A keto-friendly dish that is the definition of light, fresh, and low-carb. Zucchini noodles (aka “zoodles”) replace carb-heavy pasta, providing a crisp, refreshing base for a bold, herb-packed pesto. Add juicy grilled shrimp on top, and you’ve got a meal that’s ready in minutes but feels like something you’d get at a seaside bistro.
This dish, with zoodles, is perfect for warm weather, quick lunches, or whenever you want something low-carb that doesn’t feel heavy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up summer zucchini or homemade pesto—though a high-quality store-bought pesto works just as well in a pinch.
And the grandkids love making the zoodle noodles for me!
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 25 minutes
📊 Nutrition (per serving — serves 4):
- Total Carbs: 7g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar Alcohols: 0g
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for shrimp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- ½ tablespoon olive oil (for zoodles)
- ½ cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade — check for no added sugars)
- Optional: grated Parmesan and lemon wedges for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Prep the shrimp
Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. - Grill the shrimp
Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, or until opaque and lightly charred. Set aside. - Cook the zoodles
In a large skillet over medium heat, add ½ tablespoon olive oil and the zucchini noodles. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly softened. Don’t overcook—they should stay al dente. - Toss with pesto
Remove from heat and toss zoodles with pesto until evenly coated. - Assemble and serve
Divide the pesto zoodles between plates, top with grilled shrimp, and garnish with grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Zoodles are a keto staple for good reason—they’re low in carbs, fast to cook, and super versatile. Paired with a rich pesto and smoky shrimp, they become a complete, satisfying meal that hits all the right flavor notes: fresh herbs, garlic, char-grilled seafood, and creamy Parmesan.
You can easily switch up the protein if shrimp’s not your thing. Grilled chicken or seared scallops also work beautifully. And if you want to keep things dairy-free, just skip the cheese garnish—there’s plenty of flavor in the pesto alone.
🔁 Looking for more keto dinner inspiration?
← Back to 10 Irresistible Keto Dinners to Keep You in Ketosis
