Garlic-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Avocado

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

Bright and zesty garlic-lime shrimp tossed with fresh zucchini noodles and creamy avocado for a refreshing Whole30 seafood dish. This american-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, large, diced ripe avocado, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then toss in 3 spiralized medium zucchinis (zoodles). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until just tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet along with 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1 large diced ripe avocado and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Avocado?

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 large, diced ripe avocado from drying out.

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

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-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Avocado 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-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Avocado whole30?

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

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