Okay, listen up, because I’m about to share my go-to trick for jazzing up any meal: a super simple, seriously delicious Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe! Trust me, I’m *always* on the hunt for easy side dishes that don’t taste like rabbit food, and this one? This one’s a winner.
Seriously, if you’re trying to cut back on carbs but still want something bursting with flavor, you’ve GOT to try this. I’ve been making it for years – ever since I realized I could sneak extra veggies onto my plate without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s so quick to throw together; even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up in minutes. Think tender-crisp veggies swimming in garlicky, buttery goodness. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
It’s honestly amazing how something so simple can be so satisfying. Are you ready to get started?
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe
Okay, so why *should* you make this amazing side dish? Let me tell you – you’re gonna be obsessed! Here’s the deal:
Quick and Easy Side Dish
Seriously, we’re talking minimal effort here. Dinner needs to be on the table FAST, right? With just a few minutes of prep and about 10 minutes of cooking, this Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash is ready to rock.
Full of Flavor
Garlic + butter = need I say more? I mean, that alone is amazing, but it really makes the zucchini and squash sing. It’s seriously addictive!
Perfect for Low Carb Diets
Trying to keep things low carb? This is your new best friend! You get all the flavor without all the guilt. I love it!
Healthy and Nutritious
Zucchini and yellow squash are packed with vitamins! So, you’re treating yourself *and* getting some goodness in. Win-win, I say!
Ingredients for Your Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Nothing fancy here, just simple ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Trust me, you probably have most of this stuff already!
Essential Vegetables
You’ll want 2 medium zucchini, sliced – not too thin, not too thick, you know? And 2 medium yellow squash, also sliced. I like to keep ’em roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Flavor Enhancers
Now for the good stuff! We’re talking 4 tablespoons of butter (yes, real butter!), and 4 cloves of garlic, minced. I like to use a garlic press ’cause I’m lazy, but you do you! Oh, and a pinch of heat: 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. But that’s totally optional, if you’re not into spice.
Seasoning and Garnish
Keep it simple with salt and pepper to taste. And to finish it off, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. It just adds a little pop of freshness, ya know!
How to Make Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friend, time to get cooking! This Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe is so simple, I almost feel silly writing out instructions… but hey, everyone starts somewhere, right? Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time!
Sautéing the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
First, grab your biggest skillet – you want enough room for the veggies to spread out a bit. Pop it over medium heat and melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted and all shimmery, toss in the 4 cloves of minced garlic and that 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Now, watch CLOSELY! You only want to cook this for about a minute, until the garlic smells amazing and becomes fragrant. Don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter – yuck!
Cooking the Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Alright, now the fun part! Dump in your sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Season everything with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Now, just let those veggies cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring them occasionally. You want them to get tender-crisp – soft enough to bite into easily, but still with a little snap. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get mushy. Nobody likes mushy squash!
Finishing Touches
Once the zucchini and squash are cooked to your liking, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. This just adds a little bit of freshness and color. And that’s it! Seriously! Serve it up immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe
Want to take your Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash game to the next level? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this dish *amazing* every single time.
Choosing the Freshest Vegetables
Okay, this is key! Look for zucchini and yellow squash that are firm to the touch. You want them to feel heavy for their size, and definitely avoid anything with soft spots or blemishes. Trust me, fresh veggies make all the difference!
Achieving the Perfect Tenderness
Listen, nobody wants soggy squash, right? The trick is to keep an eye on things and don’t overcook them! You want that lovely tender-crisp texture. Start checking for tenderness around the 8-minute mark, and don’t be afraid to pull them off the heat when they’re *just* right.
Adjusting the Flavor Profile
This is where you can get creative! I love garlic, but if you’re not a huge fan, you can totally dial it back. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices! A pinch of dried thyme or a sprinkle of oregano can really take this dish to a whole new level. Get adventurous!
Variations on This Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe
Alright, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe – awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy, shall we? This Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to mix things up!
Adding Other Vegetables
Why stop at zucchini and squash? Toss in some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Onions work great too, just sauté them a bit before adding the other veggies.
Experimenting with Herbs and Spices
Okay, this is where the magic happens! Try a sprinkle of dried thyme or oregano for a more earthy flavor. Or, for a little smokiness, add a pinch of smoked paprika. Yum!
Making it Cheesy
Because everything’s better with cheese, right? Once the veggies are cooked, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top. Let it melt slightly before serving. Hello, delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Your Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash
Okay, so you’ve got this gorgeous pile of Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash… now what? Don’t worry, I’ve got some ideas! This stuff goes with pretty much *anything*, but here are a few of my faves:
Pairing with Protein
Seriously, this is a match made in heaven! Think grilled chicken, a flaky piece of fish, or a juicy steak. The garlic butter flavor complements them all perfectly!
Adding a Salad
Want to keep things light and fresh? Serve this alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. It’s the perfect combo!
Complete the Meal
For a fully low-carb feast, serve this with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower. It’s like a warm hug for your tummy!
Storing and Reheating Your Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash
So, you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep that Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash tasting amazing, even the next day!
Proper Storage
Just pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. Easy peasy!
Reheating Instructions
My fave way? Toss it back in a skillet over medium heat until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re in a rush, the microwave works just fine. Just don’t overdo it, or it’ll get mushy!
Is This Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe Right for You?
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask about this Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe. Let’s clear things up!
Is this Recipe Suitable for Keto?
Absolutely! With just a few carbs from the veggies, this is a fantastic keto-friendly side dish. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as always!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You *can*, but honestly, it’s best fresh. Veggies can get a little soft if they sit too long. If you *do* make it ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat gently. It’ll still be yummy, just not *quite* as amazing as when it’s first made!
Is this Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Yep! It’s totally vegetarian as is. You could even add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor – just sayin’!
Nutritional Information for Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for this Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe. Keep in mind, though, that these are just estimates! It all depends on the exact ingredients you use and your portion sizes. So, take this with a grain of salt, okay?
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is an estimate based on available online calculators and average values for ingredients. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
Ready to Make This Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe?
So, are you convinced yet? I’m telling you, this Low Carb Garlic Butter Zucchini & Yellow Squash is a total game-changer! Go on, give it a whirl! And hey, if you try it out, leave me a comment below and let me know what you think! Or even better, rate the recipe! I love hearing from you guys!
Print
Low Carb Garlic Butter Squash Recipe: 10 Minute Dish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Enjoy a simple and delicious low-carb side dish with this garlic butter zucchini and yellow squash recipe. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust garlic and red pepper flakes to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg