Sauteed Sliced Zucchini with Walnuts

5 from 8 votes

Quick and easy sliced zucchini side dish topped with Parmesan cheese and crunchy walnuts!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Servings:

Author: Kristin

Slice the zucchini into approximately ⅓ inch thick rounds, and then cut them in half to make half-circles.
Heat the olive oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add the garlic and saute for a minute.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Add the zucchini pieces and let them cook for about 3 minutes, until they start to soften and the edges turn brown.
2 medium zucchini
Flip them over and brown the other side, about 2-3 more minutes.
Remove the zucchini pieces from the skillet as they become softened but before they become mushy.
Mix the salt and pepper with the Parmesan cheese. Add extra pepper if desired.
¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped walnuts, and serve immediately
¼ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Prep Tips:

Buy pre-sliced zucchini from the grocery store to skip the slicing step.
Mince the garlic finely to ensure it cooks quickly and releases its flavor evenly.
Use pre-made garlic paste or jarred minced garlic to save time.
I used pre-grated Parmesan cheese, but if you have fresh Parmesan cheese you can grate it tastes even better.
Buy your walnuts pre-chopped to save prep time.
Try to slice your zucchini with a consistent thickness for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook the zucchini in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly and do not steam.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan to your preference. The cheese itself adds saltiness, so you can even skip the salt if desired.
Serve immediately to maintain the texture of the zucchini and the crunchiness of the walnuts.
Buy pre-sliced zucchini from the grocery store to skip the slicing step.

Variation Suggestions:

Substitute or add other quick-cooking vegetables like yellow squash, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added variety.
Add herbs such as basil, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick.
Use other nuts like pine nuts, pecans, or almonds to change up the flavor.
You can also try other cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or Asiago for a different taste.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving for a fresh, tangy flavor.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this side dish into a delicious main dish!