Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herb-Infused Oil
Tender zucchini slices cooked in fragrant garlic oil with a hint of fresh herbs for a light, keto-friendly side. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium zucchini, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 calories and feeds 1, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the 2 medium zucchini into 1/4-inch thick half-moons.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Step 4: Add the zucchini slices and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still holding shape.
- Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh basil.
- Step 6: Cook for 1 more minute until the herbs are fragrant and the flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herb-Infused Oil 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 with Garlic and Herb-Infused Oil?
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 with Garlic and Herb-Infused Oil?
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 with Garlic and Herb-Infused Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 with Garlic and Herb-Infused Oil 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
