Zesty Zucchini Ricotta Rolls Recipe: A Fresh Summer Delight

Crispy summer days call for a delightful zucchini ricotta rolls dish that promises pure comfort.

Slicing fresh vegetables becomes an art form with this elegant recipe.

Light and creamy fillings dance inside thin zucchini ribbons, creating a visual feast.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each carefully rolled morsel, tempting your taste buds.

Minimal ingredients combine to deliver maximum satisfaction in every single bite.

Simple yet sophisticated, these rolls represent a perfect balance of nutrition and pleasure.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with this effortless culinary creation that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ready to experience a delectable journey through texture and taste?

Best Storage Practices for Zucchini Rolls

• Store leftover zucchini rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before placing in the container to prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Are zucchini rolls gluten-free?

Yes, these zucchini rolls are naturally gluten-free since they use zucchini instead of pasta or bread as the wrap.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly with ricotta, vegetables, and cheeses as the main ingredients.

• Is this recipe keto-friendly?

While low-carb, it’s not strictly keto due to the ricotta cheese and marinara sauce. You could modify the sauce and use full-fat cheeses to make it more keto-compatible.

• How do I prevent my zucchini from being watery?

Roast the zucchini slices first to remove excess moisture, and pat them dry with paper towels before rolling to ensure a firmer texture.

Delicious Zucchini Ricotta Rolls You Can Make Today

• Craft Veggie-Packed Delight: Transform ordinary zucchini into a spectacular, low-carb meal that sneaks extra vegetables onto your plate with irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary needs or pantry contents without compromising taste.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills, using simple techniques that guarantee impressive results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something delicious yet somewhat nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients for Zucchini Ricotta Rolls

• Zucchini: A versatile summer squash that serves as the primary wrap for the delicious rolls.
• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling for the rolls.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add a savory and melty texture to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and provides structure to the filling.

• Garlic, Basil, Parsley: Provide aromatic and fresh flavors that complement the cheese and zucchini.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of the ingredients.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and additional flavor to the rolls.
• Olive Oil: Used to brush the zucchini slices and help them roast evenly.

Step-by-Step Zucchini Ricotta Rolls Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Slices

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Carefully slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips.

Place the strips on a baking sheet and lightly brush with olive oil.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Roast the zucchini for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and pliable.

Remove from the oven and let them cool down slightly.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh basil
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth, well-blended filling.

Step 3: Roll and Arrange

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.

Take each roasted zucchini slice and place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end.

Carefully roll the zucchini slice tightly around the filling.

Position each roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the zucchini rolls.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil or parsley on top.

Serve the zucchini rolls immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is melted.

Pro Tips for Rolling and Baking Perfect Rolls

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin zucchini strips for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
• Place ricotta in a cheesecloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firmer filling and preventing soggy rolls.
• Add red pepper flakes or lemon zest to the ricotta mixture for an extra layer of depth and brightness in every bite.
• Prepare rolls up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking, making meal prep a breeze for busy schedules.
• Swap marinara sauce with homemade pesto or use fewer carbohydrate-rich ingredients for a lighter, keto-friendly version.

Variations to Customize Your Zucchini Rolls

• Vegan Veggie Rolls: Replace ricotta with tofu or cashew cheese, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and swap egg with ground flaxseed. Swap zucchini with thinly sliced eggplant or bell peppers for variety.
• Keto Friendly Version: Use thin slices of grilled chicken or turkey instead of zucchini. Replace marinara with low-carb tomato sauce and use full-fat cheeses to maintain keto macros.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Option: Use gluten-free marinara sauce. Add Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme to ricotta mixture. Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas for Zucchini Ricotta Rolls

• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange the zucchini rolls on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of extra marinara sauce for dipping, creating a stunning presentation that invites guests to enjoy.
• Light Summer Meal Companion: Pair these rolls with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete, nutritious dinner.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Complement the rolls with olives, sliced cucumber, hummus, and warm pita bread to transform the dish into a vibrant Mediterranean-style shared meal experience.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match the zucchini rolls with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the rich cheese and herb flavors.

Zucchini Ricotta Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory zucchini ricotta rolls showcase Italian culinary elegance with fresh summer ingredients. Delicate zucchini ribbons wrap creamy ricotta, creating a light appetizer perfect for sharing with friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 large zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise (1/8-inch thick)

Binding and Filling Ingredients:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare zucchini by slicing lengthwise into thin ribbons, creating a uniform thickness for even roasting.
2. Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and arrange zucchini slices on a baking sheet, lightly brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Roast zucchini for 5-7 minutes until softened and pliable, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
4. Create ricotta filling by combining ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
5. Thoroughly blend filling ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
7. Place a spoonful of ricotta mixture at one end of each zucchini slice and carefully roll into tight cylinders.
8. Arrange rolled zucchini seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are closely packed.
9. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the rolls.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
12. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
13. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving warm.

Notes

• Slice zucchini uniformly to ensure even roasting and easier rolling, using a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent thickness.
• Drain ricotta cheese beforehand to prevent watery filling, using a cheesecloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Experiment with alternative cheese combinations like goat cheese or vegan ricotta for dietary preferences and unique flavor profiles.
• Enhance low-carb or keto diet compatibility by replacing marinara with homemade low-sugar tomato sauce and using full-fat cheeses.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 110 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg