Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant, refreshing pasta alternative featuring spiralized zucchini, bright lemon, and fresh dill, ready in 15 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 16 minutes pairs medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a vegetable spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add spiralized zucchini noodles, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp dill. Toss for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp and tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in remaining 1 tbsp dill, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (12 min prep + 4 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Dill Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
