Should you salt zucchini before sautéing?

You don’t need to salt zucchini before sautéing for this recipe. High heat helps cook off moisture quickly, preventing sogginess. If you want firmer zucchini, just make sure the pan is hot and don’t overcrowd it.

Is it better to bake or sauté zucchini?

Both methods work, but sautéing gives zucchini a quicker cook time and better texture for pairings like corn. Baking is great for casseroles, while sautéing keeps the bite and adds a bit of charred flavor.

Can you add corn to zucchini slices?

Yes! In fact, combining corn with sautéed zucchini creates a sweet and savory mix that’s ideal for sides, tacos, or even grain bowls. Their textures complement each other well in a hot skillet.

Can you sauté zucchini?

Absolutely. Sautéing is one of the best methods for cooking zucchini fast while preserving its natural flavor and a bit of crunch. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight meals.

Sautéed Zucchini and Corn: The Best Quick Summer Side Dish

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 ears corn, kernels sliced from cobs

2 medium zucchini, diced to ½”

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Shaved parmesan cheese, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a 12” skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and heat until melted and foaming.

2. Add the olive oil and heat for 30 seconds.

3. Increase heat to high. Add the corn, toss to coat, and sauté undisturbed for 3 minutes.

4. Stir the corn and sauté another 3 minutes.

5. Add zucchini and toss with the corn. Let cook undisturbed for 4 minutes.

6. Stir and sauté 4 more minutes until vegetables are lightly charred.

7. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

8. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

9. Fold in chopped basil and garnish with shaved parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use fresh corn when in season, but frozen corn works too.

Don’t overcrowd the pan—sauté in batches if needed.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.

Author: EmilyFrost
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg