Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups with Ricotta & Tomato

The Elegant Appetizer That Celebrates Summer

Every summer, my garden presents me with a delightful challenge: an endless supply of beautiful, glossy zucchini. I’m always on the hunt for new ways to transform this humble vegetable into something truly special. What if you could take that garden-variety zucchini and turn it into an elegant, show-stopping appetizer that’s incredibly easy, healthy, and bursting with the fresh flavors of the season?

That’s exactly what these incredible zucchini roll ups are all about. We take thin ribbons of smoky, grilled zucchini, slather them with a creamy lemon-basil ricotta filling, and wrap them around intensely sweet slow-roasted tomatoes. It’s a perfect, bite-sized explosion of summer flavor that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

A Symphony of Fresh Summer Ingredients

This recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when you combine a few simple, high-quality ingredients at the peak of their season.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
For the Zucchini:
Medium Zucchini	3	Sliced thinly lengthwise into pliable ribbons.
Oil for grilling		A light, neutral oil like avocado or canola is perfect.
For the Lemon-Basil Ricotta Filling:
Ricotta Cheese	1 ½ cups	Use a good quality, whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano	¼ cup	Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth.
Lemon Zest	2 teaspoons	Provides a bright, fragrant citrus oil punch without the sourness.
Fresh Basil	2 tablespoons	Finely chopped, for a sweet, peppery, aromatic flavor.
Salt and Pepper	To taste
For Assembly:
Fresh Basil Leaves	~24 leaves	Whole leaves to be tucked inside each rollup.
Slow Roasted Tomatoes	~24 halves	These have an intensely sweet, concentrated flavor that makes the dish.

Creative Twist: For an extra layer of cool, refreshing flavor, try adding 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh mint to the ricotta mixture!

Your Quick & Easy Timeline to a Gourmet Bite

This impressive appetizer comes together remarkably fast, especially if you have your tomatoes roasted ahead of time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Grill Time: 5-10 minutes
• Assembly Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Flavor Science: Slow-roasting tomatoes is a game-changer. The process evaporates their water content—which can be up to 95% of their weight—leaving behind an incredibly concentrated, sweet, and savory tomato flavor that regular tomatoes just can’t match.

Step 1: Slice and Grill the Zucchini

The secret to a perfect rollup is a thin, pliable zucchini ribbon. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp vegetable peeler, slice your zucchini lengthwise into thin, even planks (about ⅛-inch thick). Brush both sides of the zucchini slices lightly with oil. Place them on a hot grill (or a grill pan) over medium-high heat. Grill for just 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they have nice grill marks and are just tender and flexible. Don’t overcook them! Set the grilled slices aside on a plate to cool.

Step 2: Whip Up the Ricotta Filling

While the zucchini cools, let’s make the creamy, dreamy filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble Your Zucchini Roll Ups

Now for the fun and easy assembly! Lay a cooled, grilled zucchini slice flat. Spread a thin, even layer of the lemon-basil ricotta mixture over the surface of the zucchini. Place one whole fresh basil leaf and one slow-roasted tomato half at one end of the zucchini slice.

Step 4: Roll and Serve

Starting from the end with the tomato and basil, gently roll the zucchini slice up into a tight, neat spiral. Place the finished rollup seam-side down on a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices and filling. You can serve these immediately at room temperature, or chill them in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving.

Nutritional Information

This light and healthy appetizer is packed with flavor, not calories. Here is the nutritional information per rollup.

• Calories: 50
• Fat: 3g (Saturated 1g)
• Cholesterol: 8mg
• Sodium: 32mg
• Carbohydrates: 2g (Fiber 0.6g, Sugars 1g)
• Protein: 2g

Healthier Swaps & Dietary Variations

While already incredibly healthy, you can tweak this recipe to fit your needs.

• Lower Fat Option: Use a high-quality, part-skim ricotta cheese in the filling.
• Make it Nut-Free: The recipe is naturally nut-free! To add a bit of crunch, you could mix in some toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds into the ricotta.
• Dairy-Free / Vegan: This is a bit trickier, but you can use a high-quality, store-bought vegan ricotta alternative. Many are made from cashews or tofu and would be delicious here.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

These versatile rollups are perfect for any summer occasion.

• The Ultimate Party Appetizer: Arrange them on a beautiful platter for an elegant, easy-to-eat finger food at your next party, BBQ, or bridal shower.
• A Light Lunch: Serve a plate of 4-5 rollups alongside a simple arugula salad for a perfect, healthy, and satisfying lunch.
• A Beautiful Side Dish: These make a wonderful side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak, adding a fresh and flavorful component to the plate.
• The Finishing Touch: For an extra pop of flavor and a beautiful presentation, drizzle the finished platter of rollups with a high-quality balsamic glaze.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Zucchini Slices: If your zucchini slices are too thick, they will be difficult to roll. If they are too thin, they might fall apart on the grill. A mandoline slicer is your best friend for getting perfectly uniform, ⅛-inch thick slices.
2. Over-grilling the Zucchini: You only want to grill the zucchini until it’s pliable and has grill marks. If you overcook it, it will become soft and mushy, making it nearly impossible to roll.
3. A Watery Ricotta Filling: Some brands of ricotta can have excess whey. If your ricotta seems watery, you can let it drain in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for an hour in the refrigerator before mixing the filling.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

These zucchini roll ups are a fantastic make-ahead appetizer.

• Storing: You can store the assembled rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: For the absolute best texture, you can prep the components ahead of time. Grill the zucchini slices and make the ricotta filling up to a day in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the rollups an hour or two before you’re ready to serve.

The Perfect Bite of Summer

These Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups are a true celebration of summer on a plate. They take the humble, abundant zucchini and transform it into an elegant, flavorful, and incredibly versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. They are proof that healthy, simple food can also be stunningly beautiful and utterly delicious.

We know you’ll love this fresh and easy recipe. When you make them for your next gathering, let us know what you think in the comments below! For more elegant and easy appetizer ideas, be sure to subscribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s the best way to slice the zucchini without a mandoline?

If you don’t have a mandoline, you can use a wide, sharp Y-shaped vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons. You can also use a very sharp chef’s knife, but it will take patience and a steady hand to get the slices thin and even enough to roll.

Q2: Can I make these zucchini roll ups without a grill?

Yes, you can! You can cook the zucchini slices on a stovetop grill pan. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven. Arrange the oiled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 5-7 minutes, just until they are flexible.

Q3: What are slow-roasted tomatoes, and can I use something else?

Slow-roasted tomatoes are typically cherry or Roma tomatoes that have been roasted at a low temperature for a long time until they are shrunken, chewy, and intensely sweet. You can often find them at the deli counter of your grocery store. If you can’t find them, you can substitute oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (patted dry) for a similar concentrated flavor.

Q4: Can I make the ricotta filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. The ricotta filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will have even more time to meld together.