Summer's bounty is overflowing with delicious vegetables, and this vibrant zucchini, squash, and tomato sauté is the perfect way to showcase their fresh flavors. This easy recipe is a fantastic option for a healthy weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes! It's a delicious and colorful dish that's both satisfying and light, perfect for those warm evenings when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy the taste of summer!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow squash, diced
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese for serving
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by washing and dicing the zucchini and yellow squash into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Having everything prepped before you start cooking will make the process much smoother and faster.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Add the Zucchini and Squash
Add the diced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the halved tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini and squash are tender and the tomatoes have slightly softened and released their juices.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of vegetables, it's best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on the size of your vegetables and your preference for doneness, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
Variations:
- Add protein: This sauté is a great base for adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be delicious additions.
- Different herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest at the end adds brightness and acidity.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe offers a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber. Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes. A typical serving will contain approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 3-5g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 4-6g
This simple and delicious zucchini, squash, and tomato sauté is a perfect example of how easy it is to create healthy and flavorful homemade meals. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and savor the fresh tastes of summer!