Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Zoodles with Spinach
A quick, nutrient-packed seafood dish with zucchini noodles, shrimp, and spinach, featuring bright lemon and garlic flavors to combat fatigue and support skin clarity during Whole30. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium zucchini, shrimp, fresh spinach 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 12 oz shrimp
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles (using a spiralizer or julienne peeler), then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic (4 cloves) and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then add lemon juice and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Add zucchini noodles and spinach to the skillet, tossing gently until spinach wilts (about 2 minutes), with noodles tender but still slightly crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Zoodles with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Zoodles with Spinach?
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 medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Zoodles with Spinach?
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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Zoodles with Spinach 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Zoodles with Spinach whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 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.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.