Lemon Pepper Roasted Zucchini Recipe

Looking for a new zucchini recipe? You've come to the right place! This zucchini is marinated in a tangy lemon pepper seasoning and then roasted until it is tender and golden brown. This scrumptious roasted zucchini side dish complements any meal perfectly.

I love visiting my neighborhood market! They sell the most amazing vegetable baskets. You won't believe what happened the last time I went there. I bought a basket of zucchini that was overflowing with 12 fresh and vibrant pieces, and guess what? It only cost me $3, can you believe that? I love finding great deals like this!

Also, I enjoy eating zucchini for many reasons. More specifically, its neutral flavor allows it to absorb any herbs and spices added to it. Furthermore, for this roasted zucchini recipe, we are going to use a couple of my favorite seasonings: lemon, thyme, and coarse black pepper. Each ingredient works harmoniously together.

Roasted Zucchini Ingredients

This recipe can't be simple enough, so I love it.

Instead of sprinkling on the seasoning, then roasting it golden until golden brown. We are going to create a lemon pepper dressing/marinade. That way you can decide to marinate however long you'd like. Marinate the zucchini. Roast it when you are ready. Here are the ingredients you'll need to season the zucchini.

• Lemon: you will need the zest and the juice.
• Black pepper: I beg of you. Do not use regular pepper. You know, the dusty kind. For this recipe, you need coarse cracked black pepper. You want to see those beautiful specs throughout the dish.
• Spices: we’ve already discussed pepper. You’ll also need sea salt and granulated garlic.
• Fresh herb: thyme has a nice earthy, slightly minty lemon flavor that goes so well with zucchini.
• Olive oil: this is my go-to vegetable oil. I use nothing else. If you use avocado oil, I suppose it would work just fine.
• Honey: this sweet ingredient helps cut the sharpness of the lemon. Trust me, this roasted zucchini will not taste sweet, but well-balanced.
• Zucchini: any variety would work great.

Lemon Pepper Dressing/Marinade

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and fresh thyme to create the lemon pepper seasoning. To have great emulsification, I prefer to mix all the ingredients and then gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking.

The zucchini can be marinated in a covered container in the refrigerator for a day to intensify the flavor.

How to Roast Zucchini

Roasting zucchini is a simple and delicious way to enhance its natural flavors.

Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Begin by washing the zucchini, then slice it into evenly sized pieces. I suggest cutting the zucchini into fourths and thinly slicing each piece.
3. Toss the sliced zucchini with the lemon pepper seasoning until they are well coated.
4. Spread the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes.
5. When you take the roasted zucchini out of the oven, flip it over to reveal the golden brown bottom.

If you are looking for another zucchini recipe, I have the perfect one. It has a Mediterranean base and I developed it while living in Turkey.

Delicious Zucchini Tzatziki Dip: Shredded zucchini is sautéed in fragrant garlic and herbs before being mixed with creamy yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice right at the end. Enjoy as a side dish or dip.

Roasted Zucchini Serving Suggestions

This roasted zucchini would make a great side dish alongside roasted chicken, fish, tofu, or steak. My family enjoyed this dish next to rice pilaf.

Leftovers can be stored in a container and placed in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Roasted Zucchini Recipe

Roasted Zucchini cooked to perfection with a seasoning blend of zesty lemon, coarse black pepper, and thyme.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Sides

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Roasted Zucchini

Servings: 2

Author: Ashley

Ingredients

• 4 zucchini, thin sliced ( I suggest cutting the zucchini into fourths and thinly slicing each piece.
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400 F° (205 C°)
• In a large mixing bowl, add the lemon zest and juice, honey, spices, fresh thyme, and olive oil. Whisk to combine ingredients. Add the zucchini to the marinade.
• Spread the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-15 minutes.
• Serve with a garnish of fresh thyme leaves.