Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon-Garlic Dressing
Light and flavorful sautéed shrimp served over spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a bright lemon-garlic dressing. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, medium spiralized into noodles zucchini, divided extra virgin olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 medium spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 3 tbsp, divided extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque; remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and toss with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until noodles are just tender.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Return shrimp to skillet and gently toss with zucchini noodles and dressing.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and 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 with Zucchini Noodles and 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 with Zucchini Noodles and 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 with Zucchini Noodles and 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon-Garlic Dressing low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free, paleo, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.