1. Toss with Fresh Herbs and Garlic
Give your roasted zucchini a burst of fresh flavor by tossing it with chopped herbs like basil, tarragon, parsley, or cilantro, and a bit of minced garlic. This simple side dish can complement nearly any meal.
2. Toss with Pasta, Pine Nuts, Lemon, and Parmesan
For a quick, satisfying dish, toss roasted zucchini with pasta, toasted pine nuts, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a generous amount of grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese.
3. Za’atar, Tahini, and Veggie Plate
Season your roasted zucchini with za’atar, drizzle with tahini, and serve it alongside a veggie plate featuring hummus, feta, tabbouleh, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
4. Panini Filling
Use roasted zucchini as a filling in a panini with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil. This makes for a flavorful, hearty sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
5. Stir into Cold Sesame-Peanut Noodles
For a cold dish, stir roasted zucchini into sesame-peanut noodles for an easy, refreshing meal that’s full of flavor.
6. Bibimbap Addition
Add roasted zucchini as one of the vegetables in a traditional bibimbap bowl. It pairs beautifully with rice, a fried egg, and gochujang (Korean chili paste).
7. Add to Succotash
Incorporate roasted zucchini into a fresh and vibrant succotash. The sweetness of the zucchini complements the other vegetables like corn, beans, and peppers.
8. Serve with Fried Egg and Chili Crisp
Top roasted zucchini with a fried egg and drizzle it with chili crisp for a spicy, savory meal idea inspired by senior editor Myo Quinn.
9. Chop for Grain Bowls or Salads
Chop up roasted zucchini and add it to grain bowls or salads. It provides a tasty and healthy addition, balancing out other flavors and textures in the dish.
10. Top Pizzas, Flatbreads, or Savory Tarts
Use roasted zucchini as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizzas, flatbreads, or savory tarts. It adds both flavor and texture, making it a wonderful addition to your baked goods.
11. Dress with Vinaigrette
Toss roasted zucchini with your favorite vinaigrette for a simple, yet flavorful side dish. You can also add other roasted veggies for a more hearty salad.
12. Empanada or Calzone Filling
Use roasted zucchini as a filling for empanadas or calzones. Its tender texture pairs wonderfully with cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta, making for a delicious, handheld meal.
13. Low-Carb Lasagna
Layer roasted zucchini in place of pasta sheets for a low-carb lasagna. This veggie-packed dish is full of flavor and perfect for those looking for a lighter twist on the classic.
14. Blend into Veggie Burger Patties
Blend roasted zucchini into the patty mixture for homemade veggie burgers. It will add moisture and flavor to your veggie burger, keeping it tender and delicious.
15. Taco Filling with Black Beans and Cheese
Use roasted zucchini as a filling for tacos, pairing it with seasoned black beans, queso fresco or cotija, and fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
16. Quesadilla with Corn and Peppers
Make a quesadilla with roasted zucchini, corn, peppers, and melty cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream for a quick and tasty meal.
17. Toss with Store-Bought Sauce and Noodles
Toss roasted zucchini with your favorite store-bought sauce and serve over noodles or pasta. Some great sauce options include Rao’s marinara, Maya Kaimal’s madras curry, and Lahtt Sauce’s chili oil sauce.
18. Add to an Omelet or Frittata
Incorporate roasted zucchini into your omelet or frittata. It pairs wonderfully with eggs and can be combined with other vegetables or cheeses for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
19. Chickpea and Curry Powder Stir-Fry
Toss roasted zucchini with chickpeas roasted with curry powder and serve with rice or naan, topped with a dollop of yogurt. The curry spices bring out the best in both the zucchini and chickpeas.
20. Open-Faced Sandwich with Chèvre
Top toasted bread with chèvre (goat cheese) and roasted zucchini for a simple open-faced sandwich. It’s light, delicious, and perfect for lunch or a snack.
Conclusion
Roasted zucchini is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, from salads to sandwiches, pastas to tacos. Its mild, tender texture and ability to absorb the flavors it’s paired with make it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, roasted zucchini can elevate your dish in countless delicious ways.
Print
The Best Zucchini
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Varies (based on recipe usage)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover 20 creative ways to use perfectly roasted zucchini! From pasta dishes and tacos to salads and sandwiches, roasted zucchini is a versatile, healthy addition to a wide variety of meals.
Ingredients
- Zucchini (for roasting)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the zucchini by cutting it into rounds or half-moons.
- Toss the zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly golden.
Notes
- You can mix and match these ideas based on your flavor preferences and meal plan.
- Roasted zucchini stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
