Description
Mediterranean roasted vegetables dance with parmesan’s rich essence, bringing zucchini, squash, and tomatoes to golden perfection. Quick summer side dishes invite garden-fresh flavors that complement grilled meats and make dinner feel instantly special.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Herbs:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Seasonings and Oil:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious baking sheet and position the oven rack in the center position, heating the oven to a robust 400°F.
- Create a generous culinary blend by carefully arranging sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and vibrant cherry tomatoes within a mixing vessel.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously across the vegetable medley, complementing with finely chopped garlic, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Gently tumble the ingredients, ensuring each vegetable receives an elegant, even coating of seasonings and oil.
- Carefully distribute the seasoned vegetables across the baking sheet, maintaining strategic spacing to promote optimal caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the vegetables to roast and transform for approximately 25-30 minutes until edges become golden and crisp.
- During the final roasting moments, delicately shower grated Parmesan cheese over the nearly completed dish, permitting the cheese to melt and create a delectable crusty layer.
- Once removed from the oven, optional fresh basil leaves can be scattered across the top, adding a fragrant and visually appealing finishing touch to the roasted vegetable ensemble.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Slice zucchini and squash into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds to ensure even roasting and beautiful presentation.
- Oil and Season Smartly: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and coat vegetables thoroughly to prevent drying out during roasting.
- Spacing Matters: Arrange vegetables in a single layer with slight separation to achieve perfect golden-brown edges and prevent steaming.
- Cheese Timing is Key: Add Parmesan in the final 5 minutes to prevent burning and create a deliciously crispy, golden cheese crust.
- Herb Hack: Fresh basil isn’t just a garnish – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These roasted vegetables can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg