Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and refreshing zucchini noodles tossed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a quick, vegetable-forward meal. This italian-inspired vegan ready in about 20 minutes pairs zucchinis, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add sliced bell pepper and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
  3. Step 3: Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still slightly firm (al dente), stirring frequently. Season with sea salt and stir in fresh basil before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and 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 zucchinis from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and 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 Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes vegan?

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

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