Vegetable Squash Zucchini Zucchini Noodle Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto & Shrimp 4.7 (67) 60 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. By Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 22, 2024 Reviewed by Dietitian Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD Victoria Seaver is a registered dietitian and Editorial Director for EatingWell.com. She completed her undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics and food science and her master's degree and dietetic internship at the University of Vermont. Victoria has been a part of the EatingWell.com team since 2015. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Save Rate PRINT Share Prep Time: 35 mins Total Time: 35 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 4 servings Nutrition Profile: Dairy-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie Jump to Nutrition Facts Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) 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. Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, January 2017 Save Rate Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 446 Calories 33g Fat 16g Carbs 26g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 4 Serving Size 1 3/4 cups each 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.