Garlic-Herb Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce

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

Light and refreshing, this skillet-cooked garlic shrimp served over spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in creamy avocado sauce is a Whole30-friendly seafood dish. This seafood-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium ripe avocado, fresh lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the spiralized noodles from 3 medium zucchinis. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet with zucchini noodles. Pour the avocado sauce over and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Herb Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Herb Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Herb Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce?

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 Garlic-Herb Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Garlic-Herb Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes