Delicious Zucchini Rolls: A Seasonal Snack

Short Description

Thinly sliced zucchini wrapped around creamy ricotta and Parmesan, flavored with fresh basil—and optionally served with marinara. These rolls are light, elegant, and perfect for enjoying seasonal produce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and healthy: Utilizes bright summer zucchini wrapped around a flavorful cheese blend.

• Quick and easy: Ready in minutes—ideal for a snack, appetizer, or light side.

• Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or sauce to suit your taste or occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Medium zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise

• Ricotta cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil, chopped

• Olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• Marinara sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare zucchini: Slice each zucchini lengthwise into thin strips using a mandoline or sharp knife.

2. Make cheese filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.

3. Roll them up: Place a dollop (about 1 tablespoon) of cheese mixture on one end of each zucchini strip. Roll up gently to form neat spirals.

4. Serve: Arrange on a plate or tray. If desired, spoon a bit of warmed marinara sauce on the side or drizzle lightly over the rolls.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: About 12–16 rolls (serves 2–4 as a snack or appetizer)

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Herb mix-up: Try parsley, chives, or mint along with or instead of basil.

• Extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of pesto inside each roll.

• Protein boost: Include a thin slice of prosciutto or smoked salmon inside the roll for more substance.

• Cheese alternative: Replace ricotta with goat cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and feta.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature. If you added marinara, gently rewarm in a small pan or microwave before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead?

Yes—prepare zucchini slices and cheese filling in advance. Assemble rolls just before serving to keep them fresh.

2. How do I prevent zucchini from being too soft?

Slice zucchini thin and evenly. There’s no need to cook them, which keeps them crisp and fresh.

3. Can I grill the zucchini for a smoky flavor?

Certainly—just lightly grill the slices, cool them, then proceed with filling and rolling.

4. Is this snack gluten-free?

Yes—zucchini, cheeses, basil, olive oil, and marinara (if gluten-free) make this snack naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I make it vegan?

Use plant-based ricotta and Parmesan alternatives, and drizzle with olive oil or vegan pesto.

6. What dip pairs well?

Marinara, pesto, balsamic glaze, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil work beautifully.

7. Can I bake these?

Yes—place assembled rolls in a baking dish, top with marinara and Parmesan, and bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 10 minutes.

8. Are these suitable for parties?

Absolutely—they’re elegant, bite-sized, and easy to eat standing up.

9. How many zucchini should I slice per person?

Plan on 3–4 rolls per person for snacks or appetizers, using about half a zucchini each.

10. Can I add other veggies inside?

Yes—try thin strips of roasted bell pepper or cucumber for extra color and flavor.

Conclusion

Delicious Zucchini Rolls are a fresh, elegant, and nutritious option for seasonal snacking or entertaining. With creamy cheese filling and bright basil, they showcase zucchini beautifully—and they’re a fun canvas for your own culinary creativity.

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