Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, light pasta alternative featuring spiralized zucchini, sun-ripened tomatoes, and a zesty garlic-herb finish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium zucchini, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 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.

★ 3.7 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a julienne peeler, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to burst, then stir in zucchini noodles, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Cook for 4-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until zucchini is tender-crisp and tomatoes are softened.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Garlic 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-Garlic 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-Garlic 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-Garlic 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.

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