Summer Vegetable Tian – A Budget-Friendly Garden Delight!

26.07.2025

A Summer Vegetable Tian is the perfect dish to showcase the best of what your garden or local farmer’s market has to offer. Layered with fresh, colorful vegetables and seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, this French-inspired casserole is as easy to make as it is delicious. Plus, it’s an affordable, healthy meal that can serve as a main course or a side dish. Here’s how to create this budget-friendly garden delight!

Ingredients:

Zucchini – 2 medium, thinly sliced
Yellow squash – 2 medium, thinly sliced
Eggplant – 1 small, thinly sliced
Tomatoes – 2 large, thinly sliced
Red onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
Olive oil – 3 tbsp
Fresh thyme – 1 tsp (or 1 tbsp dried thyme)
Fresh basil – A handful, chopped (optional for garnish)
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Salt & pepper – To taste
Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated (optional for topping)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish (a 9×9-inch dish works great for this recipe) by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

Wash and slice all the vegetables: zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, tomatoes, and red onion. Try to slice them as uniformly as possible, about ¼-inch thick, so they cook evenly.

If you’re using eggplant, you can sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out any bitterness. Afterward, pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Layer the Vegetables

Now comes the fun part—layering the vegetables! Arrange the sliced vegetables in the baking dish in an overlapping, circular pattern, alternating between zucchini, squash, eggplant, tomato, and red onion. Continue layering until the dish is filled.

Once the vegetables are arranged, drizzle olive oil evenly over the top and sprinkle with minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bake the Tian

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften and cook through.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned on top. If you’re adding Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking so it melts and gets golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve your Summer Vegetable Tian as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or as a side to complement grilled meats or pasta. The natural sweetness of the vegetables shines through in this dish, making it a perfect summer meal.

Tips and Variations

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken or ground turkey between the layers of vegetables. You could also top with a few slices of fresh mozzarella.
Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or a dash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor.
Herb Variations: Fresh oregano, rosemary, or sage work wonderfully in this dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs.

Conclusion

This Summer Vegetable Tian is an excellent way to enjoy a light, seasonal dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile, allowing you to mix and match vegetables based on what you have available. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or side dish, this garden delight is sure to impress!