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There’s something incredibly inviting about the sight of grilled zucchini rollups, especially when they’re stuffed with a creamy lemon-basil ricotta and sweet, slow roasted tomatoes. Imagine hosting a summer gathering, the sun shining, and friends mingling, all while you serve these delightful bites that effortlessly combine health and flavor!

I discovered this recipe while searching for a fresh appetizer that wouldn’t weigh me down or leave me craving something else later. It struck me as the perfect solution—light, gluten-free, and vegetarian, these rollups are not just eye-catching but also bursting with vibrant flavors. Plus, they can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.

Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these Grilled Zucchini Rollups; they’re destined to become a crowd favorite, whether served warm straight off the grill or chilled for a vibrant, refreshing treat. Let’s dive into this deliciously summery recipe together!

Why are Grilled Zucchini Rollups a Must-Try?

Delightful Freshness: These rollups encapsulate summer’s essence with every bite, offering a light yet satisfying experience.
Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for those who crave homemade elegance without the fuss.
Vibrant Flavors: The creamy lemon-basil ricotta and sweet slow roasted tomatoes create a harmonious balance, making every mouthful unforgettable.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm as an appetizer or chilled for a refreshing snack, catering to any occasion.
Health-Conscious Choice: Gluten-free and vegetarian, these rollups are a guilt-free indulgence that your guests will love.
Elevate your entertaining skills with these flavorful bites and even explore variations by adding chopped mint for an exciting twist!

Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed Ingredients

• Perfectly balanced flavors await!

For the Zucchini

Zucchini – Provides a low-calorie, vegetable base that’s ideal for rolling. (Substitution: Use yellow squash for a similar texture.)
Oil – Used for grilling to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. (Substitution: Any neutral oil, such as grapeseed or avocado oil.)

For the Filling

Ricotta – Brings creaminess and is the main filling. (Substitution: Cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.)
Parmesan (Grated) – Adds salty, nutty flavor that elevates the filling. (Substitution: Nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.)
Lemon Zest – Enhances brightness and freshness in the filling. (Note: Use fresh zest for the best flavor.)
Basil – Provides aromatic herbal notes. (Substitution: Fresh mint as an option for an added twist.)
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.

For the Garnish

Basil Leaves – A fresh garnish that adds flavor and presentation.
Slow Roasted Tomatoes – Adds depth and sweetness to the rollups. (Substitution: Store-bought sun-dried tomatoes for convenience.)

Get ready to whip up these delightful Grilled Zucchini Rollups stuffed with lemon-basil ricotta and slow roasted tomatoes that are sure to impress!

How to Make Grilled Zucchini Rollups

Prepare the zucchini by slicing it thinly lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, aim for about 1/4 inch thickness and brush each slice lightly with oil for grilling.
Grill the zucchini slices over medium-high heat for approximately 1 minute per side. You want them just tender, so keep an eye on the color – a slight char is perfect! Set aside to cool.
Mix the filling by combining ricotta, grated parmesan, lemon zest, chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Blend until creamy and well incorporated for the most flavorful result.
Spread the ricotta mixture generously over each grilled zucchini slice, making sure to cover the surface evenly for a delicious bite.
Top each slice with a fresh basil leaf and a half of a slow roasted tomato. This adds a fresh pop and a hint of sweetness to each rollup.
Roll each zucchini slice tightly around the filling. If needed, secure them with a toothpick to keep everything in place while serving.

Optional: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for a vibrant presentation.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Grilled Zucchini Rollups

Slice Thinly: Ensure zucchini slices are thin enough for easy rolling. Aim for about 1/4 inch to maintain flexibility while grilling.
Don’t Overcook: Be mindful of grilling time; zucchini should be just tender. Overcooking can lead to mushiness, making rolling difficult for your Grilled Zucchini Rollups.
Chill for Flavor: Consider chilling the rollups after preparing. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and offers a refreshing bite for warm summer days.
Prep Ahead: Make slow roasted tomatoes a day in advance. This saves time and intensifies their flavor, enhancing your rollups even more.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add different herbs to the ricotta filling, like fresh mint or oregano, for a unique twist on the classic Grilled Zucchini Rollups.

What to Serve with Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed with Lemon-Basil Ricotta and Slow Roasted Tomatoes?

These delightful rollups are a celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for creating a memorable meal.

Garlic Bread: The crunch and savory notes of garlic bread provide a comforting contrast to the light rollups, soaking up any extra flavors.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring vibrant flavors that mirror those in the rollups, creating a gorgeous, summery plate.
Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad with vegetables adds a hearty yet light touch, making it an excellent complement to the zucchini rollups.
Herbed Couscous: Fluffy, flavorful couscous with fresh herbs will enhance your plate’s freshness, offering a lovely texture alongside creamy rollups.
White Wine Spritzer: The crispness of a white wine spritzer, with its refreshing bubbles, is a perfect balance to the rich filling of the zucchini rollups.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Juicy seasonal fruits serve as a light, refreshing dessert, cleansing the palate after those rich and savory bites.
Lemon Sorbet: A chilled lemon sorbet adds a tangy sweetness, wrapping up your meal with a bright finish that echoes the zesty ingredients.

Grilled Zucchini Rollups Variations

Get ready to mix things up with these delightful rollups that can be customized to fit your tastes or dietary needs!

Herb-Infused: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill to the ricotta for a delightful flavor twist. This subtle change evokes the essence of summer gardens.
Cheesy Delight: Swap in goat cheese for ricotta to add a tangy flavor and creamy texture. You’ll love the added depth it brings!
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the ricotta mixture to infuse a warming heat. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance for just the right zing.
Mediterranean Flair: Toss in some chopped Kalamata olives or artichoke hearts to the filling. This adds a briny, savory quality that a crowd will adore.
Gluten-Free Crunch: Swap grated Parmesan with gluten-free bread crumbs for a crunchy layer inside the rollups. It adds a fun texture that complements the creamy filling.
Nutty Appeal: Add crushed walnuts or pine nuts to the ricotta for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It will elevate each bite with a satisfying crunch!
Sweet Surprise: For a unique touch, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the finished rollups. It adds a sweet-tart contrast that will tantalize your taste buds!
Vegan Option: Substitute the ricotta with a blend of silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice for a creamy vegan filling. This ensures everyone can enjoy these flavorful bites!

How to Store and Freeze Grilled Zucchini Rollups

Fridge: Store leftover Grilled Zucchini Rollups in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They taste great chilled or can be gently reheated.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rollups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through without overcooking.
Assembly Tip: If preparing ahead, assemble the rollups the day before and store them in the fridge until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Make Ahead Options

These Grilled Zucchini Rollups Stuffed with Lemon-Basil Ricotta and Slow Roasted Tomatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the zucchini slices and grill them up to 24 hours in advance, allowing them to retain their texture and prevent browning by refrigerating them in an airtight container. Additionally, the ricotta filling can be mixed and stored separately for up to 3 days in the fridge for optimal freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the ricotta mixture over the prepped zucchini, add the basil and slow roasted tomatoes, roll them up, and enjoy delightful, homemade elegance with minimal effort.

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

What type of zucchini should I use for the rollups?
Absolutely, fresh, firm zucchinis are best for this recipe! Look for medium-sized ones with smooth skin and no dark spots. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works wonderfully for a similar texture.

How should I store leftover Grilled Zucchini Rollups?
Store leftover rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I often find that they taste delightful even chilled, making for a perfect quick snack.

Can I freeze these rollups?
Yes! To freeze Grilled Zucchini Rollups, first, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What if my zucchini is too soft after grilling?
Don’t worry! If your zucchini slices become too soft, they might be challenging to roll up. To fix this, keep an eye on the grilling time—aim for about 1 minute on each side until tender but still firm. If you do end up with soft slices, try using them as a layered dish instead!

Are these rollups suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, absolutely! Grilled Zucchini Rollups are a fantastic gluten-free option as they are made with fresh vegetables and no added gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure any cheeses or substitutes you use also meet gluten-free standards.