Authentic and Easy Weight Watchers Shrimp and Grits Recipe enthusiasts

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Healthy shrimp and grits is rich, creamy, and perfect for Weight Watchers diets. This recipe proves eating lighter can still feel comforting and indulgent. In fact, this dish is low calorie, low fat, and only 6 WW points. 

Have you ever been to the south and had real southern food? Let me tell you shrimp and grits is a popular dish there, and for good reason. So I knew I had to recreate a lighter version to indulge in any day of the week. This recipe is low fat, low calorie, and free of butter and oil but retains its amazing taste.

The proper sized portions will satisfy your appetite and keep you full longer. Especially since this dish is made with the cheesiest, creamiest grits, and scrumptious shrimp, seasoning, and bell peppers. The flavors and textures are outstanding, the grits are smooth, the shrimp are succulent, and the vegetables add a slight crunch.

Bowl of cooked shrimp and grits

Why you should try this shrimp and grits recipe

  • It’s a low fat, low calorie version of a classic southern cuisine favorite 
  • Grits are nutritious and shrimp are packed in protein 
  • You can also make this recipe for family dinner
  • Only 5 WW points

Cooked shrimp and grits on a plate from the side

Ingredients

  • 3 ¼ cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black garlic powder
  • ½ cup stone-ground white or yellow grits
  • 2 ounces reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup chopped shallots
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • ½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Juice of 1 lemon, about 1 to 2 tablespoons
  • Non stick cooking spray

Shrimp and grits uncooked ingredients in bowls

How to make Weight Watchers shrimp and grits (step by step)

  1. Combine the seasoning in a small mixing bowl and whisk
  2. Combine 3 ¼ cups chicken broth, the grits, and half of the seasoning in a medium saucepan
  3. Add the shrimp, lemon juice, and parsley to the mixing bowl with the rest of the seasoning and mix
  4. Heat the pan to medium low heat
  5. Stir and simmer until cooked through in about 10 to 12 minutes
  6. Remove the grits from the heat, stir in the cheese until it melts, and set aside
  7. Heat a large skillet to medium high and spray with cooking spray
  8. Add in the garlic, shallot, and chopped bell peppers
  9. When they start to brown add in the shrimp and the rest of the seasoning
  10. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per site until they turn pink
  11. Top a portion of grits with the shrimp and vegetables and serve!

Cooked grits with cheese in a pot

Raw shrimp with parsley seasoning and lemon in a bowl

Recipe variations and substitutions

  • Substitute stone ground grits with quick grits. They are just as tasty but cook in 5 minutes.
  • Leave the low fat cheddar cheese out all together for fewer calories and WW points.
  • You can use store bought fully cooked shrimp and just add them at the end of sautéing the bell peppers to heat them up.

Cooked shrimp and grits on a fork

Is shrimp and grits good for you?

Shrimp and grits on their own are good for you! Grits are a whole grain and shrimp are packed with protein. The only thing that makes it an unhealthy recipe is the addition of fats and oils like butter, full fat cheese, and heavy cream. That’s why we omitted them for you in this tasty dish.

Are grits weight loss friendly?

Grits are a weight loss friendly way to feel full without consuming excessive fat calories. By minimizing additional sugars, fats, and oil you can regularly consume grits in your weight loss plan.

Can I leave the cheese out all together?

Yes, cheese is not a necessity in this dish! And removing it will drop your calorie intake from 238 down to 187. Also instead of 5 points you only get 4.

How do I store Weight Watchers shrimp and grits?

Storage for this recipe is quick and easy. Simply transfer any leftovers into a seal right container like Tupperware. If you don’t have a plastic container use any bowl and wrap it tight with plastic wrap. The food will stay good 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I store my food in the freezer?

Yes you can store this healthy dish in the freezer. You will also have to seal it up tight so that no air gets in. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

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Servings: makes 2 Servings, 5 WW points per serving

Bowl of shrimp and grits with lemon and napkin

Authentic and Easy Weight Watchers Shrimp and Grits

A quick, easy, authentic WW friendly shrimp and grits recipe. 6 WW points with the cheese and 3 without.