This roasted zucchini is proof that healthy eating can be easy and delicious! With just a few simple ingredients and 8 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a crispy, flavorful side dish that goes with everything.
So whether you are looking for something light to serve alongside more robust, flavorful dishes or a quick, guilt-free snack to enjoy, you will want to bookmark this recipe. This delicious oven-roasted zucchini is a versatile dish that you will want to pair with everything.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This simple roasted zucchini recipe works because it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just a few kitchen staples—fresh zucchini, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings—you can have a flavorful, healthy side dish ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Additionally, this healthy oven roasted zucchini is packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It also has a high water content, making it hydrating and great for weight management. So, it's the perfect healthy addition to any meal that needs a boost of freshness and nutritional value.
Finally, this recipe pairs well with a wide variety of mains. From grilled chicken and fish to pasta or even a hearty stew, this dish's versatility makes it an excellent side for any occasion.
Ingredients
Zucchini:
This easy oven-roasted zucchini is a healthy side dish because it’s low in calories and rich in essential nutrients. When choosing the right zucchini for this dish, look for ones that are small to medium in size, as they tend to be more tender and flavorful. The skin should be smooth and firm, without blemishes or soft spots. Fresh zucchini is better for oven-roasting since it retains its crispness and flavor. However, frozen zucchini is much more convenient.
If you do choose to make your oven-roasted zucchini using frozen, keep in mind that it tends to release more moisture when cooked, so it may result in a softer, less crispy texture. If you don't like zucchini but still want to make a quick, easy, and healthy side dish like this, you can try this recipe using bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, or onions.
Seasonings:
This recipe uses salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the zucchini, paprika to add some smokiness, and garlic and onion powders to add savory flavors. However, this is a highly customizable recipe that you can experiment with by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, lemon zest, cumin, rosemary, dill, curry powder, and nutritional yeast are all popular options.
Parmesan Cheese:
Parmesan cheese is used on oven-roasted zucchini because it adds a savory, umami-rich flavor. Plus, it melts really well and crisps up nicely during roasting. However, if you don't have any parmesan cheese, pecorino romano, cheddar, feta, goat cheese, asiago, and mozzarella are all excellent choices.
How to Make Oven Roasted Zucchini
Step One:
Toss the zucchini, pepper, paprika, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, olive oil, and ¾ cup of parmesan cheese together in a bowl, evenly coating the zucchini pieces.
Step Two:
Lay the zucchini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
Step Three:
Bake in a preheated oven at 400F for 6-8 minutes.
Step Four:
Serve your crispy oven-roasted zucchini topped with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Tips
- Ensure you cut the zucchini into even slices so that they roast evenly. Aim for pieces that are about ¼-inch thick.
- Zucchini contains a lot of water, so it's important to pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes a crispier cook.
What to Serve With Roasted Zucchini
This healthy roasted zucchini is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, allowing the zucchini’s mild flavor to complement the protein.
It also works well as a side to hearty dishes like beef stew or pasta with tomato sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve it atop a bowl of quinoa or a fresh salad. Oven roasted zucchini can also be added to grain bowls, enhancing them with its crispy texture and savory notes. For a more casual meal, serve it as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.
If you need more ideas, Check out What To Serve With Zucchini for 15 delicious recipes.
FAQs
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe and all of its ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, when using processed ingredients, always ensure that they are labeled as gluten-free to ensure that no cross-contamination happens at the processing facility.
How do I make a vegan roasted zucchini?
To make a vegan oven-roasted zucchini, simply eliminate the parmesan cheese from the recipe or replace it with nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor or your favorite plant-based alternative.
Can I prepare the zucchini ahead of time?
Yes, you can cut and season the zucchini ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before roasting. Bring it to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
What's the best way to store leftover zucchini?
You can store leftover roasted zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it may change the texture slightly, leftover oven roasted zucchini can also be frozen in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 months.
More Zucchini Recipes
Oven Roasted Zucchini
Ingredients
- 2 pounds zucchini sliced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded and divided
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley optional, chopped
Instructions
- Toss the zucchini, pepper, paprika, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, olive oil, and ¾ cup of parmesan cheese together in a bowl, evenly coating the zucchini pieces.
- Lay the zucchini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400F for 8 minutes.
- Serve your crispy oven-roasted zucchini topped with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Ensure you cut the zucchini into even slices so that they roast evenly. Aim for pieces that are about ¼-inch thick.
- Zucchini contains a lot of water, so it's important to pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes a crispier cook.
The concept is good but this does not look browned or crispy after 8 minutes in a 400° oven. I had to I had to run it under the broiler for 4 more minutes before even getting close. And yes, I did dry it off before seasoning it.