Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups with Ricotta & Tomato
Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups with Ricotta & Tomato are light, elegant appetizers featuring smoky zucchini ribbons filled with creamy lemon-basil ricotta and sweet roasted tomatoes. A fresh and colorful dish perfect for summer entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 roll ups (serves 6–8)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/8-inch ribbons
Neutral oil (avocado or canola), for grilling
1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated
2 tsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
24 fresh basil leaves
24 halves slow-roasted tomatoes
Optional: 2 tsp fresh mint, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Brush zucchini ribbons lightly with neutral oil.
- Grill for 1–2 minutes per side until softened and grill marks appear. Let cool.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. (Add mint if desired.)
- Lay a zucchini ribbon flat. Spread a spoonful of ricotta mixture near one end.
- Place a basil leaf and roasted tomato half on top.
- Roll the zucchini tightly and place seam-side down on a platter.
- Repeat with remaining ribbons and filling.
- Chill slightly before serving for best texture.
Notes
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor and presentation.
Swap ricotta with goat cheese for a tangier taste.
Add nuts like pine nuts or almonds for crunch.
Use sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to ricotta for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 roll ups
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
