Avocado-Cilantro Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing seafood dish rich in healthy fats to soothe skin breakouts while providing sustained energy. Zucchini noodles offer a low-FODMAP base to prevent digestive discomfort. This seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs shrimp, avocado, zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 12 min Cook: 8 min Serves 1 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles, then toss with 1/2 tsp avocado oil and 1/8 tsp sea salt. Set aside while cooking shrimp.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/2 tsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, avoiding overcooking.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp cooks, mash 1/2 avocado with 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 lime juice, and 1 tbsp cilantro until smooth, adding a splash of water if too thick.
  4. Step 4: Toss cooked zucchini noodles with shrimp, then spoon avocado sauce over the top. Garnish with remaining cilantro and lime zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Cilantro Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (12 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Avocado-Cilantro Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cilantro Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Avocado-Cilantro Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What should I serve with Avocado-Cilantro Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

Serve it with a simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.

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