Brighten up your dinner table with this quick and flavorful recipe for Sautéed Zucchini with Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, and Basil—a vibrant side dish brimming with fresh, summer-inspired flavors. Tender zucchini slices are sautéed until lightly golden, while sweet cherry tomatoes burst into a juicy, herby sauce complemented by aromatic garlic and fresh basil. Enhanced with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this 20-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it as a light, low-carb side, or pair it with pasta or rice for a simple yet satisfying meal. Easy, healthy, and packed with Mediterranean flair, this dish is destined to become a favorite.
Wash the zucchini and slice them into half-inch thick rounds. For larger zucchini, slice them in half lengthwise before cutting into half-moon shapes.
Rinse the cherry tomatoes and set them aside. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the zucchini evenly in the oil and spices.
Cook the zucchini for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it just starts to soften and develop a light golden color.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes. The tomatoes should start to burst and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
Tear or chiffonade the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the skillet just before removing from the heat.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately as a side dish or over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Calories |
424 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.5 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4920 mg | 214% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.1 g | ||
| Protein | 6.3 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 107 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 1280 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.