Garlic Herb Sautéed Zucchini with Walnuts & Caprese
This bright, fresh Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together garlicky herb-sautéed zucchini, toasted walnuts for crunch, and a refreshing caprese-style topping of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 22–25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Garlic Herb Sautéed Zucchini
3 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil (or Italian seasoning)
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Walnuts
⅓ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1 tsp olive oil (optional for toasting)
Pinch of salt
Caprese Topping
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
2–3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped or torn
1 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tsp balsamic glaze (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Toast the Walnuts
1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped walnuts (and 1 tsp olive oil if desired).
3. Toast 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
4. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and set aside.
2. Sauté the Zucchini
1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add zucchini and spread into an even layer.
3. Cook 5–6 minutes without stirring too often—this helps browning.
4. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook another 3–4 minutes, until zucchini is just tender but not mushy.
6. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Caprese Mixture
In a bowl combine:
- cherry tomatoes
- mozzarella
- basil
Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
4. Assemble the Dish
1. Spoon the sautéed zucchini onto a serving platter or bowls.
2. Top with the caprese mixture.
3. Sprinkle toasted walnuts over everything.
4. Finish with extra basil or a splash of olive oil.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — replace mozzarella with avocado or dairy-free mozzarella.
How do I keep zucchini from getting soggy?
Use high heat, avoid overcrowding the pan, and don’t salt too early.
Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but you can prep components:
Zucchini: sauté and store 2–3 days
Caprese: mix right before serving
Walnuts: toast up to a week in advance
Tips for Best Results
Browning = flavor. Let the zucchini sit undisturbed for the first few minutes.
Add lemon zest or juice for an even brighter Mediterranean profile.
Use fresh basil generously — it ties the dish to classic caprese.
For added protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Finish with good-quality olive oil for richness.
Estimated Nutrition
Calories: ~265
Protein: ~10 g
Carbohydrates: ~10 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Fat: ~21 g
Sugar: ~4 g
Sodium: ~280 mg