Tired of the same old zucchini recipes?
This pan fried zucchini salad is fresh, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
This post is all about the best pan fried zucchini—golden, flavorful, and served over herbed yogurt for a simple, delicious summer dish.
Zucchini is one of those vegetables that’s always around, but it’s easy to run out of ideas. This pan fried zucchini recipe keeps things exciting with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, a tangy yogurt base, and crunchy toasted almonds. It’s the kind of dish that feels light but still satisfying—perfect as a starter, a lunch with bread, or even a side for grilled meat or fish. And the best part? It comes together in one pan and just a few minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Pan-Fried Zucchini Recipe
- This dish is everything you need for a light, flavorful meal. It’s:
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with flavor – The caramelized zucchini, fresh herbs, and tangy feta make every bite satisfying.
- Versatile – Serve it as a side dish or a main course for a lighter meal.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this salad fits right in.
Why Pan Fry Zucchini Instead of Roasting?
Nothing worse than soggy zucchini. Pan-frying gives you beautiful golden color and caramelized flavor in minutes—without making the zucchini too soft or watery. It’s the best method when you want texture and flavor without turning on the oven.
Ingredients for the Best Pan-Fried Zucchini Salad
This simple dish comes together with fresh ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of zucchini. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Zucchini – For the best flavor and texture, choose baby zucchinis. They’re sweet and quick to cook. If you’re using regular zucchini, make sure it’s firm with smooth, dark skin. Avoid any that are too large or have soft spots, as they tend to be watery and less flavorful. Slice them into thicker rounds or half-moons for the best results.
- Cherry tomatoes – Use the ripest cherry tomatoes you can find for a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy zucchini.
- Olive oil – A good-quality extra virgin olive oil is key for pan-frying and adds a rich depth of flavor.
- Greek yogurt – Tangy and creamy, this is the base for your dressing. If you’re after a dairy-free version, swap it for your favorite plant-based yogurt.
- Garlic – For the zucchini dressing, fresh garlic adds a pungent, zesty kick that works wonders when mixed with the hot, pan-fried zucchini.
- Fresh herbs – Mint brings freshness, while green onions or chives provide a mild oniony flavor. Za’atar or oregano adds a savory, herbal layer that complements the other ingredients.
- Lemon zest and juice – The citrusy kick brightens up the dish, balancing the richness of the yogurt and olive oil.
- Toasted almonds – Add crunch and a nutty flavor contrast to the soft zucchini.
- Feta cheese – For creaminess and saltiness, feta takes this salad to the next level. You can substitute with ricotta or labneh for a different texture.
- Salt and pepper – A must to bring all the flavors together.
Interested in the Beautiful Small Bowls?
If you love the look of these bowls, I found some similar ones on Amazon. Check them out here. OR here.
Add-Ins and Substitution Ideas
Feel free to get creative with your zucchini salad! Here are some fun add-ins and swaps you can make:
- Add nuts – Walnuts, pine nuts, or pistachios can add more crunch and flavor.
- Swap the feta – If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy element.
- Swap the herbs – Use basil, dill, or parsley if you want a different flavor profile.
- Add protein – Grill chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this a more filling meal.
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.
Tips for the Perfect Pan-Fried Zucchini Salad Every Time
- Dress the zucchini while it’s hot – This allows the dressing to soak in, especially the garlic, which becomes so aromatic when mixed with the hot zucchini.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry the zucchini in batches to get an even golden color.
- Toast the almonds – Lightly toast the almonds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes make a big difference in the flavor of the salad.
How to Store Leftovers
This zucchini salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The yogurt dressing may separate slightly, so just give it a quick stir before serving again.
Make Ahead and Assembly Tips
This dish is ideal for meal prep or last-minute gatherings:
- Make ahead: You can fry the zucchini and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Make the herbed yogurt and Store everything separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor.
- Perfect for entertaining: The vibrant colors and mix of textures make it a great dish to bring to a potluck or dinner party. You can also double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd.
FAQ
Everything You Need to Know About Pan-Fried Zucchini
- Can I use regular zucchini instead of baby zucchinis?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cut the zucchini into thicker slices to ensure they hold their shape and texture when pan-fried. - Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! You can easily make it vegan by swapping the feta with a plant-based cheese or omitting it altogether. For the dressing, substitute the yogurt with a creamy tahini base for a rich, nutty flavor. - Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a mix of vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or even asparagus for a colorful twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the vegetable’s thickness.
Perfect Pairing: Pan-Fried Zucchini Salad & Tzatziki
This pan-fried zucchini salad pairs beautifully with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki. The cool, tangy flavor of tzatziki complements the warm, caramelized zucchini, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Want to try it? Check out my Tzatziki recipe here.
Pan Fried Zucchini
Ingredients
- 500 grams zucchini (about 13 baby zucchinis or 3 medium ones)
- 200-250 grams cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of ½ a lemon
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Toasted almonds, for sprinkling on top
- Feta, for sprinkling on top.
Yogurt base
- 300 ml yogurt
- Handful of chopped herbs (mint and chives)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini into chunks. For baby zucchinis, slice them in half. For larger zucchinis, cut them into quarters or half-moons.
- Toss the zucchini with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat a pan over high heat until it’s very hot. Add the zucchini to the pan and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden and slightly softened.
- While the zucchini is frying, prepare the dressing. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, the zest of half a lemon, grated garlic, and salt. Mix well.
- Once the zucchini is cooked, immediately transfer it to the dressing while it’s still hot and toss to coat. Set aside.
- Dry the cherry tomatoes and place them in the hot pan (without oil). Toss them occasionally until they char, being careful not to make them mushy.
- While the tomatoes are charring, prepare the yogurt base. Mix the yogurt with chopped herbs, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt to taste.
- To assemble, spread the yogurt base on a plate or tray. Layer the dressed zucchini on top, then add the charred tomatoes. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and feta, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Ready to Try This Delicious Pan-Fried Zucchini Salad?
This pan-fried zucchini salad is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for light meals, entertaining, or meal prepping. With delicious, caramelized zucchini, tangy yogurt dressing, and fresh herbs, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish, a healthy main, or a crowd-pleasing option for your next gathering, this one has it all.
Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Feel free to share your favorite zucchini additions and tips!
Enjoy!
