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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Carefully slice zucchini lengthwise into thin, uniform strips using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even grilling.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently spread the herbed ricotta mixture across each grilled zucchini strip, ensuring an even, smooth layer that covers the entire surface.
- 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.
- Carefully roll the zucchini from the tomato end, creating tight, elegant spirals that showcase the layered ingredients.
- Transfer the completed rollups to an elegant serving platter, arranging them in an artistic presentation that highlights their vibrant colors and intricate composition.
- 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