I find myself turning to this roasted zucchini and tomato salad time and again! The zucchini roasts to perfection, bringing out its natural sweetness, while the fresh tomatoes add a burst of juiciness.
Preheat the oven to 450℉. Place baking paper on a baking tray.
Wash the zucchini and cut them lengthwise in half. Make cris-cross over them using a sharp knife (see step-by-step image). Now, cut each long piece of zucchini into half. You must get eight pieces of zucchini.
Heat a deep frying pan with olive oil. Put the zucchini. Add the salted butter and fry for 6-7 minutes or until golden brown. If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the pan.
Put the courgettes in the baking tray. Place them in the oven to finish baking for 8-10 minutes or until soft. Note: Zucchini should not be too soft. They should have a slight crunch.
Prepare the tomato mixture:
Cut the cherry tomatoes. Place them in a mixing bowl and add the onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, a little olive oil (½ teaspoon), balsamic vinegar, and salt to taste. Refrigerate until the zucchini is baked.
Serve:
Put the prepared zucchini on a serving plate or board. Grate the cheese on top and add the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with additional parsley.
Notes
When roasting the zucchini, make sure not to overcrowd the baking tray. This ensures they roast evenly and become golden and tender without becoming soggy.
If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt when frying the zucchini.
If Pecorino Romano isn’t your favorite, swap it for Parmesan or even creamy goat cheese for a different flavor profile.