Garlic-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes

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

This quick Whole30 seafood dish features juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic and lime, served over fresh zucchini noodles tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes for a light and refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (about 300 g) zucchini noodles, (150 g) cherry tomatoes, 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles and 2 tbsp lime juice to the skillet. Toss gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are just tender but not mushy.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss everything together for 1 minute to combine and heat through. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Cherry Tomatoes?

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 (150 g) cherry tomatoes from drying out.

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

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 Cherry Tomatoes 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?

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

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