Description
This Roasted Lemon Garlic Zucchini recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish featuring tender zucchini slices tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then baked to perfection and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Its bright lemony notes and savory garlic make it a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds (about 680g) zucchini (about 3–4 medium)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- sprinkle of lemon zest
- red pepper flakes
- fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Slice zucchini: Cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch-thick slices, then halve each slice to create smaller pieces for even roasting.
- Toss ingredients: In a large bowl, combine zucchini pieces with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, coarse salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Bake zucchini: Spread the zucchini mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes until the zucchini starts to soften.
- Add parmesan and continue baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
- Finish and serve: Take the zucchini out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top. Optionally garnish with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley before serving.
- Store leftovers: Cover any leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- Use medium zucchini for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your taste preference.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, bake an extra 2–3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- For a vegan option, omit parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- This dish reheats well in the oven or microwave for quick meal prep.
- Garnishes like lemon zest and parsley add fresh brightness and should be added just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: roasted zucchini, lemon garlic zucchini, baked zucchini side dish, healthy vegetable recipe, parmesan zucchini
