Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp
Fresh zucchini noodles tossed in a vibrant avocado-cilantro sauce with succulent lemon-garlic shrimp for a refreshing keto dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 10 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zest and juice lemon
- 1 large avocado
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles (4 cups) zucchini
- 1/2, juiced lime
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 10 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1/2 cup lemon zest and juice.
- Step 3: While skillet simmers, scoop 1 large avocado flesh into a blender, add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles, and toss for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Pour avocado-cilantro sauce over the shrimp and zucchini noodles, tossing gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately while warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp?
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 Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Avocado-Cilantro Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
