Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Avocado and Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and olive oil, tossed with fresh spinach and creamy avocado for a simple Whole30-compliant meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 18 minutes pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups fresh baby spinach to the skillet and toss with the shrimp until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat, fold in 1 medium diced ripe avocado, and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Avocado and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Avocado and 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Avocado and 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Avocado and 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Avocado and 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.

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