Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Pecans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, crisp zucchini noodles tossed in a savory tomato-pecan sauce with fresh herbs for a satisfying low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, low-carb) ready in about 23 minutes pairs medium (2 lbs) zucchini, (halved) cherry tomatoes, (chopped) pecans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 245 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 245 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 4 medium zucchinis (2 lbs) into noodles and place in a colander to drain excess moisture for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss in drained zucchini noodles and cook for 2 minutes until heated through and slightly tender, stirring gently.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Pecans take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 Pecans?

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 (2 lbs) zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Pecans?

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 Pecans 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 Pecans vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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