These Mediterranean Roasted Zucchini Slices are golden on the edges, tender inside, and full of fresh flavor. Roasted at 450°F for 20 minutes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, they are quick, healthy, and naturally gluten-free. Finish with lemon, fresh mint, and parsley or a sprinkle of feta for an easy side that fits any meal.
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If you enjoy this recipe, try my Zucchini Broiled with Garlic for a quick weeknight option or Zucchini with Feta for a creamy twist. For a heartier side, my Quinoa with Roasted Zucchini is a favorite, combining the same Mediterranean flavors with a bit more texture and protein.
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What Makes Perfect Roasted Zucchini Slices
I make these zucchini slices every fall when the markets are still overflowing with zucchini. The key to getting that perfect balance of crisp edges and tender centers comes down to a few simple tricks:
- Use the right temperature and pan: Roast at 450°F on a wire rack so the zucchini caramelizes instead of steaming. High heat is what gives you those crispy roasted zucchini slices.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give each slice a little breathing room so they roast, not steam. A single layer is ideal.
- Slice evenly: Aim for ¼-inch rounds. Too thin and they burn before softening; too thick and they turn soggy.
Perfectly roasted zucchini slices should be lightly golden, flavorful, and never soggy.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make these oven roasted zucchini slices:
Ingredient Notes
- Zucchini: I tested this recipe several times and found that medium zucchini roasts best. They stay tender without becoming mushy and caramelize beautifully at high heat. Smaller zucchini cooked too quickly, while larger ones released too much water.
- Olive Oil: I always reach for a good extra virgin olive oil when roasting vegetables. It helps the zucchini develop that golden edge and brings the smooth, rich flavor that is essential in Mediterranean cooking.
- Fresh Herbs: After a few rounds of testing, I landed on mint and parsley as the perfect finish. Mint adds a cool, clean note, while parsley keeps it fresh and bright. Together they make the zucchini taste light and vibrant, never heavy.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Variations
- Add Feta: I sometimes crumble a little feta over the warm zucchini right before serving. The salty, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with the lemon and herbs and adds a nice contrast to the roasted edges.
- Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: When I want a little crunch, I sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs over the zucchini during the last few minutes of roasting. They toast up beautifully and give the slices a crisp finish without taking away from the fresh flavor.
- Try Different Herbs: Mint and parsley are my go-to combination, but basil or oregano work nicely too, especially if that's what you have on hand.
- Add a Kick: A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives the zucchini a subtle heat that balances the lemon and herbs.
How To Make Roasted Zucchini Slices: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
Step 2: Slice the zucchini into ¼ inch rounds and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared rack, making sure they are not too close to each other.
Step 4: Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked. Drizzle with lemon and top with the parsley and mint.
Pro Tip
For the crispiest roasted zucchini slices, use a wire rack set on top of your baking sheet. The air circulates underneath, so the slices brown evenly on both sides without ever turning soft.
If you're looking for more ways to enjoy zucchini, try my Zucchini Muffins for a cozy breakfast or snack. They're soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for using up extra zucchini from the market. For dinner, these roasted slices pair with my Za'atar Chicken or my Moroccan Salmon, both of which share the same bright, herb-forward flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but they are best served fresh out of the oven. The zucchini will become soggy once they sit. You can bring back the crisp edges by placing the slices into a hot skillet for a few minutes.
That happens when the pan is overcrowded or the zucchini wasn't patted dry. Give the slices plenty of room and roast at 450°F so the moisture cooks off quickly.
Other Easy Vegetable Dishes
Let me know your thoughts on these Mediterranean Roasted Zucchini Slices by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Mediterranean Roasted Zucchini Slices
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Ingredients
- 3 whole medium zucchini sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 whole clove garlic finely grated or minced, or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or 2 teaspoons freshly chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole lemon zested, and juiced
- ¼ cup fresh mint chopped, for garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450℉. Line a sheet pan with parchement paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Slice the zucchini into ¼ inch rounds. Pat dry with a paper towel.3 whole medium zucchini
- Toss the slices with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 whole clove garlic, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Arrange in a single layer on the prepared rack leaving space in between the slices.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden.
- Remove from the oven.
- Drizzle with the lemon juice. Sprinkle with the lemon zest, fresh herbs, and feta (if using).1 whole lemon, ¼ cup fresh mint, ¼ cup fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons crumbled feta
Gwen Wolken says
Delicious!