Aperol-Infused Roasted Vegetable Medley with Citrus Zest
A vibrant vegetarian side dish featuring seasonal vegetables coated in Aperol and orange zest, roasted to caramelized perfection for an elegant accompaniment to any meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium, sliced 1/4-inch thick zucchini, Aperol, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, sliced 1/4-inch thick zucchini
- 2, sliced into 1-inch strips red bell peppers
- 1 large, cut into 1/2-inch wedges red onions
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh orange zest
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine 2 medium sliced zucchini, 2 sliced red bell peppers, and 1 large cut red onion with 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp fresh orange zest, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Toss vegetables until evenly coated, then spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Roast for 25-28 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until vegetables are tender-crisp with slightly charred edges and the Aperol glaze has caramelized into a glossy finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Roasted Vegetable Medley with Citrus Zest take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Roasted Vegetable Medley with Citrus Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Roasted Vegetable Medley with Citrus Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Infused Roasted Vegetable Medley with Citrus Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Aperol-Infused Roasted Vegetable Medley with Citrus Zest gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.