Sautéed Zucchini
This sautéed zucchini recipe is quick and easy to make. Zucchini is a blank slate for flavor, so it pairs well with pretty much any meal. It's a delicious healthy side dish!
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Sautéed Zucchini Recipe
My favorite recipes are the ones that don't require much brain power on my end. And if it uses five ingredients or less, it is definitely going on my favorites list.
So, when my garden is overflowing with summer squash, I make this healthy side dish. It's quick to make and it never turns out soggy or mushy.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Once summer hits, this veggie seems to grow nonstop! This tasty recipe is a fabulous way to use up an abundance of fresh zucchini from your garden.
It only takes a few minutes to sauté it in a skillet. Spend less time in the kitchen making complicated dishes and more time enjoying dinner with your family.
I love how versatile this side dish is. Its basic flavor profile pairs well with pretty much any main and it is a nutritious addition!
Pair this simple side dish with easy taco meat or quick teriyaki glazed salmon, and you've got a delicious summer dinner that's ready in no time. Not only that, but it's a meal that the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
Four ingredients - that's all you need to cook zucchini:
I typically use medium-sized squash, but if yours are a bit overgrown, don't worry. They will cook up just fine. You may not need two though.
I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil in this recipe, but you can use avocado oil or another neutral oil if you prefer. For extra flavor, this dish is so good using garlic butter!
Variations
There are so many ways to add more flavor to this side dish! Other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper flakes are personal favorites. Finish with some fresh herbs like parsley!
You can add other veggies, too! Sautéed yellow onion or red onion. It will need to go in the hot pan much earlier, but it will add loads of flavor! Other veggies, like cherry tomatoes, yellow squash, and/or bell peppers can be sautéed at the same time as the zucchini.
For a cheesy flavor, sprinkle some parmesan or feta cheese on top just before serving.
How to Sauté Zucchini
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- Begin by chopping your zucchini into even slices. Add a little bit of oil and black pepper too.
- Next, add the slices to a hot skillet on the stovetop.
- Cook your slices until they are golden brown. Flip each piece carefully to cook both sides. Take them off the heat, season with salt and extra pepper and enjoy!
Madison's Tips for Success:
I've tested this recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use these tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you, too!
- Don't salt before sautéing! It will cause the veggies to sweat resulting in soggy zucchini.
- Only heat your pan to medium! If your skillet is too hot, the outside will cook quickly but the inside won't get a chance to fully cook and become tender.
- Try to chop the slices to an even thickness so they all finish cooking at the same time. Also, make sure they aren't too thick so they will cook up quickly. Using a mandoline really helps with this!
Sautéed Zucchini Recipe FAQs
Nope! Just wash it well, slice it up and throw it in the pan. However, if you do not like the skin you can feel free to peel it before slicing and cooking.
The most important tip to keeping this veggie fork tender and firm is to wait to salt it! Only add salt once you are done cooking and ready to serve it.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and allow to cool before covering. Then store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
You can also store leftovers in a freezer safe plastic bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
There are so many main courses that you can serve this sautéed zucchini recipe with! Some of my favorite mains to pair it with are grilled pork tenderloin, grilled chicken breast and grilled chicken thighs.
Marinated pork tenderloin and parmesan risotto are great to bring extra flavor to your dinner.
I also like to serve this healthy side dish as an alternative to french fries alongside a homemade hamburger and a tall glass of ice cold lemonade!
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Sautéed Zucchini
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium zucchini
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by slicing 2-3 medium zucchini into ½-inch slices. *If they are a bit large/wide, first cut them in half from top to bottom, then slice each half into ½-inch moons.
- Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once you have a hot skillet, add the slices to the pan.
- Sauté for about 2 minutes, until golden brown, then carefully flip each piece over and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Transfer sautéed zucchini to a serving bowl and season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper if desired.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Other Easy Side Dish Recipes
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