Bone Fish Grill Copycat Sauteed Zucchini and Tomatoes: Your New Favorite Summer Side Dish
There used to be a highly anticipated “seasonal side” of Zucchini & Tomatoes at the beloved Bone Fish Grill, and it was always one of my absolute favorites! This delightful dish featured a vibrant combination of fresh summer vegetables: crisp zucchini, ripe Roma tomatoes, and sweet onions, all perfectly sautéed with a blend of rich butter and fragrant olive oil. Served simply with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a generous dusting of shredded Parmesan cheese, it offered the ideal touch of Italian seasoning. This isn’t just a side dish, my friends; it’s a taste of summer on a plate!
My fondness for this seasonal offering from Bone Fish Grill was so strong that I became determined to master this zucchini side dish at home. I’m thrilled to say that this easy zucchini and tomatoes recipe has been a staple on my website since 2014, and for good reason! As the vibrant hues of summer begin to mellow and the harvest season reaches its peak, I can always count on hearing that familiar, age-old question from neighbors and fellow gardeners alike: “Do you want any zucchini?”
Indeed, the abundance of this versatile squash is legendary. Did you know that August 8th is affectionately known as “Sneak a Zucchini on your Neighbor’s Porch Day?” It makes perfect sense! This time of year, our home gardens and local farmer’s markets are overflowing with fresh zucchini, creating a delightful challenge for home cooks to find new and delicious ways to incorporate it into their meals.
I genuinely love exploring innovative methods to utilize this healthy and surprisingly adaptable squash. In fact, I’ve curated an entire recipe post dedicated to a wide array of sweet and savory recipes that feature zucchini prominently, demonstrating just how versatile it can be in both main courses and desserts!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sautéed Zucchini and Tomatoes Recipe
Beyond its incredible taste and simplicity, this particular sautéed zucchini and tomatoes recipe offers several compelling benefits that make it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s not only incredibly delicious and reminiscent of that cherished Bone Fish Grill side dish, but it’s also remarkably healthy.
This dish is proudly Keto-friendly, low carb, and boasts a low-calorie count, making it an excellent choice for those managing their macros or simply seeking lighter meal options. Each serving delivers a satisfying 2 grams of fiber, contributing to digestive health and prolonged satiety. The full nutritional breakdown can be found in the convenient recipe card located further down this page, detailing its impressive health profile.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its ability to highlight the natural flavors of fresh, seasonal produce. When zucchini and tomatoes are at their peak, their vibrant taste needs little embellishment. This recipe uses simple cooking techniques and minimal ingredients to allow these star vegetables to truly shine, delivering a fresh, savory, and incredibly satisfying side dish that complements almost any main course. It’s the ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive addition to your next summer gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Sautéed Zucchini & Tomatoes
One of the greatest appeals of this easy recipe is its reliance on just a handful of fresh ingredients and basic seasonings. For precise measurements and detailed cooking instructions, be sure to refer to the printable recipe card at the very bottom of this post.
- Green Zucchini – For this particular recipe, I highly recommend opting for small to medium-sized zucchini. Their delicate texture and milder flavor are perfect for sautéing, ensuring they cook quickly and evenly without becoming watery. Save those larger, garden-giant zucchinis for grating into delicious zucchini bread or muffins, where their higher water content is less of an issue. Zucchini is also a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.
- Tomatoes – The quality of your tomatoes truly makes a difference here. Any type of ripe, juicy tomato will work beautifully. Roma tomatoes offer a meatier consistency with fewer seeds, making them excellent for sautéing. Vine tomatoes provide a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity, while small cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes can be halved for bursts of intense flavor and a charming visual appeal. Always select firm, brightly colored tomatoes for the best results.
- Sweet Onion – I prefer using a sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or Walla Walla, for this recipe. Their mellow, subtly sweet flavor caramelizes beautifully when sautéed, adding depth without overpowering the fresh taste of the zucchini and tomatoes. Dicing them in slightly larger pieces ensures they maintain some texture after cooking.
- Olive Oil and Butter – The combination of these two fats is key to achieving the perfect sauté. Olive oil provides a wonderful Mediterranean flavor profile and a good base for cooking, while the butter adds a rich, luxurious creaminess and helps in browning the vegetables, creating a beautiful golden finish and enhanced taste.
- Parmesan Cheese – While pre-shredded Parmesan is convenient, I strongly recommend shredding your own fresh Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and texture. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and offers a more pungent, salty, and nutty taste that truly elevates this dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding that authentic Italian flair.
- Fresh Basil – The aromatic essence of fresh basil is irreplaceable in this recipe. Its sweet, peppery notes are a perfect complement to the tomatoes and zucchini, bringing a vibrant, herbaceous freshness. While dried basil can be used in a pinch (use about 1/3 the amount of fresh), nothing compares to the fragrant aroma and bright flavor of fresh herbs.
- Salt and Black Pepper – These foundational seasonings are crucial for bringing out and balancing the natural flavors of all the fresh vegetables. Season to taste, and don’t be shy with freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra zest.
How to Master Your Zucchini & Tomatoes Sauté
One of the most appealing aspects of this fantastic side dish is that it’s all prepared right in a single skillet! This means less cleanup after dinner, which is always a win in my book. Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delicious recipe:
PREP: Set the Stage for Flavor
Begin by placing a large skillet, preferably a sturdy cast iron or a heavy-bottomed pan, over medium-high heat. Add both the butter and olive oil to the hot pan. Allow the butter to melt completely and the oil to shimmer before proceeding. This ensures your vegetables will begin to sauté immediately and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior, rather than steaming.
SAUTÈ: Unlock the Flavors
Once your fat is hot and shimmering, add the prepared zucchini slices, diced onion, and tomatoes to the skillet. Distribute them evenly and let them sauté for approximately 5-8 minutes. The key here is to maintain medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear and bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook in two batches to ensure proper browning. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Continue cooking until the zucchini reaches your desired tenderness. Some prefer a slight crisp-tender bite, while others enjoy a softer texture. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from becoming mushy or overcooked, which can happen quickly with zucchini. The tomatoes should also soften and release some of their juices, melding beautifully with the other vegetables.
STIR: Infuse with Freshness
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Now, it’s time to add the fresh basil, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir everything gently to combine these final flavors. Adding the basil off the heat helps preserve its delicate aroma and vibrant color, ensuring it doesn’t cook down too much and lose its fresh punch.
TOP: The Finishing Touch
Carefully pour the sautéed zucchini and tomatoes into a beautiful serving dish. Then, generously top with the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. The residual heat from the vegetables will gently melt the cheese, creating a luscious, savory coating.
SERVE: Enjoy Immediately
Serve your delicious zucchini and tomatoes hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire more. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, roasted meats, or even as a light vegetarian main course. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any summer meal.
Tip: For an even easier cleanup and a rustic presentation, you can completely skip the separate serving dish and serve it directly from the hot skillet!
Variations and Customizations for Your Sautéed Zucchini and Tomatoes
While this Bone Fish Grill copycat recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and additions to make it uniquely yours. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Garlic Infusion: For an extra aromatic kick, add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet along with the onions. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, before adding the zucchini and tomatoes.
- Herbal Twist: Beyond basil, consider incorporating other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or even a touch of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- A Hint of Tang: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a pleasant tanginess.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the vegetables will give this dish a delightful kick.
- Make it a Meal: Transform this vibrant side dish into a light main course by stirring in cooked pasta, adding grilled chicken or shrimp, or even topping it with a perfectly fried egg for a unique breakfast or brunch option.
- Vegan-Friendly Version: To make this recipe completely vegan, simply substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For a cheesy flavor without dairy, you can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, or omit cheese entirely.
Love it? Pin it!
Found your new favorite easy side dish recipe? Don’t let it get lost in the shuffle! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it whenever those zucchini cravings hit!
More Zucchini Recipes to Explore
If you’re one of the fortunate few with a garden overflowing with zucchini, or perhaps you have a wonderfully generous neighbor who keeps leaving them on your porch, fear not! There are countless delicious ways to enjoy this abundant summer squash. Here are some more of my favorite recipes to help you make the most of your zucchini harvest:
- Italian Style Baked Zucchini Chips (pictured above, a healthier snack option!)
- Grandma’s Zucchini Bread (a classic, comforting treat)
- Taco Zucchini Boats (a fun, low-carb meal idea)
- Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups (a delicious twist on a hearty favorite)
- Frosted Zucchini Brownies (a surprisingly moist and decadent dessert)
- Pumpkin Zucchini Streusel Bread (a delightful combination of fall flavors)
Discover More Restaurant Favorites at Home
There’s a special joy in recreating your favorite dine-out restaurant dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen, and this Bone Fish Grill copycat recipe is a perfect example! If you love the idea of bringing those beloved restaurant flavors home, I invite you to explore my extensive collection of Restaurant Copy Cat Recipes before you go. You might just find another culinary gem!
Embrace Fresh Tomatoes with More Recipes
If you, like us, truly cherish cooking with fresh, ripe tomatoes during this time of year, there are plenty more vibrant recipes to explore. Fresh tomatoes offer a burst of flavor and a refreshing touch to many dishes. Here are some more fantastic tomato-focused recipes you should definitely try:
- Fresh Pico de Gallo (a zesty, chunky salsa perfect for dipping or topping)
- Caprese Salad (a simple yet elegant Italian classic with mozzarella and basil)
- BLT Pasta Salad (a delightful salad combining classic BLT flavors with pasta)
This easy, flavorful, and healthy sautéed zucchini and tomatoes recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser. Your whole family is sure to enjoy this vibrant taste of summer, whether served as a side or transformed into a light meal!
Here is the full recipe for your convenience:
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Print Recipe
Zucchini & Tomatoes
Equipment
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Cuisinart Boxed Grater
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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OXO 3- Piece Wooden Spoon Set
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 2 small green zucchini halved length wise and sliced into half-moons
- 2 medium tomatoes diced in large pieces
- 1 small sweet onion diced in large pieces
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 4 Tablespoons fresh Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh basil chopped
- Fresh cracked black pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and heat oil.
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Add zucchini, onion and tomatoes, and sautè for about 5-8 minutes, or until veggies are desired tenderness.
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Add basil, salt and pepper, stir.
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Pour into a serving dish. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese.
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Serve hot, with more cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This delightful recipe was originally posted on July 21, 2014. It has been thoroughly updated to enhance user experience, provide more detailed tips, and reshared on August 8, 2022.