Roasted Vegetables Recipe: Roast colorful veggies with olive oil, herbs, lemon, and optional Parmesan for an easy, flavorful side.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center. Line a large rectangular rimmed baking sheet (about 18 x 13 inches / 46 x 33 cm) with a single sheet of parchment paper so it sits smooth and taut; this single rectangular geometry will be important for the final presentation. Keep the empty baking sheet and a roll of parchment nearby on the Calacatta-inspired quartz surface so everything is ready to move when the vegetables are seasoned.
Remove stems, seeds, and membranes from the red and yellow bell peppers, then cut each into 1-inch wide strips and shorten to 2–3 inch lengths so they roast evenly. Peel the red onion, trim the root slightly while keeping layers attached, and slice into 1-inch wedges, gently teasing the layers apart with your fingers so they fan open while roasting.
Trim the zucchini and yellow squash ends and slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds, halving larger rounds into half-moons to match sizes across vegetables. Peel the carrot and slice on the bias into about 1/3-inch pieces so the carrot cooks at the same rate as the softer squash and peppers.
Cut broccoli and cauliflower into 1 1/2-inch florets; peel any thick broccoli stems and slice into 1/3-inch rounds so they roast tender. Gather all prepared pieces — bell peppers, onion wedges, zucchini and yellow squash half-moons, carrot bias slices, broccoli rounds and cauliflower florets — into a single large mixing bowl so they’re ready for seasoning.

In a small bowl whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried Italian seasoning (or mixed herbs), and garlic powder until homogenous. Pour the seasoned oil over the vegetables in the large matte charcoal mixing bowl, add the finely minced garlic cloves and optional fresh thyme, then toss thoroughly with a spoon or by hand (no hands shown) until every piece gleams with an even, thin film of oil and visible flecks of herbs and garlic. Scrape the bottom of the bowl so no spices are left behind.

Transfer the evenly coated vegetables to the parchment-lined rectangular baking sheet, arranging them into a single, non-overcrowded layer with small gaps between pieces so air circulates and edges can brown. Slide the sheet onto its resting spot (no oven shown) and roast conceptually at 425°F for the first 15 minutes without stirring; during this period the undersides will begin to develop light browning and the onion layers will soften.

Remove the tray, use a spatula to turn and redistribute the pieces into another single layer, then continue roasting until the vegetables are fork-tender with caramelized, lightly charred edges (25–30 minutes total). Immediately after removing the hot sheet, sprinkle with freshly grated lemon zest and drizzle with a touch of lemon juice so the citrus brightens the roasted sugars, then, if using, finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of chopped parsley while everything is still hot so the cheese melts slightly and herbs cling. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to finish.

Transfer the hot roasted vegetables from the baking sheet into a warmed, shallow rectangular serving platter that mirrors the sheet’s geometry, arranging the pieces so caramelized edges and colorful contrasts are visible. Serve immediately while glossy from the finishing oil and lemon, with some Parmesan shavings and parsley left on top for texture and color.
