The Best Sauteed Zucchini Squash (Easy and Delicious)

On my list of must-make summer time side dishes, sauteed zucchini is near the top! Versatile, flavorful, and nutritious, you just can’t beat this dish on the summer table!

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On our homestead, dinner time is usually right in the middle of evening chores. This makes having an easy side dish recipe a must! Sauteed zucchini fits the bill in my kitchen!

So, if you are overwhelmed in the zucchini harvest, try this recipe for tender, golden brown slices of zucchini and you will find yourself working through the pile of squash quickly!

This is the perfect summer side dish!

Why you will love this recipe

There are many things I love about this recipe and think you will too! It’s the best zucchini recipe, in my opinion!

• Quick – This side dish is ready in about 15 minutes making it perfect for busy nights and it’s an easy way for cooking zucchini.
• Simple, fresh ingredients – With fresh zucchini and just a few other simple ingredients, you will have a delicious side dish!
• Pairs with any meal – This side dish goes along side almost any meal you can imagine! Serve along side broiled chicken and roasted potatoes or as a side dish to fried eggs and biscuits in the morning! Also, this is the perfect dish to serve along side pork chops!
• Gluten Free – You will love that this side dish can accommodate most dietary needs! This is also a low carb recipe!
• Uses up the zucchini harvest – Watch the zucchini squash on your table get used in quick fashion with this easy recipe!

Looking for another recipe to use up extra zucchini? Try my VEGETABLE FRITTATA RECIPE

Ingredients to make this easy sauteed zucchini recipe

Since this recipe uses so few ingredients, the quality is very important. Aim to use the freshest, highest quality possible.

• Fresh Garden Zucchini Squash – Aim to pick young, tender zucchini. If you miss one and it is really large, cut in half and remove the seeds for best results. Use 2 small zucchini or one medium zucchini.
• Butter – I prefer to use grass fed butter for optimum flavor.
• Olive Oil – Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil. You may substitute with avocado oil.
• Chopped Onion – 1 medium onion is needed. May also use onion powder if preferred. I used a yellow onion in my dish.
• Salt – The best way to avoid soggy zucchini is to leave out the salt until the end.
• Black Pepper
• Optional: Fresh Garlic or Garlic powder to taste

Full ingredient amounts found in recipe card below

Step-by-step instructions for making this Easy Sauteed Zucchini Recipe

Preheat a CAST IRON SKILLET over medium to medium-high heat. I use a 10 inch pan.

Depending on how many zucchini you desire to saute, you may want to use a large skillet (12 inch).

Wash and dry 2 small or 1 medium sized zucchini.

Using a sharp knife, slice the zucchini in half and then each half in two.

For best results, slice as evenly as possible for uniform frying.

Slice a medium onion in uniform slices.

Once skillet has preheated, add the butter and oil.

Add the Zucchini slices and onion slices in the hot skillet.

Add salt and black pepper at the end to taste. If you add the salt at the beginning, the zucchini will be soggy while sauteing.

Saute for 12-15 minutes stirring every 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is starting to turn golden brown.

Tips for making the perfect sauteed zucchini

• Do not over crowd the skillet. For best results use a skillet that is large enough to accommodate having the zucchini in a single layer while sauteing.
• Cook in batches if you only have a small skillet to get all of the squash golden brown.
• Add salt at the end and taste to avoid the zucchini becoming soggy while sauteing.

Variations

For a spicy version, add 1/4 tsp cayenne and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Top with a dollop of sour cream before serving.

At the end of frying, top the zucchini with shredded cheese or fresh parmesan cheese and let melt before serving. Once melted, top with a sprinkle of italian seasoning for a delicious but simple side dish.

Try drizzling the sauteed zucchini with a balsamic glaze for an amped up version of this healthy side dish!

For a deliciously fresh version, top with fresh herbs after sauteing.

Drizzle with garlic butter and fresh basil if you want to take it to another level!

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish to grilled chicken, meatloaf, or fish.

Fill a soft tortilla with quinoa, sauteed zucchini, and drizzled with hot sauce.

Add as the veggie in a grain bowl or dinner bowl.

Storage/Reheating Tips

Store cooled, leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat, saute in a skillet over low heat.