Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Dressing

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

Light and refreshing shrimp sautéed with zucchini noodles in a tangy lemon-garlic sauce, perfect for a Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced fresh garlic cloves 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 280 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer shrimp to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet along with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and the remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt. Toss and cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together for 1 minute to combine and heat through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Dressing?

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 Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Dressing?

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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Dressing 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Dressing whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, 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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