Creamy Avocado Shrimp Zoodle Bowl
A vibrant, protein-packed bowl featuring zucchini noodles tossed in a rich avocado-lemon sauce with plump shrimp and cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (high-protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, large, pitted avocado, juiced (about 2 tbsp) lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 4 medium (about 24 oz), spiralized zucchini
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 large, pitted avocado
- 1, juiced (about 2 tbsp) lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine avocado, lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 3: Add spiralized zucchini to the skillet with a splash of water and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Toss zucchini noodles with 2/3 of the avocado sauce until evenly coated. Add shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil; toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Drizzle with remaining avocado sauce and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Avocado Shrimp Zoodle Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Creamy Avocado Shrimp Zoodle Bowl?
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 Creamy Avocado Shrimp Zoodle Bowl?
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 Creamy Avocado Shrimp Zoodle Bowl 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 Creamy Avocado Shrimp Zoodle Bowl high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.