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Healthy Sautéed Vegetables Recipe

4.7 from 64 reviews

A vibrant and healthy sautéed vegetable medley featuring a mix of fresh vegetables cooked to crisp-tender perfection in olive oil with garlic and onions, enhanced by optional tangy flavorings and garnished with nuts or herbs for an easy, nutritious side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 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

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or soy sauce (optional)

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil/butter)

Optional Toppings

  • Toasted nuts
  • Seeds
  • Fresh herbs
  • Grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Peel if necessary, and cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Heat Pan: Place a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the oil warm up before adding other ingredients.
  3. Cook Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced onions to the hot oil. Sauté them for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant and the onions start to soften.
  4. Add Harder Vegetables: Add the julienned carrots and broccoli florets first since they take longer to cook. Stir frequently and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to become tender but still retain some crunch.
  5. Add Softer Vegetables: Incorporate the bell peppers, zucchini slices, sliced mushrooms, and snap peas. Continue to sauté everything together for another 4 to 5 minutes, aiming for a crisp-tender texture.
  6. Season: Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Optionally add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and/or 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce to enhance the flavor profile.
  7. Finish & Serve: Toss all the vegetables well to evenly distribute the seasonings and optional flavorings. Garnish with toasted nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use olive oil or avocado oil for a healthy fat option; butter adds richness but may change the nutrition profile.
  • Adjust cooking times depending on how crisp or tender you prefer your vegetables.
  • Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables according to availability and preference.
  • For a vegan version, omit grated Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast.
  • Adding a splash of soy sauce gives an umami boost, choose low-sodium options for a healthier meal.

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