Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes with Lemon Zest

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

A vibrant, no-cook side dish featuring crisp zucchini and sweet tomatoes finished with bright lemon. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (low-carb) ready in about 11 minutes pairs zucchini, cherry tomatoes, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add zucchini slices and sauté for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
  3. Step 3: Add cherry tomatoes, sea salt, and black pepper, then cook for 2 more minutes until tomatoes just start to burst.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest and juice, and let sit for 2 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 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 Lemon Zest?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes with Lemon Zest?

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 Lemon Zest 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 Lemon Zest 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.

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