Roasted zucchini and summer squash make for a delicious and healthy side dish, bursting with vibrant flavors and colorful vegetables. This easy recipe combines fresh zucchini, yellow summer squash, red bell pepper, and red onion, all tossed in a zesty marinade and roasted to perfection. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, this dish is sure to please. Follow these steps to create a delightful roasted vegetable medley.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or other mild vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons of a salt-free herb and spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
The Rest:
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, halved or quartered lengthwise and sliced
- 1 medium yellow summer squash, halved or quartered lengthwise and sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the red onion and red bell pepper.
- Halve or quarter the zucchinis and yellow summer squash lengthwise, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt-free seasoning blend, and dried oregano.
- Toss the Vegetables:
- Add the diced red onion, zucchinis, yellow summer squash, and red bell pepper to the bowl with the marinade.
- Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Season:
- Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Conclusion
Roasted zucchini and summer squash is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of fresh vegetables, a tangy marinade, and the perfect roasting technique results in a flavorful and healthy dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe with your family and friends, and savor the wonderful flavors of roasted summer vegetables!