Zucchini Mericoli
A vibrant, vegetable-packed dish featuring zucchini, carrots, and tomatoes, flavored with taco sauce and basil. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 pound unpeeled zucchini, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, coarsely shredded
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green pepper, cut in thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- dash of pepper
- salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup taco sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut in wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat cooking oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced zucchini, carrot, onion, celery, green pepper, garlic salt, basil, and pepper.
- Toss to mix well.
- Cook covered for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine taco sauce and mustard; stir into the vegetables.
- Add tomato wedges.
- Cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
- Season with salt and serve in the skillet or transfer to a serving dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices from a Southwestern Spice Rub or a dash of chili powder. If zucchini is not available, summer squash can be a good substitute. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as using bell peppers or adding corn for sweetness. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the dish's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Zucchini Mericoli as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats or as a filling topping for tacos. It pairs beautifully with Pico De Gallo(Salsa With Cilantro) for a fresh contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it over rice or alongside a hearty salad. This dish also makes for a great filling in wraps.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving for too long to maintain texture, as the vegetables can become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Mericoli contains roughly 344 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1295mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine them and heat in a skillet. This allows the flavors to meld while maintaining the texture of the vegetables.
What can I use instead of taco sauce?
If you don't have taco sauce, you can substitute with salsa or even a mix of tomato sauce with spices like cumin and chili powder for a similar flavor profile. This also works well with Leva'S Salsa for a different twist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, Zucchini Mericoli is a vegan-friendly dish as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes. Pair it with pinto beans for added protein and a heartier meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).