Savory Sautéed Zucchini with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Fresh Basil
This vibrant Savory Sautéed Zucchini dish combines the rich flavors of fresh zucchini and sweet cherry tomatoes with the briny goodness of kalamata olives and aromatic basil. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, yet bursting with flavor. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, making it an ideal option for potlucks or gatherings. This dish celebrates summer produce and is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
6
Servings
35
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (measured)
zucchini
1 1/4 - 1 1/2 lbs (trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch-thick slices)
garlic cloves
2 large (sliced)
fresh rosemary
1 1/2 teaspoons (chopped)
cherry tomatoes
2 cups (halved)
kalamata olives
1/3 cup (halved and pitted)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (measured)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the sliced zucchini, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, and sauté for about 3 minutes.
3
Toss in the sliced garlic and chopped rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is just tender and slightly golden, approximately 5 minutes.
5
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil and balsamic vinegar, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
2.3g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sautéed Zucchini with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Fresh Basil?
It is a vibrant and healthy vegetable side dish featuring zucchini, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, seasoned with balsamic vinegar.
How many calories are in a serving of this zucchini dish?
There are 35 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.3 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are extra virgin olive oil, zucchini, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch-thick slices.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of halved and pitted kalamata olives.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based.
Can this dish be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks.
How long do you sauté the zucchini?
The zucchini is sautéed initially for 3 minutes, then for another 5 minutes with garlic and rosemary until tender.
When do you add the cherry tomatoes?
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and olives after the zucchini is tender, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for heating in the skillet.
How much fresh basil is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of thinly sliced fresh basil.
When is the balsamic vinegar added?
The balsamic vinegar is stirred in after the skillet is removed from the heat.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 0.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in this dish?
Each serving provides 0.8 grams of fiber.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh rosemary and fresh basil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be sliced before being added to the skillet.
What is the total weight of zucchini needed?
You will need between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 lbs of zucchini.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with a smaller amount of dried rosemary if necessary.
What size should the cherry tomatoes be cut into?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved.
What type of vinegar is used?
Balsamic vinegar is used to add a touch of acidity and sweetness at the end.
Is this recipe considered a main course or a side dish?
It can be served as a side dish or as a light main course.
What temperature should the oil be when adding zucchini?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Should I season the dish with salt and pepper?
Yes, season with salt and pepper when adding the garlic, and adjust to taste before serving.
How many cherry tomatoes are required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes.
How many garlic cloves are used?
Two large garlic cloves, sliced, are used in this recipe.
Why shouldn't I overcrowd the pan?
Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than sautéing, preventing the zucchini from becoming golden and tender.