from the grill and if desired squeeze with a little lemon and lime juice. Sprinkle with basil + cilantro.
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To serve, spread a little quinoa or rice inside each warmed tortilla. Add the watermelon and shrimp. Top with salad and garnish with cilantro. Eat!
For now, lets just pretend it’s Friday, drink margs (pineapple-kiwi for me!) and eat tacos. Yes, please!
these goats are just being so stubborn! hopefully it’ll happen next weekend, and then you can celebrate with something even tastier than these tacos (though that might be hard- grilled shrimp and corn as soo yummy).
These tacos looks so good…the picture of the grilled skewered shrimp is gorgeous. I love that you added watermelon to the salsa..never had that before..must try it.
These look awesome! I love that you can’t help adding a little fruit and I totally agree that salsa is better with it! Totally pinning this recipe!
I hope you get your goats soon. My family used to have a bunch of dairy goats and they can be so much fun. Omg, they have so much more personality than you would expect! You’re in for it, girl. I can’t wait to see pics!
When I make food at home I always think….hmmmm. why can’t my food look and taste more like restaurant food?
But then I read your blog and think….hmmm, why can’t restaurant food look like the food I see on your blog? Ironic!
I wonder if it could work also with couscous instead rice… anyway those tacos look awesome, I will definitely try them.
Fruit just makes everything that much more delightful! Never be ashamed or afraid of adding more fruit! These look delicious and will certainly be on my menu for summer. Yum!
Corn salsa is my favorite. In fact, it’s not really salsa without some shaved corn in it. At least that’s my opinion. These tacos are full of such wonderful bright and bold flavors.
These look incredible!! And I’m totally with you on the fresh fruit salsa!! Beautiful photography as usual!!
TACOS are so good! Do you have a vegetarian recipe?
Thanks!! I do! Here is a quinoa taco. Enjoy!
Drooling over these tacos right now! Yum.
What a PERFECT combination! Love the watermelon, corn and avocado. 🙂
This is sooooooo happening tonight! What a mouthwatering recipe!
♥Heather
I am drooling over this one Tieghan. I have to say I would not have thought to put watermelon in a salsa but I trust you! I am sure it’s gonna be great! Dang, get those goats!
Shrimp tacos are the best, I’m so craving these for dinner tonight! And that salsa – I could eat it on everything!
Thank you so much!!
Those shrimp are so plump and perfect! And loving the watermelon in the salsa, always a great and refreshing choice!
Thanks so much, Nicole! Hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
Yo if you like fruit salsa, you need to get /recreate some pineapple cucumber salsa like Moe’s. SO SO SO good!
Haha! Thanks for the suggestion! 🙂
These look beyond amazing! I am totally on board with watermelon on my tacos, and definitely totally on board with cheese salsa on my tacos 😉
Can’t eat the shrimp but the salsas sound great and I can eat them–lol.
Thanks Nancy! And you can swap chicken!
These shrimp tacos are a favorite of our family! I have made them numerous times! They are excellent!❤️
Just made this for dinner. Delicious. Splendid combination of tastes, basil, cilantro, fruit. This recipe I’ve added to our list of favorites. Well done and thank you.
Thank you so much Nancy!
These are so incredibly delicious and easy to make. I can’t believe no one has made/reviewed them!!! One of our new summer favorites in our house!
That is really amazing! Thank you so much Sarah!! xTieghan