Pam Moorhead
Aug 1, 20182 min
Wondering what to make for dinner? Cut some carbs and use spiralized zucchini in place of noodles in this zesty pesto pasta dish recipe! Top with seasoned shrimp and serve with a salad for a quick and easy dinner that's healthy and satisfying too!
Ingredients:
5-6 medium zucchini (2¼-2½ pounds total), trimmed
¾ teaspoon salt, divided (read this post for the types of salt I recommend)
1 ripe avocado
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
¼ cup unsalted shelled pistachios
2 tablespoons fresh 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 de-veined, tails left on if desired
1-2 teaspoons desired herbs and seasonings
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 ½ 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 ¼ teaspoon salt in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add ¼ 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 desired seasonings; 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 Info:
Serving size: 1¾ cups each
Per serving: 446 calories; 33 g fat (5 g sat); 7 g fiber; 16 g carbohydrates; 26 g protein;159 mg cholesterol; 7 g sugars; 0 g added sugars
Carbohydrate Servings: 1