Sautéed Zucchini Ribbons with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Light, vibrant zucchini ribbons tossed with burst cherry tomatoes and fresh basil in a garlic-infused oil. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 zucchini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 cup cherry tomatoes with 1 tsp olive oil on a baking sheet, then roast for 12 minutes until slightly shriveled and burst.
- Step 2: Using a vegetable peeler, create 2 long ribbons from each zucchini, then slice into 1/4-inch pieces. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until golden. Add zucchini ribbons, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until tender-crisp and edges browned. Stir in roasted tomatoes and 2 tbsp fresh basil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Ribbons with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Ribbons with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?
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 zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Ribbons with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Ribbons with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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 Ribbons with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
