Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes

Elegant, light, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes are a dish that feels just as at home on a dinner party table as it does for a casual summer lunch. Tender grilled zucchini slices are wrapped around a creamy ricotta filling infused with lemon zest and basil, then topped with sweet, concentrated roasted tomatoes. The result? A vibrant, colorful appetizer or side dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients in the most delicious way.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by warm summer evenings when zucchinis are plentiful and tomatoes are at their sweetest. I wanted a dish that felt both fresh and indulgent, something light enough for a starter but satisfying enough to stand alone. The creamy lemon-basil ricotta was born from a craving for something zesty and herbaceous, while slow-roasted tomatoes added the perfect burst of sweetness. Together, the combination creates a bite-sized dish that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Rollups and stuffed vegetables are traditional in many cuisines, but this dish borrows from Italian antipasti traditions. By combining grilled zucchini with ricotta and basil, it mirrors classic Italian flavor profiles. Slow-roasted tomatoes are another hallmark of Mediterranean cooking, prized for their ability to concentrate sweetness while keeping their juicy texture. This recipe marries all of those elements into a modern, elegant presentation.

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Zucchini Rollups

These rollups are as versatile as they are beautiful:

Elegant Presentation: Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or romantic meals.

Healthy & Fresh: Packed with vegetables, herbs, and light cheese.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Roast tomatoes and prep ricotta filling ahead of time.

Customizable: Add nuts, herbs, or swap cheeses to fit your taste.

Vegetarian-Friendly: A flavorful, meat-free dish that even carnivores will love.

Crowd-Pleasing: Each roll is a perfect two-bite snack—easy to serve and share.

Seasonal Celebration: Showcases the best of summer produce.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Slice zucchini thinly with a mandoline for even grilling.
• Salt zucchini before grilling to release excess water and improve texture.
• Roast tomatoes low and slow for maximum sweetness.
• Use fresh basil and lemon zest for a bright flavor punch.
• Chill filling slightly before rolling for easier assembly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For slicing zucchini into thin, even ribbons.
Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: To get those perfect charred lines.
Baking Sheet: For roasting tomatoes.
Mixing Bowl: To prepare the ricotta filling.
Spatula or Spoon: For spreading filling onto zucchini.
Toothpicks (optional): To secure rollups for serving.

Ingredients in Grilled Zucchini Rollups

1. Zucchini: 2 large Thinly sliced lengthwise into ribbons.
2. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons For brushing zucchini and tomatoes.
3. Salt: 1 teaspoon (divided) To season zucchini and filling.
4. Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon Adds gentle spice.
5. Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups Halved for roasting.
6. Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup Creamy base for filling.
7. Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon Brightens the filling.
8. Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon Adds fresh tang.
9. Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons, chopped Herbal freshness.
10. Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated Adds savory depth.
11. Garlic: 1 clove, minced Infuses flavor into ricotta.
12. Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon For a subtle kick.

Ingredient Substitutions

Zucchini: Yellow squash for color variation.
Ricotta Cheese: Goat cheese or cream cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano.
Basil: Fresh parsley or dill.
Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or roma tomatoes, sliced.

Ingredient Spotlight

Zucchini: Mild, tender, and perfect for grilling, zucchini takes on smoky notes and provides the structure for these rollups.

Slow-Roasted Tomatoes: Their concentrated sweetness balances the tangy ricotta and smoky zucchini, making each bite irresistible.

Instructions for Making Grilled Zucchini Rollups

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Tomatoes:
   Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread cut side up on baking sheet. Roast 1.5–2 hours until shriveled and sweet.
3. Grill Zucchini:
   Slice zucchini into ribbons about 1/8-inch thick. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and grill 2–3 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred. Set aside to cool.
4. Make Ricotta Filling:
   In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
5. Assemble Rollups:
   Lay a zucchini ribbon flat, spread with a spoonful of ricotta mixture, then roll up.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Top each roll with a roasted tomato half. Secure with toothpick if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Arrange on a platter, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These rollups strike the perfect balance: smoky zucchini, creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, fresh basil, and sweet roasted tomatoes. Every bite is light yet layered with complexity.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Roast tomatoes the day before to save time.
• Make extra filling—it doubles as a dip for bread or crackers.
• Keep zucchini ribbons uniform in thickness for easy rolling.

What to Avoid

• Don’t slice zucchini too thick—it won’t roll easily.
• Avoid watery ricotta—drain excess liquid for creamier filling.
• Don’t skip roasting tomatoes—they bring essential sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rollups
Calories per serving: 90
Note: Approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (tomatoes) + 10 minutes (zucchini)
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Roast tomatoes up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge.
• Assemble rollups a few hours before serving and refrigerate.
• Best served fresh; leftovers keep for 1–2 days.

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Rollups

Serve as an appetizer, party platter, or light summer side dish. Pair with crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing match.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Salad Topper: Add rollups to a mixed greens salad.
• Open-Faced Sandwich: Place on toasted bread with arugula.
• Pasta Garnish: Use rollups as a fancy topping for spaghetti.

Additional Tips

• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.
• Use colorful tomatoes for a vibrant presentation.
• Double recipe for large gatherings—it disappears quickly!

Make It a Showstopper

Serve rollups on a long wooden board, alternating zucchini spirals with roasted tomatoes for visual appeal. Scatter fresh basil leaves around for a burst of green color.

Variations to Try

• Goat Cheese Rollups: Swap ricotta with goat cheese for tanginess.
• Spicy Rollups: Add chopped jalapeños to filling.
• Nutty Rollups: Mix toasted pine nuts into ricotta.
• Herbed Rollups: Use dill or mint instead of basil.
• Vegan Rollups: Use dairy-free ricotta and skip Parmesan.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can I use raw zucchini?

Yes, but grilling enhances flavor and makes it pliable.

Q2. Can I make this vegan?

Yes, use plant-based ricotta and Parmesan.

Q3. Do I need a grill pan?

No, a cast-iron skillet works too.

Q4. Can I roast tomatoes faster?

Yes, roast at 400°F for 25 minutes, but they’ll be less sweet.

Q5. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble a few hours ahead and refrigerate until serving.

Q6. What wine pairs best?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Q7. Can I freeze them?

Not recommended—the zucchini becomes soggy when thawed.

Q8. What zucchini size is best?

Medium-sized zucchinis make the best even slices.

Q9. Can I use dried basil?

Fresh is much better, but in a pinch, 1 teaspoon dried works.

Q10. Are these gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes are fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday cooking. Trust me, these little bites of summer will steal the spotlight at any table—beautiful to look at and even better to eat.

Watch How To Make Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes