This Zucchini Cheese and Salsa Bake is baked in a mixture of tomato salsa and savory Parmesan cheese, making for a low carb dinner that is full of health and flavor.
Growing up, zucchini was a four letter word in my vocabulary. Needless to say I ate very little squash and required a fair amount of remedial arithmetic in school. Thankfully, I have learned to really appreciate zucchini and several of its garden-grown relatives. As far as my math skills, let's just say I haven't given up.
What is it?
We've had a wonderful summer here in Wisconsin. The weather wasn't that great (this is Wisconsin after all,) we hung around the cottage with the boys and our two dogs a lot (there are more undesirable places to spend a summer,) and we got to know many of the vendors at our favorite farmer's market on a first name basis.
I think that zucchin has gotten somewhat of a bad rep in the world of produce. Many people think of this as something that is only suitable for a sweet bread, laden with chocolate chips. We love zucchini bread, but it is so much more versatile than just that.
Last month we used this all too often under-appreciated vegetable for some incredible zucchini tots. The kids loved them, the dads loved them, and I have no doubt the dogs would have loved them, had we been a bit more generous with their snacks.
There is nothing special about this little side dish, other than its fresh and delicious taste, its beautiful and summery appearance, and its ease to throw together. Just like spending a summer close to home this zucchini can initially seem pretty boring and not at all interesting. I learned quite a few years ago that boring can be good. Our past summer and this side dish are prefect examples of this sentiment. Trot on down to your local farmers market to pick up some zucchini, accept the offers of zucchini to you by your friends and neighbor. Get your zucchini on and remember, boring is good. Happy fall. -Dan
Zucchini cheese and Salsa Parmesan Bake
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh tomato salsa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small white onion diced
- 1 small sweet bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup fresh and grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare shallow baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Over medium heat, saute onion and bell pepper in olive oil until soft and tender, about five minutes.
- Place single layer of zucchini slices in bottom of dish.
- Sprinkle lightly with onion and peppers
- Top with thin layer of salsa.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of salsa.
- Repeat process again and again.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until zucchini is soft and tender.
Nutrition
8 Summer Cooking Ideas for Zucchini: From Roasted to Raw
Caree Ruch
The first time I made this I followed the recipe to a T and loved it. Second rime however, I didn't have any salsa so I made a simple sauce using canned tomatoes, fresh basil and parsley, dried oregano and garlic powder. Just as yummy and can also be served over pasta.
Dan from Platter Talk
Fantastic, Caree! The true art of cooking is making it your own which is exactly what you have described. We love comments from readers but this is my favorite kind. Thanks so much for the great note.
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks so much for the nice comments!
Cindy @ Hun What's for Dinner?
This looks fantastic! I love the spicy salsa with the cheese and zucchini!
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks, Cindy!
nancy@skinnykitchen.com
Sometimes the simple recipes are the best. This looks fantastic!
Dan from Platter Talk
Nancy, Agreed. Thanks so much.
Patty Haxton Anderson
Was I thrilled to see your post when I logged onto blogger! What a beautiful dish this is in all its' simplicity. Love it.
Dan
Thanks for the comments, Patty; we are equally thrilled do see a comment coming from you! This was simple, delicious, and seasonal – an all-around winner. Thanks again for stopping by!!