Smashed Lemon-Garlic Zucchini with Parmesan

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Zucchini rounds are flattened, then coated with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, garlic and basil for a savory summer side. The cheese browns nicely, giving them an almost-crispy topping.

By
Carolyn Casner
Carolyn Casner

Carolyn Casner is a longtime recipe tester and contributor for EatingWell. Over the years, she has tested and developed hundreds of recipes for the magazine and website.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 19, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Jessica Ball
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, is nutrition editor for EatingWell. She is a registered dietitian with a master's in food, nutrition and sustainability. In addition to EatingWell, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Real Simple, Parents, Better Homes and Gardens and MyRecipes.
EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Smashed Lemon-Garlic Zucchini with Parmesan
Photo: Brie Passano
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
6
Nutrition Profile:
Low-Carb Nut-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini (14 ounces), trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch rounds

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • �� teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • Zest of 1 large lemon

  • 1 large clove garlic, grated

  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Directions

  1. Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler. Preheat to 400°F.

  2. Score an X in the top of each zucchini round, cutting about halfway through. Arrange the rounds in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake on the upper rack until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and flatten the rounds with the bottom of a mason jar or sturdy glass. Turn broiler to High.

  3. Meanwhile, combine lemon zest, garlic, Parmesan and basil in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the smashed zucchini. Broil until lightly browned and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, July 2021

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

43 Calories
3g Fat
3g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 4 pieces
Calories 43
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 2g 4%
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Vitamin A 179IU 4%
Sodium 148mg 6%
Potassium 181mg 4%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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