WeightWatchers-Friendly Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Lime Slaw

My husband Gary loves tacos, so I’m always experimenting with new fillings. The classic meat-cheese-lettuce-salsa combo gets predictable, but tacos are endlessly adaptable. If you enjoy easy, WW-friendly taco meals like my Easy Chicken Enchilada Tacos, these spice-rubbed shrimp soft tacos are a fast, flavorful, and lighter option.

Shrimp cooks quickly, stays low in fat and calories, and soaks up bold spices, making these tacos a satisfying weeknight meal that doesn’t feel heavy.

Spice-rubbed shrimp, diced tomatoes, cheese, arugula and taco shells for making soft shrimp tacos
Making Spiced Shrimp Tacos

Why I Love These Shrimp Tacos

  • Shrimp cooks in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A simple spice rub delivers bold flavor without heaviness.
  • They’re naturally low in fat and calories.
  • Suitable for low-carb, WW-friendly, and flexible eating styles.
  • Toppings are quick to customize based on what you have.
  • They feel indulgent while remaining light.
  • Leftovers are easy to repurpose for other meals.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined – Lean and fast-cooking; fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work.
  • Lime juice – Brightens the shrimp and helps the seasoning adhere.
  • Fresh cilantro – Adds fresh herb flavor. Swap with green onion if you dislike cilantro.
  • Spices (cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne) – A warm, simple blend; reduce cayenne for less heat.
  • Neutral oil (canola, avocado, or similar) – For sautéing.
  • Low-carb flour tortillas – Keeps the tacos WW-friendly; use corn tortillas or hard shells as desired.
  • Greens (baby arugula or slaw mix) – Adds crunch; shredded cabbage or lettuce also work.
  • Roma tomatoes – For juiciness and balance.
  • Salsa verde – Tangy and moist; red salsa or mango salsa are tasty alternatives.
  • Jalapeño (optional) – For extra heat.
  • Boursin herb cheese spread (optional) – A thin swipe adds creamy richness without much extra.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

Each 2-taco serving is approximately 365 calories.

WW Points: 3

For personalized WW Points, track the recipe in the WW app while logged in on your device. PointsPlus (old plan): 8

Sautéing spiced shrimp in pan on stove
Sautéing Spiced Shrimp

How To Make Soft Shrimp Tacos Step by Step

  1. Pat the shrimp dry and place them in a bowl. Add lime juice and toss to coat.
  2. In a small bowl combine cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the blend over the shrimp and gently toss to coat.
  3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until opaque and cooked through.
  4. Warm the tortillas according to package directions.
  5. Assemble the tacos: spread a thin layer of cheese spread if using, add shrimp, then greens, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, and jalapeño to taste.

Recipe Notes and Variations

  • Swap in your favorite taco or Southwest seasoning blend if you prefer.
  • Try red salsa or a fruity mango salsa for a different flavor profile.
  • Use corn tortillas or crunchy shells instead of flour tortillas.
  • To keep it Paleo or Keto, serve the shrimp in lettuce wraps.
  • A light smear (about ½ teaspoon) of Boursin adds a creamy twist with minimal added calories.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced shrimp, diced tomatoes, arugula and tortillas for soft shrimp tacos
Ingredients for making spiced shrimp tacos
  • Serve with spicy black beans and rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice.
  • Pair with a fresh corn and tomato salad for a bright side.
  • Top with fresh tomato and corn salsa for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Turn the filling into a salad to cut carbs and add crunch with a few crushed tortilla chips.
  • Switch tortillas for a baked sweet potato half for a heartier option.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of feta or cotija cheese for a salty touch.
Spice-Rubbed Soft Shrimp Taco topped with tomatoes and arugula on plate
Spice-Rubbed Soft Shrimp Taco

Ways to Use Leftovers

  • Turn leftover shrimp into a quick soup with broth, cabbage, and salsa.
  • Make shrimp and cheese quesadillas for an easy lunch.
  • Sauté shrimp with rice or cauliflower rice and an egg for a taco-inspired fried rice.
  • Add shrimp, feta, and spinach to an omelet for a protein-packed breakfast.

If you’ve tried these Shrimp Soft Tacos, please rate the recipe and leave a comment about how you liked it.

img 61827 5

5 from 2 votes

Spice-Rubbed Shrimp Soft Tacos

By Brenda Garrison | Simple Nourished Living
Shrimp make a light yet satisfying meal. Using packaged slaw mix and jarred salsa keeps this dish effortless and ready in under 20 minutes.
Prep: 10
Cook: 7
Total: 17
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Chef Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 8 (6-inch) low carb flour tortillas
  • 2 cups baby arugula or packaged cole slaw mix (shredded cabbage/carrots)
  • 1/2 cup roma tomatoes, diced
  • 8 tablespoons jarred salsa verde
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 4 teaspoons Boursin herb cheese spread (optional)

Instructions

  • Pat shrimp dry and place in a bowl. Add fresh lime juice and toss.
  • Combine cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Sprinkle spices on shrimp and mix gently to coat.
  • Add oil to a skillet and heat over medium-high.
  • Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 5–7 minutes, turning once until cooked through.
  • Warm tortillas according to package directions.
  • Top each tortilla with about 1 teaspoon cheese spread if using, shrimp, arugula or slaw, tomato, salsa, cilantro, and jalapeño.

Notes

Serving size: 2 shrimp tacos

WW Points: 3

Use red salsa or mango salsa for a different taste.

Substitute corn tortillas or hard shells if you prefer.

To make it Paleo or Keto, roll the shrimp in lettuce leaves.

Try spreading 1/2 teaspoon Boursin herb cheese on the tortilla for a new twist.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 shrimp tacos,
Calories: 365 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 28.2 g,
Protein: 42 g,
Fat: 8.7 g

Nutrition information is an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Recipe source: Adapted from Weight Watchers Fresh and Easy 20 Minute Meals

More WW-Friendly Shrimp Recipes

If you like these Spice-Rubbed Shrimp Tacos, you might also enjoy:

  • No-Cook Tex-Mex Shrimp Rolls – a quick, refreshing option for warm days.
  • Garlic Shrimp with Oil and Hot Peppers – bold, simple flavors that come together fast.
  • Southern Barbecued Shrimp – rich, saucy shrimp with plenty of flavor.
  • Curried Shrimp with Garlic, Lime and Cilantro – a vibrant dish with warm spices and fresh citrus.