Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles is a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly combines grilled shrimp with zucchini noodles tossed in a vibrant citrus marinade. This light and healthy meal not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fits well into a low-calorie diet, making it a favorite for those looking to enjoy a delicious dinner without the extra carbs. The subtle sweetness of the shrimp complements the zesty citrus flavors, creating a delightful dining experience that you won’t forget!
Why You’ll Love This Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles
This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles:
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Low-carb and healthy, perfect for anyone on a diet.
- Rich in protein from shrimp, providing a satisfying meal.
- Versatile; you can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables.
- Full of fresh, vibrant flavors from citrus and herbs.
- Great for summer meals, keeping things light and refreshing.
With options like Citrus Infused Shrimp Zoodles and Grilled Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles, this recipe is a must-try in any American kitchen.
Ingredients for Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles
Gather these items:
- 1.5 tsp finely grated lime zest (from one medium lime)
- 1.5 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh minced cilantro
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1.5 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5–0.75 tsp fine sea salt, plus additional for seasoning shrimp
- 0.25 tsp black pepper or chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp honey (optional; excludes Whole30 compliance)
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- Salt and pepper for shrimp seasoning
- 3-4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 0.25–0.5 tsp sea salt for sweating zucchini
- Extra fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Combine all marinade ingredients except olive oil in a bowl and whisk or blend on low. Gradually whisk in olive oil to emulsify.
- Step 2: Reserve 3 tbsp of the marinade and add shrimp to it. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Keep remaining marinade refrigerated for serving.
- Step 3: Spiralize zucchini into noodles and place in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt and let sweat for about one hour. Drain and press out excess moisture with paper towels.
- Step 4: Heat grill to high and brush grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Remove shrimp from marinade, shake off excess but keep light coating. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper. Grill shrimp in a single layer, 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
- Step 6: Allow shrimp to cool slightly. Toss with zucchini noodles and preferred amount of remaining marinade. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- For a spicier kick, use chipotle chili powder.
- Use fresh shrimp for best results.
- Consider marinating overnight for deeper flavor.
- For a quick cooking method, sauté shrimp in a pan if grilling isn’t an option.
Best Ways to Serve Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles
This dish is fantastic on its own but can be served alongside:
- Garlic bread for a complete meal.
- A refreshing green salad to complement the shrimp.
- Rice or quinoa for added texture and substance.
How to Store and Reheat Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to warm the shrimp and zoodles gently, avoiding overcooking the shrimp. This recipe is great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy Healthy Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles
What’s the secret to perfect Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles?
The secret lies in the marinade! Allowing the shrimp to soak in the citrus marinade for at least an hour helps them absorb all the vibrant flavors, resulting in a juicy and delicious dish.
Can I make Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and shrimp in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them with the zucchini noodles right before serving for optimal freshness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles?
To avoid overcooking shrimp, keep a close eye on them while grilling. They only need about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Also, be sure to sweat the zucchini noodles properly to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations of Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles You Can Try
Here are a few delightful variations you can explore:
- Substitute shrimp for scallops or chicken for a different protein option.
- Add a variety of colorful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
- Replace the citrus marinade with a sesame ginger dressing for an Asian twist.
- For a creamy version, drizzle with a light avocado dressing instead of the citrus marinade.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or try our Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo for a different twist on zoodles!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, visit Healthline.
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional aspects of zucchini, check out this Medical News Today article on zucchini nutrition.
PrintDelicious Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Dinner Idea
A refreshing and flavorful dish featuring grilled shrimp served on a bed of zucchini noodles tossed in a citrus marinade.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1.5 tsp finely grated lime zest (from one medium lime)
- 1.5 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh minced cilantro
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1.5 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5–0.75 tsp fine sea salt, plus additional for seasoning shrimp
- 0.25 tsp black pepper or chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp honey (optional; excludes Whole30 compliance)
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- Salt and pepper for shrimp seasoning
- 3–4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 0.25–0.5 tsp sea salt for sweating zucchini
- Extra fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients except olive oil in a bowl and whisk or blend on low. Gradually whisk in olive oil to emulsify.
- Reserve 3 tbsp of the marinade and add shrimp to it. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Keep remaining marinade refrigerated for serving.
- Spiralize zucchini into noodles and place in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt and let sweat for about one hour. Drain and press out excess moisture with paper towels.
- Heat grill to high and brush grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove shrimp from marinade, shake off excess but keep light coating. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper. Grill shrimp in a single layer, 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
- Allow shrimp to cool slightly. Toss with zucchini noodles and preferred amount of remaining marinade. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- For a spicier kick, use chipotle chili powder.
- Use fresh shrimp for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg

