Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Fresh zucchini noodles tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes and basil for a light, vibrant keto side or main course. This vegetarian-inspired vegetarian (low-carb) ready in about 17 minutes pairs medium, spiralized zucchini, olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 85 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
- 4 medium, spiralized zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
- Step 2: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender but still firm and tomatoes have softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh basil and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for 1 minute more until flavors combine. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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, spiralized zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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 Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
