Garlic Shrimp with Walnut and Sage Pesto Zoodles

When I was a kid, I refused to eat pesto.  “I’m not eating anything with the word ‘pest’ in it.”  I had no idea what I was missing.  Eventually, I came around and figured out it's great on just about anything.  Ok, maybe not chocolate…

Pesto doesn't need to be basil based, either.  I love the mild and smooth flavor of sage pesto and it works great with both seafood and chicken.  I would love to hear if you use it with other dishes, as well!

Walnut & Sage Pesto

Prep: 10 minutes  Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

¾ cup walnuts

1 cup packed fresh sage

1 tsp lemon juice

6 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

½ tsp sea salt

1 clove garlic

Instructions:

1. Toast walnuts in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes.  Toss occasionally to keep from burning.
2. Combine all of the ingredients, except for the olive oil, in a food processor. 
3. With the food processor on, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.  Continue processing until the mixture has become a smooth paste.

Makes:  ¾ cup.

Garlic Shrimp with 
Walnut & Sage Pesto Zoodles

Prep: 40 minutes  Cook: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

½ lb shrimp (about 28 medium sized shrimp), cleaned, shelled and de-veined

1 clove garlic, minced

4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided

4 small zucchini

3 Tbsp pesto

1 Tbsp lemon juice
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Lemon zest, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine shrimp, garlic, and 2 Tbsp olive oil in a small bowl and let marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Using a spiralizer or mandolin, create long strips of zucchini that resemble spaghetti noodles.
3. When the shrimp is done marinating, add the shrimp mixture to a large skillet over medium heat.  Cook for about 5 minutes, until shrimp is cooked through.  Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, along with the zucchini noodles.  Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
5. Add the pesto and lemon juice to the noodles and toss to combine.  Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the noodles are tender. 
6. Add shrimp back into the pan and combine with the noodles to warm.  Salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with lemon zest and serve.

Serves: 2

Enjoy!

Suzie