Have your doubts about whether zoodles are really a good swap for regular noodles? Then you should give this recipe a try and see what you think!
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Would you believe these 'noodles' are made from zucchini? They are a fantastic substitute for carb-laden, processed pasta, and a great way to get additional veggies into your kids.
I made these zoodles using the Spiralizer that my mom lent to me, but there are other ways you can make them even if you don't have a Spiralizer. You can use a food processer, or even a julienne slicer. But if you have a Spiralizer or can borrow one, I recommend it highly. They are so quick and fun to use!
By the way, this recipe does not even require that you cook the zoodles. The only cooking you have to do here is for the shrimp, which is a quick and easy process. This dinner was on the table in less than 15 minutes!
If you aren't familiar with how to peel an avocado, it really is very easy. Here are the steps:
- With a very sharp knife, carefully slice the avocado lengthwise until you hit the seed. Turn the avocado over and do the same on the other side, so that the knife lines up with the slice line from the first cut. At this point, you should have a cut around the entire avocado.
- Gently pull the two halves while slightly twisting back and forth to separate them.
- Carefully remove the seed by digging it out with a spoon. Or, if you want to live on the edge, you can tap the pit with the blade of the knife to embed it a little into the pit. Then twist gently and lift to remove. (Be careful! I am always afraid I am going to miss and end up embedding the knife in my hand!)
- Scoop out the avocado flesh with a spoon. Or if you need avocado slices, you can use a knife to cut the half lengthwise again, and then just use your hand to peel back the rind.
Here's another avocado tip for you. If your avocados are ripe, but you don't plan to use them for another couple of days, place them in the refrigerator. This will buy you another 2-3 days to use them before they get overripe.
This recipe is healthy and delicious, and so flavorful. Even without the shrimp, the zoodles themselves with the sauce are a tasty treat and perfect to serve on a warm spring or summer day when you don't really want to turn that oven on!
And if you're a huge fan of shrimp like I am, you've got to try these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
(Pssst...How much do you know about about avocados? Check out my article about what does avocado taste like to discover the best way to choose avocados, how to extract the flesh for eating, and get some great ideas for how to prepare them!)
Creamy Avocado Zoodles with Chipotle Lime Shrimp
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!
I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.
📋 Recipe Card
Creamy Avocado Zoodles with Chipotle Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
For the zoodles:
- 2 avocados (peeled)
- ½ cup fat free Greek yogurt
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- small handful basil leaves (I used about 25 leaves)
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 2 cups broccoli florets (optional)
For the shrimp:
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (use more if you like things spicy!)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 16 ounces medium shrimp (raw)
Instructions
For the zoodles:
- In a food processor, pulse the avocado, yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and basil leaves until smooth. Set aside.2 avocados, ½ cup fat free Greek yogurt, 4 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, small handful basil leaves
- Use a spiralizer, food processor, or julienne slicer to create zoodles from the zucchinis.3 medium zucchinis
- If you are including the broccoli, blanch it (boil a large pot of water, drop the florets in for 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cool water until cooled).2 cups broccoli florets
- In a large bowl, toss the zoodles with the sauce until they are coated. If you are including the broccoli, toss them in with the zoodles as well.
For the shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chipotle powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.½ teaspoon chipotle powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Add the shrimp and toss until coated.16 ounces medium shrimp
- Spray a skillet with nonstick spray, and heat over medium.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the shrimp is opaque.
- Serve by placing the zoodles on each plate and topping with a few shrimp.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
If you like really tasty shrimp dishes, you will also want to check out my Shrimp in Butter with Lime recipe. It's a mouthwatering dish with perfectly sautéed shrimp in a buttery cilantro lime sauce, and it's easy and family-friendly!
Thanks for stopping by. Before you go, you might be interested in these products...
And check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for some great kitchen products I love!
Judith Graber
I love all the ingredients in your recipe especially the shrimp. I am always looking for new ways to use this favorite seafood. Whole Foods actually sells zucchini noodles and cauliflower rice - I couldn't believe it. They are making it easier to cook possibly but taking all the fun out of it. Happy Fiesta Friday!
Antonia
I love how healthy, yet filling and appetizing this dish is. It looks beautiful! I know that the party goers over at Fiesta Friday, will love this healthy and vibrant dish! Happy FF!
Michelle
This is truly one of my family's favorite recipes. It gets devoured quite fast. Perfect with the broccoli side, as well. I usually have to make a batch and a half. 🙂
Kristin King
That is wonderful to hear! Thank you so much for stopping by to let me know! 🙂
Carol
We loved it. We did heat up the zoodle mixture and it was great. I purchased the zoodles already made.
Rebekah
How did you heat it up? How long?
Lisa
Do you have the dietary information?
Kristin King
You can find dietary information here: http://www.yummly.co/#recipe/Creamy-Avocado-Zoodles-with-Chipotle-Lime-Shrimp-1088638 I hope that helps! 🙂
Mimi
I MADE THIS!! Oh my stars, it's DELICIOUS and my boyfriend loved it too. This is perfection.
Kristin King
Yay! So glad you liked it! And thanks for stopping back to let me know, you made my day! 🙂
Donna @ Soul Survival
This looks easy and delicious!
LuAnn H
It sounds great. Have you tried slightly cooking the zoodles? Or any other kind of squash for zoodles?
Kristin King
Thanks! I have not tried cooking them, or using any other kind of squash yet. Those are great ideas for future experiments! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Jane
Looooove this recipe. I've already made it twice since last week! A great lunch to bring to work as well since you don't have to cook everything. I recommend leaving the sauce on the side until you serve it though. Everyone at work is jealous haha
Kristin King
Yes, good point, it is best to combine with the sauce right before serving. So glad you like the recipe! Thanks for stopping by to let me know! 🙂
Nettie Moore
Hi Kristin! Your Zoodles are featured at our Simple Supper Tuesday!! Nettie Link: http://mooreorlesscooking.com/2015/05/11/simple-supper-tuesday-linky-party-61/