This Pan-Fried Zucchini with Honey, Feta and Pistachios is the ultimate side dish. Made from seven simple ingredients, this fresh recipe is easy to make yet looks elevated.

The zucchini has a wonderful golden-brown sear but is still tender in the center. Loaded with honey, fresh squeezed lemon, crumbled feta, crushed pistachios, fresh dill and cracked black pepper, this side dish recipe is hard to resist. I can guarantee this recipe will be a regular in your recipe rotation.

Enjoy this dish alongside some of my other favorites like, easy potato salad or summer fruit salad.

pan fried zucchini on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy yet elevated. This recipe is easy to make yet looks elevated. Your family and guests will be blown away by the presentation.

Fresh ingredients. I am a huge fan of using garden fresh ingredients whenever possible. And this delicious recipe delivers big time on flavor and freshness.

Homemade. Everything tastes better when it’s homemade, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint.

Customizable. You can easily customize this recipe to meet your flavor preferences. Swap the dill for mint or swap the pistachios for warm buttery panko.

ingredients needed for pan fried zucchini.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Zucchini: For this recipe, you will need two medium zucchini. Wash and remove the ends. Slice them in half and then slice them diagonally to create triangle shaped, bite sized pieces.
  • Olive Oil: Coat the bottom of your pan with olive oil. About 2-3 tablespoons will work. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat, but you don’t want it to smoke.
  • Honey: Drizzle the pan-fried zucchini with honey.
  • Lemon: You’ll want to hot the pan fried zucchini with fresh squeezed lemon.
  • Feta: You can use crumbled feta for this recipe.
  • Pistachios: You’ll want to lightly crush some roasted and salted pistachios. Option to use lightly salted if you prefer less salt.
  • Dill: Chop up fresh dill for this recipe. Be sure to remove the stems.
  • Black Pepper: Add a few turns of cracked black pepper for this recipe.
Pan Fried Zucchini with Hot Honey and Feta – Healthyish Foods

Variations

Swap the herbs. Instead of fresh dill try chopped parsley or mint.

Swap the pistachios. Not a fan of pistachios, try buttery toasted panko, sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts instead.

Swap the feta. You can use pan seared halloumi or shaved parmesan cheese instead.

Make it spicy! Option to use hot honey instead of regular honey for a kick of spice.

How to Make

Wash and remove the ends of your zucchinis. Slice them in half then slice them diagonally to create triangle shaped, bite sized pieces.

Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in an 11-inch nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the cubed zucchini, center side down. Saute in the oil for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the zucchini.

Reduce the heat and flip the zucchini. Allow them to saute for 2-3 more minutes or until they are fork tender. You do not want them to get too soft or they will be mushy.

Add the pan-fried zucchini to a plate. Top with honey, fresh squeezed lemon juice, crumbled feta, crushed pistachios, chopped dill and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Storage

Best enjoyed immediately! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Option to eat chilled or reheat in the microwave.

sautéed zucchini on a plate with toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pan-fried zucchini recipe ahead of time?

No, it is best enjoyed immediately hot from the pan.

What can I serve with this pan-fried zucchini recipe?

Try my Baked Chicken Thighs, Grilled Lobster Tails or Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi.

pan fried zucchini on a plate.

Pan-Fried Zucchini with Honey, Feta and Pistachios

This Pan-Fried Zucchini with Honey, Feta and Pistachios is the ultimate side dish. Made from seven simple ingredients, this fresh recipe is easy to make yet looks elevated.
5 from 6 votes
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Equipment

  • 1 11-inch nonstick skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, for pan frying the zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta
  • ¼ cup pistachios, crushed
  • 1-2 tablespoons dill, freshly chopped, remove stems
  • few turns cracked black pepper

Instructions 

  • Wash and remove the ends of your zucchini. Slice them in half then slice them diagonally to create triangle shaped, bite sized pieces.
  • Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in an 11-inch nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the cubed zucchini, center side down. Pan sear in the oil until golden brown.
    Reduce the heat and flip the zucchini. Allow them to fry for 2-3 more minutes or until they are fork tender. You do not want them to get too soft or they will be mushy. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the zucchini.
  • Add the pan-fried zucchini to a plate. Top with honey, fresh squeezed lemon juice, crumbled feta, crushed pistachios, chopped dill and cracked black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Best enjoyed immediately! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Option to eat chilled or reheat in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 163kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 115mg, Potassium: 348mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 275IU, Vitamin C: 20mg, Calcium: 71mg, Iron: 1mg