Okay, listen, if you’re looking for a side dish that’s ridiculously easy *and* tastes amazing, you HAVE to try this Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash. Seriously! This is one of those recipes I make, like, three times a week because it’s just so darn versatile. I mean, Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash goes with almost anything!
I remember the first time I made it. I was trying to impress my in-laws (always a challenge, right?). I needed something simple but flavorful, and BAM! This recipe saved the day. Now, it’s a family favorite. Even my picky eaters gobble it up, which is a total win in my book.
This recipe is so simple, it’s almost embarrassing. But trust me, the flavor is anything but boring. We’re talking tender zucchini and squash, perfectly roasted with herbs and spices. And the best part? It takes, like, five minutes to prep. Seriously, you can’t beat it!
Why You’ll Love This Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Okay, so why *should* you make this Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash? Let me tell ya!
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Quick and Easy Side Dish
Seriously, I’m all about easy. You can have this on the table in, like, half an hour. Score!
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Healthy and Delicious
We’re talking veggies, people! Plus, it’s so flavorful, you won’t even realize you’re eating something good for you. Sneaky, right?
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Versatile for Any Meal
This isn’t just a “side dish,” it’s a chameleon! It goes with EVERYTHING. Chicken, fish, pasta… you name it!
Ingredients for Perfect Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need anything fancy for this Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash. Just a few basics, and you’re good to go. I always say, simple ingredients let the *real* flavor shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
Zucchini and Squash
Grab 2 medium zucchini and 2 medium yellow squash. Make sure you slice ’em up! Not too thick, not too thin – about 1/4 inch is perfect. You want them to cook evenly, y’know?
Olive Oil and Seasonings
Okay, for the flavor explosion, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil (the good stuff!), ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! I’m a little heavy-handed with the pepper, but that’s just me!
How to Make Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash in no time. I promise, even if you’re a total beginner, you can nail this!
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Preparing the Vegetables
First things first: slice your zucchini and squash! Like I said before, aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Then, just toss ’em into a big bowl. Don’t worry about being too precise; we’re not entering a cooking competition here! Just make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Nobody wants some pieces burnt and others still raw, y’know?
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Seasoning the Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Now for the fun part! Drizzle that olive oil all over the zucchini and squash. Then, sprinkle on the oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy! Give it a good toss to make sure everything’s coated. I like to use my hands for this (just make sure they’re clean!). Season with salt and pepper – I usually start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, but you can always add more later. Taste as you go! That’s my motto.
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Roasting the Vegetables
Alright, before we even *think* about roasting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important, okay? You want a nice, hot oven to get that perfect roasted flavor. Now, spread the zucchini and squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. This is KEY! If you overcrowd the pan, they’ll steam instead of roast, and nobody wants soggy veggies. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly browned. Keep an eye on them! Ovens can be tricky. You want them to be soft and maybe a little caramelized around the edges. That’s when you know they’re ready!
Tips for the Best Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down. But wanna take your Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash from “good” to “OMG amazing?” Here’s the inside scoop!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Seriously, this is HUGE. I can’t stress this enough! If your veggies are all squished together, they’ll steam instead of roast. You want that beautiful, slightly crispy texture, right? So spread them out! Use two baking sheets if you have to. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Adjust Seasonings to Taste
This is *your* dish, so make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Maybe you like a little chili powder for a kick? Or some Italian seasoning for a classic flavor? Go wild! Just remember to taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Parmesan Cheese Boost
Okay, this is my secret weapon. About 5 minutes before the zucchini and squash are done, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese. Wow! It adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s totally addictive. Just be careful not to burn it! Keep a close eye on it, and you’ll be rewarded with cheesy, delicious goodness.
Serving Suggestions for Your Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Alright, so you’ve got this gorgeous Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash… now what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This stuff goes with practically anything. Seriously!
Main Course Pairings
If you’re looking for a simple, healthy meal, try pairing this Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also amazing with tofu if you’re keeping it vegetarian. The flavors complement each other perfectly! Quick tip: a squeeze of lemon over everything right before serving? *Chef’s kiss!*
Side Dish Combinations
Wanna make it a veggie extravaganza? Serve this alongside a simple green salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts. The different textures and flavors make for a super satisfying meal. You could also try it with a quinoa salad for a little extra protein. Yum!
Storing Leftover Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Okay, so you made a batch of this amazing Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash, and you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for later.
Storage Instructions
Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. Easy peasy! It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, but honestly, it never lasts that long at my house!
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to dig in again, you can either reheat it in the oven (a few minutes at 350°F should do the trick) or zap it in the microwave. The oven will give you a slightly crispier result, but the microwave is definitely quicker. Your call!
Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about this Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash? I figured you might! Here are some of the most common things people ask me. Don’t be shy – if you’ve got another question, just leave a comment!
Can I use other vegetables in this Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Bell peppers, onions, and eggplant all work great. Just chop them up to a similar size as the zucchini and squash, and you’re good to go! I’ve even thrown in some mushrooms before – yum!
How long does Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash last in the refrigerator?
In my experience, it’s best eaten within 3-4 days. After that, it can get a little… well, sad-looking. Make sure you store it in an airtight container to keep it as fresh as possible!
Can I freeze Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash?
Okay, here’s the truth: I don’t recommend it. Freezing tends to make the vegetables mushy, and nobody wants mushy roasted veggies! It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Information for Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Okay, just a heads-up: I’m not a nutritionist, so this is just an estimate! Nutrition info can vary depending on the brands and exact amounts you use, so keep that in mind!
Rate this Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash Recipe
Hey, if you loved this Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash, please leave a comment and rate the recipe! And don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media. Enjoy!
Print
Delicious Oven Roasted Zucchini & Squash in 20 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple roasted zucchini and squash, seasoned with herbs and spices for a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine sliced zucchini and yellow squash.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss again to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg