Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright, tender vegetables cooked with garlic and fresh herbs in a single pan. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds and halve cherry tomatoes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until warm.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add zucchini rounds and cherry tomatoes, stirring to coat in oil; season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and tomatoes have softened slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic?

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 and Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic?

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 Tomatoes with Garlic 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 Tomatoes with Garlic vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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