Cook Zero-Oil Grilled Vegetables with Za’atar & Lemon, and you’ll understand how to get strong, crave-worthy flavour without using oil. The aromatic za’atar, a combination of thyme, sesame, and sumac, is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and the inspiration for this meal. The vegetables can be caramelised in the oven or on the grill without using any fat, thanks to their natural moisture and the bright, tangy kick of lemon juice.
In particular, this zero-oil cooking recipe stands out for its tender, juicy, and fragrant veggies that are subtly charred. The addition of za’atar and fresh herbs enhances the flavour in every mouthful. This vegan, gluten-free, antioxidant-packed dish is great for clean eating, a weight loss diet, or simply adding variety and nutrients to your meals. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature as a salad, side dish or snack; no guilt, just deliciousness!
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
1Zucchini
1Red bell peppers
1Yellow bell pepper
1Carrot
1 cupBroccoli florets
1Red onion
½ cup Cherry tomatoes
1 cupCauliflower florets (optional)
1 tspSalt
½ tspBlack pepper
1½ tbspZa’atar spice blend
2 tbspLemon juice
1 tspLemon zest
2 clovesGarlic (grated)
2 tbspFresh coriander or mint (chopped)
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Prep Vegetables
Thoroughly wash and chop all vegetables into evenly sized pieces, whether in chunks or thick rounds, to ensure consistent cooking.
Description - Step 2
Marinate Vegetables
Toss the veggies in a big basin with the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, za’atar, and grated garlic. No oil is required; just mix well to coat all the vegetable pieces.
Description - Step 3
Grill or Roast
Preheat a grill pan or oven to 220°C (425°F). Arrange the vegetables on a grill or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. After around 15 to 18 minutes of roasting or grilling (turning once), the veggies should be slightly browned and soft.
Description - Step 4
Finish & Serve
Transfer the veggies to a serving dish. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs and more za'atar. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Yes. For 12–15 minutes, air-fry at 200°C (400°F), shaking once halfway through to ensure equal cooking.
In this zero-oil cooking recipe, caramelisation is achieved with the help of lemon juice and the natural moisture of the vegetables, and charring is achieved by high heat.
The Middle Eastern spice combination za'atar consists of sesame, salt, thyme, and sumac. You can make your own blend at home for this and similar zero-oil cooking recipes.
Roasting vegetables without oil causes them to dry out faster. To avoid this, roast at a high temperature (around 400°F) with a splash of broth or lemon juice to keep it wet.