Sauteed Zucchini
This easy sauteed zucchini recipe only need four ingredients and a few minutes of your dinner prep time. It's healthy, low carb and super tasty - a win all the way around!

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Sauteed Zucchini Recipe
This simple zucchini side dish is one of my favorite ways to cook up fresh zucchini. It only takes minutes to make and never ends up giving me soggy zucchini. With minimal ingredients you can make a healthy side dish that is always tasty.
My favorite recipes are the ones that don't require much brain power on my end. Five ingredients or less - I can remember that on a busy day! Anyone else agree?
That's where recipes like easy taco meat and quick teriyaki glazed salmon come in. Then I throw together a simple side dish like this tender sauteed zucchini and a tasty summer dinner is ready in no time. Not only that, but it's a dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
If you're looking for an easy way to make wonderful meals even better, this easy zucchini recipe is for you! Add nutritional benefits and tasty food to your dinner table with this quick and easy recipe.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
My favorite summer vegetable is zucchini! So having plenty of ways to cook it makes me so happy:
- It only takes a few minutes to sauté zucchini in a skillet. Spend less time prepping dishes in the kitchen and more time sitting down at the dinner table for a delicious meal.
- This is a fabulous way to use up an abundance of fresh garden zucchini. During zucchini season, it seems to grow like crazy! Don't let it go to waste - sauté it instead!
- I love this side dish with many different wonderful meals. It's really versatile and has a basic, but tasty, flavor profile that will pair with pretty much anything!
Ingredients
Four simple ingredients - that's all you need to make this super easy recipe:

- medium zucchinis: Halve the zucchinis and then slice into ½ inch pieces. If you've got extra large zucchini, you may not need to use two.
- olive oil: I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil in this recipe, but you can use avocado oil or another neutral oil if you prefer.
- black pepper: Cracked black pepper adds just the right flavor to sautéed zucchini slices.
- salt: Season the zucchini with a bit of sea salt to help bring out the
Substitutions and Variations
There are so many way to add more flavor to this dish! However, don't add any salt until after the zucchini is cooked. But you can add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Feel free to sauté yellow onion or red onion with your zucchini. It will need to go in the hot pan way before the zucchini does, but will add loads of flavor!
I like to sauté this crunchy veggie in garlic butter too. And then add some fresh herbs like fresh parsley and you have LOADS of flavor in one simple dish.
Other veggies, like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, are very tasty when sautéed with zucchini.
Sprinkle some parmesan cheese or feta cheese over the cooked zucchini before serving for a cheesy touch!
How to Make Sauteed Zucchini
Follow these step by step instructions to make this easy sautéed zucchini recipe:
Begin by slicing the zucchini in half and then chopping into even ½-inch slices.

Then add oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once you have a hot skillet, add the zucchini slices to the pan.


Cook until golden brown, flipping each piece carefully so that both sides cook. The zucchini will only take about 4 minutes.

Once the zucchini is cooked, season it with salt and additional pepper if desired. Serve and enjoy!
How to Store Sauteéd Zucchini
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and allow to cool before covering. Then store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also store leftovers in a freezer safe plastic bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Sauteed Zucchini
There are so many main courses that you can serve with! Pair it with dishes like grilled pork tenderloin, grilled chicken breast or grilled chicken thighs.
Marinated pork tenderloin and parmesan risotto also pair well with this side dish.
It's also a great alternative to french fries alongside a homemade hamburger and a tall glass of ice cold lemonade!

Tips for Success
Check out these simple tips for this quick and tasty recipe:
- Don't salt the zucchini before sautéeing! It will cause the veggies to sweat which will result in soggy zucchini.
- It is important that your pan is only heated to medium heat. A skillet that is too hot will cook the outside of the zucchini quickly but won't make it tender. You'll have over-cooked, yet undercooked, firm zucchini.
- Be sure to evenly slice the zucchini. All slices should be around the same thickness so that they all finish cooking at the same time.
FAQ
Nope! Just wash it well, slice it up and then throw it in the pan. However, if you do not like the skin then feel free too peel before slicing and cooking.
To keep fork tender and firm zucchini, do not salt it before cooking. Only salt once it is fully cooked and you are ready to serve.

More Side Dish Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
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Sauteed Zucchini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium zucchinis halved and sliced into ½ inch pieces
- 4 teaspoons olive oil divided
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the zucchini in half and then chopping into even ½-inch slices.
- Then add oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once you have a hot skillet, add the zucchini slices to the pan.
- Cook until golden brown, flipping each piece carefully so that both sides cook. The zucchini will only take about 4 minutes.
- Once the zucchini is cooked, season it with salt and additional pepper if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not add salt until after the zucchini cooks or it will sweat and get soggy.
Nutrition

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Thank you for sharing this recipe.