Luscious Grilled Zucchini Rollups Recipe: Zesty Lemon-Basil Bliss

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in these delightful lemon-basil ricotta grilled zucchini rollups that promise a dance of textures and vibrant Mediterranean notes.

Slender zucchini ribbons, kissed by grill marks, wrap around a creamy, herb-infused filling that sings with freshness.

slow-roasted tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness, creating a harmonious balance in every bite.

Each rollup becomes a miniature culinary canvas, blending smoky char with bright, zesty undertones.

The recipe celebrates simplicity, allowing fresh ingredients to shine with minimal intervention.

Delicate yet substantial, these rollups work perfectly as an elegant appetizer or a light summer meal that will transport you to an Italian countryside.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious Mediterranean adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed

• Zucchini: Choose firm, fresh zucchini with smooth, unblemished skin for the best grilling texture and appearance.
• Olive Oil: Ensures perfect grilling and adds a subtle, rich flavor to the zucchini slices.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luxurious, tangy base that provides creamy richness and depth of flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the filling with a zesty, citrusy punch that cuts through the cheese's richness.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant, herbal note that elevates the entire dish with its aromatic essence.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• Slow Roasted Tomatoes: Contribute a sweet, concentrated tomato flavor and add a beautiful color contrast.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provide a final burst of herbaceous freshness and elegant garnish.

Tools & Prep Items for Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for creating beautiful grill marks and tender zucchini slices.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing zucchini and chopping herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise vegetable cutting and herb chopping.
• Medium Bowl: Used for mixing ricotta filling ingredients.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps blend ricotta mixture smoothly.
• Serving Platter: Displays rollups beautifully for serving.
• Pastry Brush: Great for lightly oiling zucchini slices before grilling.
• Grater: Useful for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.

How to Make These Rollups

• Zucchini Preparation

Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin, elegant strips and prepare for grilling with a light olive oil coating.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend ricotta with bright lemon zest, fragrant basil, and a hint of Parmesan to create a creamy, tangy filling that awakens the taste buds.

• Rollup Artistry

Layer the grilled zucchini with the herbal ricotta mixture, nestle a vibrant basil leaf and sweet roasted tomato at one end, then gracefully roll each strip into a delicate spiral.

• Elegant Presentation

Arrange the colorful rollups on a beautiful platter, showcasing their spiral shape and inviting Mediterranean-inspired colors for a stunning appetizer that promises both visual and culinary delight.

Tips to Tweak Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed

• Use a clean, well-oiled grill grate to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char marks. Pat zucchini slices dry before grilling to ensure better caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Experiment with different herbs like mint, oregano, or thyme to create unique flavor profiles. Try adding crumbled goat cheese or feta for extra tanginess and complexity in the filling.
• Prepare zucchini slices and ricotta filling up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble rollups just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Replace zucchini with thinly sliced eggplant or yellow squash for a delightful variation. Consider using roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes instead of slow-roasted tomatoes to add different flavor dimensions.
• Drizzle the rollups with high-quality extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving. Garnish with fresh microgreens, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Ways to Serve Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed

• Mediterranean Mezze Centerpiece: Arrange the zucchini rollups on a rustic wooden board surrounded by olives, artisan crackers, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant Mediterranean-style appetizer spread.
• Sunshine Summer Starter: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, these rollups pair beautifully with crisp white wine or sparkling prosecco, creating a light and refreshing first course for summer entertaining.
• Garden Party Elegance: Plate the rollups on delicate white porcelain with fresh herbs scattered around, making them a stunning visual addition to brunch gatherings or sophisticated afternoon events.
• Protein Power Boost: For a more substantial meal, serve these rollups alongside grilled chicken or as part of a mixed vegetable and protein plate, adding nutritious and flavorful elements to your dining experience.

Planning Ahead for These Rollups

• Smart Prep Ahead: Chop zucchini and prepare ricotta filling up to 24 hours before your gathering. Store ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and keep flavors vibrant.
• Chilled Serving Strategy: These rollups taste amazing when served cool or at room temperature. Position them on a beautiful platter about 15 minutes before guests arrive, allowing ingredients to reach optimal flavor and texture.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover rollups in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate structure. Consume cold or gently warmed for best taste experience.
• Flexible Portion Control: Perfect for meal prep or individual servings. Create smaller batches or scale up the recipe easily. These rollups work wonderfully as quick lunch options, elegant party appetizers, or light dinner side dishes.

Tender Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Silky grilled zucchini rollups showcase lemon-basil ricotta and slow roasted tomatoes in this elegant Italian-inspired appetizer. Guests will savor Mediterranean flavors that sing with fresh, harmonious ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 medium zucchini (sliced thinly lengthwise)
• 24 fresh basil leaves
• 24 slow roasted tomato halves
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) ricotta cheese
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated
• 2 tsps lemon zest
• 2 tbsps fresh basil (chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Oil (for grilling)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice zucchini into thin, uniform lengthwise strips to ensure consistent grilling and elegant presentation.
2. Grilling: Brush zucchini strips with olive oil and season with salt, then grill on a preheated surface until golden-brown with delicate char marks, creating a smoky foundation for the rollups.
3. Ricotta Filling: Whisk ricotta with Parmesan, lemon zest, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to craft a vibrant, herb-infused mixture that will serve as the creamy interior of the rollups.
4. Assembly: Spread the herbed ricotta evenly across each grilled zucchini strip, covering the entire surface with a smooth, consistent layer of the fragrant mixture.
5. Rollup Formation: Place a basil leaf and roasted tomato half at one end of each zucchini strip, then carefully roll from the tomato end to create tight, elegant spirals that showcase the layered ingredients.
6. Finishing: Arrange the completed rollups on a serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Slice with Precision: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin zucchini strips for even grilling and elegant presentation.
• Grill for Perfection: Achieve golden grill marks by cooking zucchini on a preheated grill, turning once to develop a delicate char without overcooking.
• Balance Ricotta Flavors: Whisk ricotta with Parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh basil to create a vibrant, zesty filling that complements the grilled zucchini.
• Assemble with Care: Roll zucchini tightly from the tomato end, ensuring a compact spiral that showcases the beautiful layers of roasted tomato, basil, and herbed ricotta.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg