Description

A quick and nutritious recipe for sautéed vegetables that brings together a colorful medley of fresh produce cooked to crisp-tender perfection. This healthy side dish is flavored with garlic and onions, accented optionally with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and topped with delightful nuts or herbs for extra texture and taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
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 & Oils

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 necessary, and cut all vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a polished presentation.
Heat Pan: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or your choice of avocado oil or butter, allowing it to warm until shimmering but not smoking.
Cook Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the onions start to soften, releasing their sweet aroma.
Add Harder Vegetables: Introduce the carrots and broccoli florets to the pan first. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and promote even softening.
Add Softer Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and snap peas to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 4 to 5 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.
Season: Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Optionally, add lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce to enhance the flavor with a bright or savory note.
Finish & Serve: Toss the vegetables well to evenly distribute the seasonings and optional flavorings. Garnish with toasted nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and freshness.

Notes

Use fresh and crisp vegetables for the best taste and texture.
Adjust cooking times slightly depending on how tender or crunchy you prefer your vegetables.
For a vegan version, omit grated Parmesan or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.
Feel free to swap vegetables according to seasonality and preference.
To add protein, consider tossing in cooked chickpeas or tofu at the end.
Serve as a side with grilled meats or as a topping for grains and salads for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: sautéed vegetables, healthy side dish, quick vegetables, sautéed veggie recipe, nutritious vegetables, easy vegetable side