Name: Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto & Shrimp
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 5-6 medium zucchini (2 1/4-2 1/2 pounds total), trimmed; 0.75 teaspoon salt, divided; 1 ripe avocado; 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves; 0.25 cup unsalted shelled pistachios; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 0.25 teaspoon ground pepper; 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound raw shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails left on if desired; 1-2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto & Shrimp

4.7

(63)

57 Reviews

Cut some carbs and use spiralized zucchini in place of noodles in this zesty pesto pasta dish recipe. Top with Cajun-seasoned shrimp to complete this quick and easy dinner.

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Updated on March 3, 2020

Prep Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Dairy-Free Egg Free Gluten-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity High-Protein Low-Calorie Soy-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

5-6 medium zucchini (2 1/4-2 1/2 pounds total), trimmed
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
1 ripe avocado
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
¼ cup unsalted shelled pistachios
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound raw shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails left on if desired
1-2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

Directions

Using a spiral vegetable slicer or a vegetable peeler, cut zucchini lengthwise into long, thin strands or strips. Stop when you reach the seeds in the middle (seeds make the noodles fall apart). Place the zucchini "noodles" in a colander and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let drain for 15 to 30 minutes, then gently squeeze to remove any excess water.
Meanwhile, combine avocado, basil, pistachios, lemon juice, pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add 1/4 cup oil and process until smooth.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and sprinkle with Old Bay; cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp is almost cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add the drained zucchini noodles and gently toss until hot, about 3 minutes. Transfer to the bowl, add the pesto and gently toss to combine.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

446	Calories
33g	Fat
16g	Carbs
26g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 446
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 16g	6%
Dietary Fiber 7g	24%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 26g	52%
Total Fat 33g	43%
Saturated Fat 5g	24%
Cholesterol 159mg	53%
Vitamin A 1144IU	23%
Vitamin C 55mg	61%
Folate 112mcg	28%
Sodium 713mg	31%
Calcium 141mg	11%
Iron 2mg	13%
Magnesium 110mg	26%
Potassium 1271mg	27%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.