Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Medley
Quickly sautéed zucchini and cherry tomatoes with fresh basil and garlic for a vibrant and healthy Whole30 vegetable side. This whole30-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes pairs pint, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 3 medium, cut into 1/4-inch half-moons zucchini
- 1 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.
- Step 2: Add 3 medium zucchini cut into 1/4-inch half-moons to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini starts to soften and develop a slight golden edge.
- Step 3: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften but still hold their shape.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, letting the residual heat release the basil’s aroma.
- Step 5: Serve warm as a colorful, Whole30-friendly vegetable side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Medley take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Medley?
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 pint, halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Medley?
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 Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Medley for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Medley whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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