Sautéed Zucchini 'Noodles' with Crispy Capers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, vibrant zucchini ribbons with salty capers and garlic, ready in 15 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (keto, low-carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs olive oil, (drained) capers, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

★ 3.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 medium spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and stir frequently for 3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup drained capers and cook for 1 minute until capers start to crisp slightly around the edges.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 lemon zest, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds more until flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while zucchini is still tender-crisp.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini 'Noodles' with Crispy Capers 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 Crispy Capers?

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 Crispy Capers?

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 Crispy Capers 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 Crispy Capers keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes