Roasted Zucchini with Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing

Introduction

Roasted zucchini with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing is a delightful side dish that complements a wide variety of meals. Zucchini, when roasted, becomes tender with a slightly crispy edge, enhancing its natural sweetness. Paired with a simple yet flavorful lemon and olive oil dressing, this dish is the perfect balance of richness and brightness.

Whether you’re looking for an easy side to accompany a main course or a light vegetable dish to serve as part of a larger spread, this roasted zucchini recipe fits the bill. It’s quick to prepare, using just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and it can be made in less than 30 minutes.

In this article, you’ll get step-by-step instructions to prepare perfectly roasted zucchini every time, along with tips for making the most out of the lemon and olive oil dressing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make roasted zucchini with lemon and olive oil dressing:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or wedges
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or other herbs like thyme or rosemary)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the dressing)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

This list of ingredients brings together simple flavors that highlight the natural taste of roasted zucchini without overpowering it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). While the oven heats up, wash the zucchinis thoroughly and dry them with a towel. Slice them into rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. Rounds will roast more quickly, while wedges will have a bit more texture.

Place the sliced zucchini in a large bowl and toss with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure the zucchini pieces are evenly coated with the oil. This helps them roast evenly and develop a nice golden-brown color.

Season the zucchini with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (or other herbs of your choice). Stir gently to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly.

2. Roast the Zucchini

Spread the seasoned zucchini in a single layer on a large baking sheet. For best results, make sure the pieces are not overlapping. Overcrowding the pan can cause the zucchini to steam rather than roast, resulting in a softer texture.

Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the zucchini for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. You’ll know the zucchini is ready when it’s tender, slightly golden, and crisp around the edges.

While the zucchini is roasting, you can prepare the lemon and olive oil dressing.

3. Prepare the Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing

While the zucchini is in the oven, whisk together the dressing ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the juice of one lemon, two tablespoons of olive oil, and the minced garlic (if using). Add the lemon zest for an extra citrusy flavor. Whisk everything until the mixture is well combined.

Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier dressing or more olive oil for a smoother texture. Set the dressing aside while you wait for the zucchini to finish roasting.

4. Dress and Serve the Roasted Zucchini

Once the zucchini is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and transfer the pieces to a serving dish. Drizzle the lemon and olive oil dressing over the warm zucchini, tossing gently to coat each piece with the bright, citrusy dressing.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. The parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the olive oil and the tang of the lemon.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Zucchini

Roasting vegetables is a simple process, but there are a few tips that can help ensure you get the best results every time:

• Cut evenly: When slicing the zucchini, try to keep the pieces as uniform in size as possible. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked.
• Avoid overcrowding: Always make sure your zucchini pieces are in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roasting, which can make them soggy rather than crisp.
• Flip halfway through: Turning the zucchini halfway through cooking ensures that both sides become golden and crispy. This helps the zucchini develop a more even color and texture.
• Experiment with herbs: While oregano works beautifully in this recipe, you can easily switch it up with other dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a blend of Italian herbs. Fresh herbs can also be added at the end for a burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted zucchini with lemon and olive oil dressing is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy this dish:

• As a side dish: Serve alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a simple addition to pasta or grain dishes. The bright flavor of the lemon dressing pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of mains.
• In salads: Roasted zucchini can also be added to salads for a warm, hearty element. Toss it with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a little feta for a Mediterranean-inspired salad.
• As part of a vegetable platter: You can serve this roasted zucchini with other roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious spread.
• In wraps or sandwiches: Use roasted zucchini as a filling in wraps or sandwiches. Pair with other roasted vegetables, spreads, or cheese to create a delicious, vegetable-packed meal.

Conclusion

Roasted zucchini with a lemon and olive oil dressing is a simple, yet flavorful dish that can elevate any meal. The zucchini becomes tender and slightly crispy in the oven, while the zesty dressing adds a bright and refreshing finish to the dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is a great way to enjoy zucchini in a new and exciting way.

Whether you’re preparing this as a side dish, incorporating it into a larger meal, or enjoying it on its own, roasted zucchini is a crowd-pleaser that brings out the best of this humble vegetable. Try this recipe the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.