If you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal, you can't go wrong with 1 serving Zucchini Parmesan. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it contains just 458 calories, making it a great choice for anyone watching their weight.

Zucchini Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that features tender slices of zucchini coated in a breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, then baked until golden and crispy. It's a healthy, nutritious meal that's perfect for any time of year. Zucchini is packed with vitamins and minerals, while parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.

In this article, we'll explore how to make Zucchini Parmesan, its health benefits, and some tips and variations you can try to make this dish your own.

What is Zucchini Parmesan?

Zucchini Parmesan is a dish that originated in Italy and is now popular all over the world. Essentially, it's a baked dish made with sliced zucchini that's been coated in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and other herbs and spices. The end result is a tasty and healthy dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. The key to making great Zucchini Parmesan is to choose ripe and fresh zucchini, as well as high-quality Parmesan cheese. You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as garlic, basil, or oregano, to give it an even more robust flavor.

Ingredients required for Zucchini Parmesan

To make 1 serving of Zucchini Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized zucchini
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 beaten egg

Optional: marinara sauce for serving

Preparation method for Zucchini Parmesan

To make Zucchini Parmesan, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. Cut the zucchini into thin slices and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Dip each slice of zucchini in the beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Optional: serve with marinara sauce on top.

Health benefits of Zucchini Parmesan

Zucchini Parmesan is a healthy and nutritious dish that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. Here are just a few of the health benefits of this dish:

• Zucchini is high in fiber, which can help promote good digestion and prevent constipation.
• Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals.
• Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Parmesan cheese is also high in protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day.

Calorie count of Zucchini Parmesan

1 serving of Zucchini Parmesan contains approximately 458 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that's perfect for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Tips for perfect Zucchini Parmesan

If you want to make the perfect Zucchini Parmesan, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Choose fresh, ripe zucchini that is not too soft or too hard.
• Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Don't overcrowd the zucchini slices on the baking sheet to ensure that they bake evenly.
• For an extra crispy crust, try brushing the zucchini slices with a little bit of olive oil before coating them in the breadcrumb mixture.

Variations of Zucchini Parmesan

Zucchini Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add sliced mushrooms or chopped onions to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
• Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, to change up the flavor of the dish.
• Substitute the breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
• Serve the Zucchini Parmesan with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Vegan version of Zucchini Parmesan

If you're following a vegan diet or want to avoid dairy, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of Zucchini Parmesan by using the following ingredients instead:

• 1 medium-sized zucchini
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Follow the same preparation method as for the traditional recipe, but use the olive oil instead of the egg to help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the zucchini slices.

Serving suggestions for Zucchini Parmesan

Zucchini Parmesan is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve the Zucchini Parmesan with a side of marinara sauce and some garlic bread for a classic Italian meal.
• Add some sliced cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the dish for an extra burst of flavor.
• Top the Zucchini Parmesan with a dollop of pesto for a fresh and herbaceous twist.
• Serve the Zucchini Parmesan with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete and healthy meal.

Storage guidelines for Zucchini Parmesan

If you have any leftover Zucchini Parmesan, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven.