Roasted Zucchini and Squash

If you’ve never thought of combining zucchini and yellow squash together before, try this side dish that’s easy to make and tastes great.

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Is there anything better than a great veggie side dish that combines two different vegetables in perfect harmony? Well, this recipe is exactly that, plus it has the added advantage of being healthy and easy to make. As long as you can cut zucchini and squash into bite-sized pieces and toss them with some oil and seasoning, you can have a great side dish in about 20 minutes. Once ready, zucchini and squash will come out of the oven soft and tender. Plus, with a little bit of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder tossed in with the veggies, there is no shortage of flavor from this dish.

Just in case you need a little something extra, you can always have a dipping sauce on the side for your roasted zucchini and squash. I would recommend something simple like Greek Yogurt Dressing or perhaps Tzatziki Sauce. You might also enjoy the smoothness and taste of Mexican Crema as a side for your zucchini and squash.

Is Roasted Zucchini and Squash Healthy?

Roasted zucchini and squash is a wonderfully healthy side dish for any diet. Both vegetables are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You will only need a little bit of olive oil when you roast them, which is a good source of healthy fats. Even with some herbs and seasonings added, you won’t add many calories to the dish. If you want to make sure the fat and calories are limited, you can omit the Parmesan cheese that sometimes gets sprinkled on top of the veggies. This will also keep the dish vegan-friendly.

Zucchini Vs. Squash

Have you ever wondered why zucchini and squash go so well together? Well, you may be surprised to learn that they’re both part of the squash family. The green vegetable we refer to as zucchini is actually a summer squash…which is what yellow squash is referred to as well! Zucchini is typically long and straight while yellow squash often has a wider bottom that narrows nearer the top.

FAQs & Tips

HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?

Leftover zucchini and squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. As these cooked veggies can get mushy, it’s a good idea to toss them in an air fryer when you’re ready to reheat.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER SEASONING OPTIONS?

The beauty of this dish is that you can customize the flavor of your roasted vegetables in a variety of ways. The original recipe creates a rustic, balanced flavor. If you want to keep it simple, a little thyme, oregano, or basil can all add a little extra flavor. However, if you want to change things up more radically, mix in Greek or Cajun seasoning with the veggies. Of course, if you’re a fan of spicy foods, a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes can give zucchini and squash a little kick, too.

HOW CAN I AVOID MUSHY VEGETABLES?

Aside from cooking zucchini and squash at the proper temperature, the best thing you can do to avoid the veggies coming out mushy is to avoid overcrowding the pan so that every piece has some space around it.

Serving Suggestions

The great thing about roasted zucchini and squash as a side dish is that it tastes delicious next to almost any protein. I like to make this veggie side dish when I have chicken as the main course. I find that it works well with Rotisserie Chicken or Lemon Roasted Chicken. The zucchini-yellow squash combination also plays well with fish like Baked Honey Cajun Salmon or Parmesan-Crusted Salmon. However, this side dish is also worth considering with a main course of steak. It pairs well with Air-Fryer Filet Mignon and even Air-Fryer Steak Bites.