Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Meet your new favorite side dish: Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings together fresh zucchini, tangy lemon, and aromatic garlic for a deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini

Zucchini is the star here, offering a mild flavor that soaks up the lemon and garlic beautifully. It's low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy side. Olive oil provides a rich base that helps the zucchini roast to perfection. Garlic infuses the dish with a robust aroma, while lemon juice and lemon zest add a refreshing zing. Salt and black pepper season the zucchini just right, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. Lastly, if you're feeling indulgent, a bit of Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandoline for uniform zucchini slices if you have one. It makes quick work of the slicing and ensures even cooking.
  • For a more intense garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for a few minutes before tossing it with the zucchini.
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; if needed, use two sheets. This prevents steaming and ensures a better roast.

Serving Suggestions

This zesty zucchini pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements a hearty pasta dish and adds a fresh element to your meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a quinoa salad or a chickpea stew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash will work just as well, offering a slightly sweeter note.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative or leave it out for a lighter dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice and season the zucchini ahead of time. However, for the best texture, bake it just before serving.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives the zucchini a nice, even roast and a slightly crispy edge. While the oven warms up, grab your zucchinis and slice them into thin rounds. Aim for consistency in thickness to ensure even cooking. Toss those rounds into a large bowl.

Next, drizzle the zucchini with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the zucchini is well-coated with all that lemony, garlicky goodness.

Now, lay the zucchini slices out in a single layer on a baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly and become beautifully tender. Slide them into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, take the baking sheet out and, if you're using it, sprinkle the zucchini with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Return the sheet to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the zucchini is nice and tender.

Once done, remove from the oven, serve them warm, and enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients.
  • Bright, fresh flavors that complement almost any main dish.
  • A healthy option that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Customizable with optional cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice zucchinis into thin rounds and place in a large bowl.
3. Add olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the bowl, and toss until zucchini is well-coated.
4. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and zucchini is tender.
8. Serve warm and enjoy.

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