Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Balsamic and Almonds
Light, crisp zucchini noodles tossed with toasted almonds and a tangy balsamic glaze for a refreshing keto side dish that cooks in under 10 minutes. This italian-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 17 minutes pairs medium zucchini, olive oil, almonds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchini into noodles and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup slivered almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until sauce coats noodles. Sprinkle with toasted almonds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Balsamic and Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Noodles with Balsamic and Almonds?
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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Balsamic and Almonds?
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 Noodles with Balsamic and Almonds 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.
Is Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Balsamic and Almonds low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This became my go-to recipe for date nights. So elegant and satisfying!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for busy weeknights. The almonds gave great texture without overpowering the zucchini.
- ★★★★★
The balsamic reduction was divine! My keto-loving husband even asked for seconds.
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