Healthy Sautéed Vegetables – Quick, Flavorful & Nutritious Side
A quick and healthy sautéed vegetable recipe that combines a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables cooked in olive oil with garlic and onions. This flavorful and nutritious side dish is perfect for any meal, providing a balance of textures and vibrant flavors, accented by optional seasonings and toppings.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Oils & Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil/butter)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings & Extras
- 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
- Prep Vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Peel if necessary and cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or your preferred cooking fat.
- Cook Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the hot oil. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until they are fragrant and the onions begin to soften.
- Add Harder Vegetables: Incorporate the carrots and broccoli florets into the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently to allow even cooking without burning.
- Add Softer Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and snap peas. Continue sautéing for another 4–5 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant and slightly firm.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Add the optional lemon juice and either balsamic vinegar or soy sauce to enhance the flavor profile. Stir well to combine.
- Finish & Serve: Give the vegetables a final toss and remove from heat. Garnish with your choice of toasted nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for peak flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust cooking times depending on how tender or crisp you prefer your vegetables.
- Substitute any vegetable you like or have on hand to personalize the dish.
- Optional toppings add texture and extra nutrients; try toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or fresh basil.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or grilled proteins for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: sautéed vegetables, healthy side dish, quick vegetables, nutritious side, easy vegetable recipe