Zucchini Ribbon Stir-Fry with Crispy Pecans
A vibrant side dish featuring ribbons of zucchini stir-fried with garlic and toasted pecans, finished with a hint of lemon. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (keto vegetable, low carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs roughly chopped pecans, avocado oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 12 oz), spiralized zucchini
- 1/4 cup, roughly chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, thinly sliced fresh chives
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 2: Push pecans to the side of the skillet. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add 2 medium spiralized zucchini ribbons to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh chives, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss until all ingredients are evenly distributed and zucchini is coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Ribbon Stir-Fry with Crispy Pecans take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 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 Zucchini Ribbon Stir-Fry with Crispy 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 roughly chopped pecans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Ribbon Stir-Fry with Crispy 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 Zucchini Ribbon Stir-Fry with Crispy 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 Zucchini Ribbon Stir-Fry with Crispy Pecans keto vegetable?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto vegetable, 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 8-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
