Easy Grilled Zucchini Rollups: A Bright Lemon-Basil Ricotta Recipe

Zucchini rollups craft ordinary vegetables into a spectacular culinary canvas that celebrates summer’s vibrant flavors.

Slicing thin ribbons of zucchini creates a delicate foundation for an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.

These elegant rolls combine smooth, tangy ricotta with bright herbal notes and sweet roasted tomatoes.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of textures and fresh ingredients.

The grilling process intensifies the zucchini natural sweetness while adding subtle smoky undertones.

Charred edges and golden-brown surfaces hint at the deliciousness waiting inside these delicate parcels.

Herb-infused cheese and caramelized tomatoes elevate this simple vegetable into a sophisticated dining experience.

Pro Tips for Rolling the Best Grilled Zucchini Rollups

• Slice Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut zucchini into consistent, thin slices for even grilling and easy rolling.
• Pat Dry Perfectly: Gently blot grilled zucchini with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp and firm rollups.
• Balance Filling Texture: Mix ricotta until smooth and creamy, avoiding lumps for a luxurious and spreadable consistency.
• Chill Before Serving: Let rollups rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help them hold shape and enhance flavor melding.
• Customize Creatively: Experiment with different herbs like mint or oregano, or swap tomatoes for roasted red peppers to personalize the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Zucchini Rollups Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Place rollups in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each row. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm rollups in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving to restore vibrant flavors and texture.

Perfect Pairings for Grilled Zucchini Rollups

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the zesty lemon and fresh basil flavors, cutting through the creamy ricotta and balancing the grilled zucchini's smoky notes.
• Match with Light Summer Salad: Create a side of arugula with lemon vinaigrette to echo the dish's bright, herbaceous profile. The peppery greens will enhance the rollups' delicate taste and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the ricotta and catch the roasted tomato juices. The bread's crusty texture adds a delightful crunch alongside the soft, rolled zucchini.
• Complement with Sparkling Rosé: A chilled, dry rosé brings out the dish's Mediterranean flavors, with its light fruity undertones matching the tomato and herb elements of the rollups.

Creative Twists on Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Ricotta

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace basil with oregano and thyme, add crumbled feta cheese to ricotta mixture for a Greek-inspired version with robust Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Rollup: Incorporate diced jalapeños, mix smoked paprika into ricotta, add cilantro, and serve with a chipotle drizzle for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Prosciutto Wrapped Option: Layer thin prosciutto slices inside zucchini before rolling, creating an elegant protein-rich variation with delicate salty undertones.
• Vegan Cashew Alternative: Substitute ricotta with blended cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and roasted garlic for a plant-based rendition that maintains creamy texture and satisfying taste.

Why Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed Dish Steal the Show

• Burst with Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: Each rollup combines the smoky grilled zucchini with bright lemon, aromatic basil, and sweet roasted tomatoes, creating a vibrant taste explosion that transports you to a sunny coastal kitchen.
• Effortlessly Elegant Appetizer: These rollups look incredibly sophisticated yet require minimal cooking skills, making them perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The simple assembly and gorgeous presentation make them feel like a gourmet restaurant dish.
• Nutrient-Packed Bite-Sized Delight: Packed with vegetables, herbs, and protein-rich ricotta, these rollups offer a healthy alternative to heavy appetizers. They're low-carb, gluten-free, and provide a perfect balance of nutrition and incredible taste in every single bite.
• Quick and Versatile Summer Treat: Ready in just 15 minutes, these rollups are ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light lunch. They can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature, making them a stress-free entertaining option.

What You Need for Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta

• Zucchini: Fresh summer squash with light, tender texture perfect for grilling. Choose firm zucchini with smooth, unblemished skin.
• Basil Leaves: Fragrant herb that adds bright, aromatic flavor to the dish. Fresh leaves provide the best taste and visual appeal.
• Slow Roasted Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet tomato halves with deep, rich flavor. Preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates smooth filling base. Look for fresh, high-quality ricotta with mild flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances overall taste profile. Freshly grated provides best texture and flavor.

• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that adds fresh, tangy notes. Use fresh lemons for most vibrant flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance dish flavors. Use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps create smooth grilling surface and adds subtle richness. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best quality.

How to Make Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Slow Roasted Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Ribbons

Wash zucchini and trim ends. Using a mandoline or sharp vegetable peeler, slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips. Make sure strips are roughly equal thickness for even grilling.

Step 2: Grill Zucchini Strips

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Lightly brush zucchini strips with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred. Transfer grilled strips to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Lemon zest
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, finely chopped basil, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Roast Tomato Accompaniment

• Cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Salt

Preheat oven to 300°F. Halve cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano and salt. Roast for 45-60 minutes until slightly dried and concentrated in flavor.

Step 5: Assemble Roll-Ups

Spread a thin layer of herbed cheese mixture onto each grilled zucchini strip. Place a roasted tomato half and fresh basil leaf at one end. Carefully roll zucchini from the filled end, creating a tight spiral.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Arrange roll-ups on a beautiful serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately as an elegant appetizer or light lunch.

Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed with Lemon-Basil Ricotta and Slow Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon-basil ricotta zucchini rollups showcase Mediterranean flavors with delicate grilled zucchini hugging creamy cheese and sweet roasted tomatoes. Summer gardens provide perfect inspiration for this elegant appetizer that will impress guests at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchini, sliced thinly lengthwise
• 24 fresh basil leaves
• 24 slow roasted tomato halves

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 0.25 cups (60 milliliters) Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

• Oil for grilling

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice zucchini lengthwise into thin, uniform strips using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even grilling.
2. Drizzle olive oil over zucchini strips and season with a pinch of salt, then place on preheated grill, cooking each side until golden and slightly charred, creating delicate grill marks.
3. While zucchini cools, craft a vibrant ricotta mixture by whisking together creamy ricotta, zesty Parmesan, fragrant lemon zest, finely chopped fresh basil, and a delicate blend of salt and pepper.
4. Gently spread the herbed ricotta mixture across each grilled zucchini strip, ensuring an even, smooth layer that covers the entire surface.
5. Position a single fresh basil leaf and a roasted tomato half at one end of each zucchini strip, providing a burst of intense flavor and color.
6. Carefully roll the zucchini from the tomato end, creating tight, elegant spirals that showcase the layered ingredients.
7. Transfer the completed rollups to an elegant serving platter, arranging them in an artistic presentation that highlights their vibrant colors and intricate composition.
8. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the visual appeal and add a final layer of flavor.

Notes

• Grill zucchini slices carefully to prevent burning, aiming for tender texture with light char marks.
• Ensure ricotta mixture is well-seasoned, blending Parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh basil for vibrant flavor profile.
• Roll zucchini tightly around slow roasted tomatoes and basil leaf to create compact, elegant appetizer.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time for smooth assembly and quick serving.
• Fresh, high-quality ingredients elevate this simple yet sophisticated summer dish.
• Serve immediately after rolling to maintain optimal texture and temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg