Description

A Symphony of Fresh Summer Ingredients. Thin grilled zucchini ribbons wrapped around lemon-basil ricotta and sweet slow-roasted tomatoes for a light, elegant appetizer.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Zucchini

3 medium zucchini (sliced lengthwise into 1/8-inch ribbons)
neutral oil (for grilling) (light oil like avocado or canola)

For the Lemon-Basil Ricotta Filling

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk) (good quality for creamiest texture)
1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated (freshly grated)
2 tsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Assembly

24 leaves fresh basil (whole leaves to tuck inside each rollup)
24 halves slow-roasted tomatoes (sweet and concentrated flavor)

Optional Creative Twist

2 tsp fresh mint, finely chopped (fold into ricotta for cool freshness)

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Instructions

Slice & grill zucchini: Using a mandoline or peeler, slice zucchini lengthwise into ~1/8-inch planks. Brush lightly with oil and grill on medium-high 1–2 minutes per side until marked and pliable. Do not overcook. Cool on a plate.
Make ricotta filling: In a bowl, stir ricotta, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste until creamy.
Assemble rollups: Lay a grilled zucchini ribbon flat. Spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture. Place one whole basil leaf and one slow-roasted tomato half on one end.
Roll & serve: Roll from the filled end into a tight spiral; place seam-side down on a platter. Repeat with remaining ribbons and filling. Serve immediately or chill up to 1 hour.

Notes

Flavor science: Slow-roasting tomatoes evaporates much of their water (tomatoes can be up to ~95% water), concentrating natural sugars for intense sweetness and umami. Add 2 tsp chopped fresh mint to the ricotta for a bright twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Calories: 50
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 32
Fat: 3
Saturated Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 2
Fiber: 0.6
Protein: 2
Cholesterol: 8