Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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 (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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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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