Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic
A vibrant, no-cook vegetable dish featuring spiralized zucchini tossed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a light, refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 15 minutes pairs olive oil, (minced) garlic, (halved) cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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 (spiralized into noodles, about 3 cups) zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 cup (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 2: Add 3 cups spiralized zucchini noodles and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, stirring to combine. Cook for 4-5 minutes until zucchini is tender but still holds shape, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat and 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 Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic?
Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
