Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes are a perfect blend of fresh flavors and elegant presentation. These delightful rollups are ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light weeknight dinner. With their smoky taste from the grill and the creamy zest of lemon-basil ricotta, they stand out as a unique dish that is both healthy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, these rollups are a nutritious choice.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick to make.
- Versatile Dish: Suitable as an appetizer or main course, you can serve them at any occasion.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of grilled zucchini and fresh ricotta creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Visually Appealing: These rollups not only taste great but also look stunning on the plate.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor in the zucchini.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the zucchini into thin strips easier and more precise.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting vegetables safely.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the ricotta cheese with lemon and basil for a creamy filling.
Ingredients
For the Rollups:
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under cold water.
- Slice them lengthwise into thin strips using a sharp knife.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Zucchini
- Brush each zucchini strip with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Place the strips on the preheated grill.
- Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until tender and slightly charred.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh basil, zest of one lemon, and salt to taste.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Rollups
- Take one grilled zucchini strip and place a spoonful of ricotta filling at one end.
- Gently roll it up, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Repeat this process until all zucchini strips are filled and rolled.
Step 6: Serve
- Arrange your Grilled Zucchini Rollups on a platter.
- Garnish with additional basil or drizzle with olive oil if desired before serving.
Enjoy these delicious Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes—a dish that’s sure to impress!
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes are a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Their fresh flavors and elegant presentation make them an ideal appetizer or main course.
As a Light Appetizer
- Serve these rollups on a platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Paired with a Salad
- A mixed greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette complements the rich taste of the rollups beautifully.
As Part of a Picnic Spread
- Pack the rollups along with crusty bread and fresh fruit for a delicious picnic meal that everyone will enjoy.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
- Offer marinara or a lemony herb dip on the side for extra flavor and variety when serving these tasty bites.
How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
To achieve the best results with your Grilled Zucchini Rollups, consider these helpful tips for preparation and presentation.
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Choose firm zucchinis – Look for zucchinis that are firm to the touch. This ensures they hold their shape during grilling.
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Slice evenly – Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking and consistent texture across all rollups.
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Preheat the grill – Make sure your grill is hot before placing the zucchini on it. This helps create those beautiful grill marks and enhances flavor.
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Use fresh herbs – Fresh basil in the ricotta adds an aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish, so don’t skip this ingredient!
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Let tomatoes cool – Allow slow-roasted tomatoes to cool slightly before adding them to your rollups. This prevents sogginess in your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Zucchini Rollups can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
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Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes and cucumber provides added texture and nutrition.
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Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread complements the creamy ricotta filling while adding crunch to your meal.
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Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring extra color and flavor, making your plate visually appealing and nutritious.
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Couscous Pilaf – Fluffy couscous pilaf with herbs offers a delightful contrast in texture alongside the rollups.
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Caprese Salad – This classic Italian salad of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil brightens up the meal and adds freshness.
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Herbed Rice – A fragrant herbed rice dish rounds out the flavors of grilled zucchini while keeping it light and enjoyable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Salt – Not seasoning the zucchini can lead to bland rollups. Always sprinkle salt on your zucchini before grilling to enhance its flavor.
- Overcooking the Zucchini – Grilling too long makes the zucchini mushy. Grill just until tender for the best texture.
- Ignoring the Thickness – Thick slices can be tough to roll and may not cook evenly. Aim for thin, even strips to ensure a perfect rollup.
- Not Prepping the Filling – A rushed filling can lack flavor. Take your time to blend the lemon-basil ricotta well for a creamy and delicious filling.
- Forgetting to Brush with Oil – Skipping oil can result in sticking. Always brush your zucchini strips lightly with olive oil before grilling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover rollups in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
- Place cooled rollups in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place rollups on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop – Sauté in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes?
Grilled Zucchini Rollups are thinly sliced zucchinis filled with a creamy lemon-basil ricotta, complemented by sweet slow-roasted tomatoes.
How do I make the lemon-basil ricotta?
To create this flavorful filling, blend ricotta cheese with fresh basil, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes! You can experiment with eggplant or bell peppers as alternatives for your rollups.
How long do these rollups take to prepare?
The total preparation time is around 30-40 minutes, including grilling and assembling the rollups.
Are Grilled Zucchini Rollups suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They store well and make an excellent addition to lunchboxes or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes offer a fresh and elegant dish perfect for various occasions. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings or add extra toppings based on your preferences. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and enjoy its vibrant flavors!
Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes are a vibrant and healthy dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. These delightful rolls feature tender grilled zucchini enveloping a creamy and zesty lemon-basil ricotta filling, complemented by sweet, slow-roasted tomatoes. Ideal for gatherings, picnics, or a light weeknight dinner, this recipe is both visually appealing and packed with fresh flavors. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course, these rollups are sure to impress your guests while satisfying your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 rollups) 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil
- Lemon zest
- Slow roasted tomatoes
Instructions
- Wash zucchinis, then slice them lengthwise into thin strips.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat; brush with olive oil.
- Coat zucchini strips with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill each strip for 2-3 minutes per side until tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped basil, lemon zest, and salt; mix until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of ricotta filling on one end of each zucchini strip and roll it up; secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange on a platter and garnish with additional basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rollups (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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