Description
Mediterranean roasted garlic-parmesan zucchini, squash, and tomatoes blend herbal elegance with rustic charm. Simple ingredients create a delightful side dish that will elevate your summer dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps (8 g) chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 400°F (200°C), creating an optimal roasting environment. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent adherence.
- Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, toss zucchini, squash, and cherry tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Ensure vegetables are thoroughly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
- Roasting: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet, maximizing caramelization and allowing each piece to develop crisp, golden edges. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly charred.
- Cheese Finishing: Immediately after removing from the oven, generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the roasted vegetables. Switch the oven to broil and return the sheet to the middle rack for 2-3 minutes, carefully monitoring to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, adding a vibrant herbal note. Plate immediately as a standalone side dish or as a complementary topping for quinoa, pasta, or grilled protein.
Notes
- Slice Uniformly: Cut zucchini and squash into consistent 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even roasting and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Control Moisture: Pat vegetables dry with paper towels before seasoning to prevent excess water, which can make the dish soggy and inhibit caramelization.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Space vegetables with minimal overlap on the baking sheet, allowing heat to circulate and create crispy, golden edges instead of steaming them.
- Cheese Timing: Add Parmesan during the final broiling stage to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly golden, crispy cheese crust without turning bitter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg