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Sautéed Zucchini and Squash with Basil

This dish features sliced zucchini and squash quickly sautéed in a hot skillet, seasoned with herbs and black pepper. The vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized, presenting a vibrant, colorful final appearance with a tender texture that highlights summer’s produce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into rounds
  • 2 medium yellow squash sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • Skillet or large frying pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into thin, even rounds for quick and uniform cooking.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just starting to ripple.
  3. Add the sliced zucchini and squash to the hot skillet and spread them out in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, until they start to turn golden on the bottom.
  4. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss the vegetables, encouraging even browning and softening across all slices.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir quickly, allowing it to become fragrant for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it.
  6. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp, about 5-6 minutes, and they’ve absorbed some of the garlic aroma.
  7. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste, stirring to distribute the seasoning evenly across the vegetables.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil for a bright, herby finish.
  9. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a serving dish, ensuring they’re glossy and tender with a slight caramelization on the edges.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired, to enjoy the vibrant flavors and tender texture.

Notes

You can add a squeeze of lemon zest or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor. For a vegetarian main, serve over grains or pasta.