Healthy Sautéed Vegetables – Quick, Flavorful & Nutritious Side Recipe
A quick and healthy sautéed vegetables recipe packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients, perfect as a nutritious and flavorful side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Universal
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or sliced thin
- ½ cup snap peas
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil/butter)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or soy sauce (optional)
- Optional toppings: toasted nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Wash, peel if needed, and cut all vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a nice presentation.
- Heat Pan: Place a skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or your chosen cooking fat.
- Cook Aromatics: Add minced garlic and sliced onions to the hot pan and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Harder Vegetables: Add the julienned carrots and broccoli florets first and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and allow even cooking.
- Add Softer Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini half-moons, mushrooms, and snap peas to the pan. Sauté for another 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Season: Season the vegetables with salt and black pepper to taste. Add optional flavorings such as lemon juice and balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for extra brightness and depth.
- Finish & Serve: Toss everything well to combine. Garnish with your choice of toasted nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or butter depending on your preference for flavor and smoke point.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro to enhance freshness and aroma.
- For a protein boost, add tofu cubes or grilled chicken as a complement to the side dish.
- If you prefer a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, use tamari.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the thickness and size of vegetable pieces to maintain desired crispness.
- To add a smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes during seasoning.
