Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon

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

A vibrant, quick-cooking vegetarian dish featuring tender zucchini noodles tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes and a bright citrus finish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olive oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 medium zucchinis (spiralized into noodles) and cook for 2 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained zucchini noodles to the skillet along with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Toss gently for 2 minutes until the zucchini is heated through and the tomatoes are slightly burst, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon 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 Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon?

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 Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon?

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 Lemon 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 Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon 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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