Caitlin Latesta-Greene adapted by JojoM

Melt-in-your-mouth roasted zucchini with honey–garlic butter, peppery arugula, toasted pine nuts and creamy goat cheese. A crowd-pleasing summer side.
If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet simple side dish, this honey-garlic butter zucchini delivers in every bite. The zucchini is first salted and seared until caramelized, then roasted with a silky honey–garlic butter that seeps into every scored groove. Topped with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts, it’s a crowd-pleasing summer recipe that feels both rustic and elegant. 🌿✨
This zucchini dish pairs beautifully with:
Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a dinner-party side, this honey-garlic butter zucchini with arugula & goat cheese is guaranteed to impress. Easy enough for everyday, but special enough for guests—it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. 💚
Melt-in-your-mouth roasted zucchini with honey–garlic butter, peppery arugula, toasted pine nuts and creamy goat cheese. A crowd-pleasing summer side.

Salt-scoring the zucchini draws out moisture for better browning—don’t rinse, just pat dry.
Press with a second pan to maximise surface contact and caramelisation.
Swap goat cheese with feta for a saltier bite; or omit for dairy-free and add extra nuts.
Finish with a 1–2 minute grill/broil for deeper colour—watch closely.
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Heat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Halve zucchini lengthwise and lightly score the cut sides in a crosshatch.
Salt the scored sides generously and rest 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat very dry—do not rinse.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, honey, salt, parsley, minced garlic and pepper into a spreadable paste. Set aside.
Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high. Add the olive oil.
Place zucchini cut side down and weight with a second pan to press. Sear about 2 minutes until well browned.
Flip cut side up and transfer the skillet to the oven for 10 minutes.
Spread a spoonful of honey–garlic butter over each zucchini. Return to the oven 10–12 minutes until tender. Grill/broil 1–2 minutes for extra colour if desired.
Plate the zucchini and scatter arugula (rocket), toasted pine nuts and crumbled goat cheese. Season to taste and serve hot.
9/28/2025
Skipped the goat cheese and doubled the pine nuts for dairy-free—still delicious.
9/28/2025
So easy and elegant. Added a squeeze of lemon at the end—chef’s kiss.
9/28/2025
OH MY WORD. The honey–garlic butter is addictive.
9/28/2025
Made it last night with garden zucchini. Pressing in the pan = perfect browning.
9/28/2025
Stopped everything and made this for lunch—so good! I used feta and it slapped.
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Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 250 g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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