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- 2 medium zucchinis - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - Additional herbs (e.g., basil, thyme) - Other vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, cherry tomatoes) - Pairings with proteins (e.g., grilled chicken, shrimp) - Serving alongside a salad or bread Sautéed zucchini makes a great side dish. You can keep it simple or add more flavors. The main ingredients are easy to find. Zucchini is fresh and tasty. The olive oil gives it a nice richness. Garlic adds a strong flavor, too. For a twist, you can add herbs like basil or thyme. These extra flavors can make your dish shine. You can also mix in other veggies. Bell peppers and cherry tomatoes both work well. When serving, think about what goes well with zucchini. Grilled chicken or shrimp can add protein. A fresh salad or warm bread can round out your meal. For a full recipe, check out Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic & Herbed Quinoa. It’s a simple way to enjoy this veggie! First, rinse the dry quinoa under cold water. This removes any bitterness. Then, add the rinsed quinoa to a pot with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the quinoa absorbs the liquid, fluff it with a fork. Keep it warm while you cook the zucchini. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sliced zucchinis in a single layer. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften and turn golden. This gives the zucchini a nice texture. Now, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown. The zucchini should remain tender with a bit of crunch. Next, gently fold in the cooked quinoa. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss everything together until mixed well. Adjust the taste with sea salt and black pepper. This simple process leads you to a delicious dish. For the full recipe, refer back to the previous section. When choosing zucchini, look for firm, smooth skin. The color should be bright green, without blemishes. Choose smaller zucchinis, as they tend to taste better. Avoid any that feel soft or have dark spots. Use a heavy skillet for the best sautéing results. A cast-iron or non-stick skillet works well. Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding the zucchini. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. To keep zucchini crunchy, do not overcook it. Aim for a tender bite with a slight crunch. Adding spices can elevate your dish. Try red pepper flakes for heat or oregano for earthiness. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add brightness. Serve warm for the best flavor. You can also enjoy it at room temperature. This side dish pairs well with many main courses. You can find the full recipe for sautéed zucchini with garlic and herbed quinoa in this article. {{image_4}} For a Mediterranean twist, add feta cheese and olives. The salty feta brings a creamy texture. Olives add a briny kick that complements the zucchini well. Use about 1 cup of crumbled feta and 1/2 cup of sliced olives. Toss these in just before serving to keep them fresh. If you like heat, try adding chili flakes or jalapeños. A pinch of chili flakes adds warmth without overpowering the dish. For a more intense flavor, slice fresh jalapeños and cook them with the zucchini. Use 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or 1 diced jalapeño for a spicy kick. To make a creamy version, incorporate cream or yogurt. Heavy cream gives a rich, smooth taste. Greek yogurt adds tanginess and is a healthier option. Mix in about 1/2 cup of cream or yogurt at the end of cooking. This will add a lovely richness to your sautéed zucchini. For the full recipe, check out Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic & Herbed Quinoa. To keep your sautéed zucchini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps avoid extra moisture. If you want to freeze sautéed zucchini, use these tips. First, let it cool completely. Then, spread it on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about an hour. After that, transfer it to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat sautéed zucchini, use low heat on the stove. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Stir frequently to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often to keep the texture. This way, your zucchini stays tender and tasty. Sautéed zucchini lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To store it, place the zucchini in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents odors from mixing with other foods. Always let it cool down before storing. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can use frozen zucchini, but the texture will change. Frozen zucchini tends to be softer and waterier when cooked. This can lead to a mushy dish. If you want to use frozen, thaw it first and drain excess water. For best results, fresh zucchini works better in this recipe. Yes, sautéed zucchini is very healthy! Zucchini is low in calories and high in nutrients. One medium zucchini has about 33 calories. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, which are great for your skin. Adding olive oil gives healthy fats, making this dish both tasty and good for you. You can find the full recipe for sautéed zucchini with garlic and herbed quinoa in the recipe section. This blog covered the tasty and healthy ways to prepare zucchini. You learned about main and optional ingredients, plus how to cook quinoa. We discussed serving ideas, storage tips, and even variations like Mediterranean or spicy styles. Zucchini is simple to cook and can be fun to try in different ways. Remember to choose fresh ones and season to your liking. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!

Sauteed Zucchini

Discover the perfect summer dish with this delicious Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic & Herbed Quinoa recipe. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a healthy and flavorful meal that combines tender zucchini, fragrant garlic, and fluffy quinoa, all enhanced by a splash of lemon juice. Perfect as a side or a main dish, this recipe will delight your taste buds. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of freshness to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup cooked quinoa (about 1/3 cup dry quinoa)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions
 

Prepare the Quinoa: Start by rinsing the dry quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth (for added flavor). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Once ready, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside, covered to stay warm.

    Sauté the Zucchini: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced zucchinis in a single layer. Sauté them for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and develop a slight golden color.

      Add Garlic and Seasoning: Incorporate the minced garlic and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, mixing frequently. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, and the zucchini should be tender yet retain a bit of crunch.

        Combine: Gently fold the cooked quinoa into the skillet with the sautéed zucchini. Add in the freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with lemon juice. Toss everything together carefully until well mixed. Adjust the flavor with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

          Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, take the skillet off the heat. Serve the dish warm in bowls, optionally garnishing with additional parsley for a pop of color.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 servings

              - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the sautéed zucchini and quinoa mixture in shallow bowls, placing a lemon wedge on the side to enhance freshness and visually brighten the dish.