Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes are a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors and elegant presentation. Perfect for summer gatherings, these rollups are versatile enough for appetizers or main courses. The combination of grilled zucchini, creamy ricotta infused with lemon and basil, and sweet slow-roasted tomatoes makes this recipe stand out. Enjoy this light, healthy dish at your next picnic or dinner party!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of grilled zucchini and vibrant lemon-basil ricotta creates a taste explosion.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and wholesome flavors, these rollups are guilt-free indulgence.
- Impressive Presentation: The elegant appearance of the rollups is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor on the zucchini.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the zucchini into thin strips easier, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for cutting, keeping your kitchen safe and clean.
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. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 2: Brush with Olive Oil
- Lay the zucchini strips on a cutting board or plate.
- Lightly brush each strip with olive oil on both sides. This helps prevent sticking on the grill.
Step 3: Season the Zucchini
- Sprinkle salt evenly over both sides of each zucchini strip. This enhances their natural flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the zucchini strips on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they have nice grill marks and are tender.
Step 5: Prepare Lemon-Basil Ricotta
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with freshly chopped basil leaves.
- Squeeze in some lemon juice to taste. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Rollups
- Place a spoonful of lemon-basil ricotta at one end of each grilled zucchini strip.
- Roll up tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
Step 7: Serve with Slow Roasted Tomatoes
- Pair your grilled zucchini rollups with slow-roasted tomatoes for added flavor. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta and Slow Roasted Tomatoes make for a delightful appetizer or light meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dish.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens: A simple salad of mixed greens dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon zest complements the rollups perfectly.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes add a classic Italian touch that pairs well with the zucchini.
Serve as an Appetizer
- Small Plates: Present the rollups on small plates for an elegant starter at dinner parties.
- Skewered Appetizers: Thread the rollups onto skewers for easy serving and a fun presentation.
Accompany with Dips
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the rollups for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Pesto Sauce: A side of basil pesto offers a herby contrast that enhances the dish’s overall taste.
How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Grilled Zucchini Rollups, consider these tips.
- Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Season the zucchini slices before grilling to enhance their natural flavors.
- Thinly slice zucchini: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
- Preheat the grill: A hot grill ensures nice char marks while keeping the zucchini tender but not mushy.
- Let them cool slightly: Allow the grilled zucchini to cool before rolling them up to prevent moisture loss from the filling.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality ricotta will elevate your dish significantly.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add other herbs or spices into your ricotta mix for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
These side dishes complement Grilled Zucchini Rollups wonderfully, creating a balanced meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the rollups.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds protein and texture while being light on the palate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide additional flavors that pair beautifully with grilled zucchini.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs makes for a delightful side that enhances the meal’s freshness.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a crunchy contrast and complements the smoky flavors of the rollups.
- Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad brings protein and hearty texture, making it a satisfying accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Salt: Not seasoning your zucchini before grilling can lead to bland rollups. Always sprinkle salt over your zucchini slices to enhance their natural flavor.
- Overcooking the Zucchini: If you grill the zucchini too long, it can become mushy. Grill until just tender for the perfect texture in your rollups.
- Ignoring Quality Ingredients: Using low-quality ricotta or tomatoes can affect the overall taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate your dish.
- Not Letting the Tomatoes Cool: If you don’t let slow-roasted tomatoes cool before stuffing, they can make the rollups soggy. Allow them to cool on a rack for optimal results.
- Forgetting to Brush with Olive Oil: Neglecting to brush olive oil on zucchini strips can lead to sticking and uneven grilling. Always coat both sides lightly for better cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled zucchini rollups in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
- Freeze individually wrapped rollups in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rollups on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place rollups on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the rollups for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes?
Grilled Zucchini Rollups are thin strips of zucchini filled with creamy lemon-basil ricotta and topped with slow-roasted tomatoes, providing a fresh and flavorful dish.
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes! You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
How do I make lemon-basil ricotta?
To make lemon-basil ricotta, simply mix fresh ricotta cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Are these rollups suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Grilled Zucchini Rollups are perfect for meal prep as they store well in the fridge or freezer and reheat beautifully.
Can I add protein to my rollups?
Certainly! You can add cooked chicken or turkey slices inside the rollup for an added protein boost.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeal to many palates. Their versatility allows for customization; feel free to add different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Try this recipe today for an elegant dish that’s both fresh and satisfying!
Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 rollups) 1x
Description
Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta & Slow Roasted Tomatoes are a vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings. These delightful rollups showcase the fresh flavors of grilled zucchini, creamy lemon-basil ricotta, and sweet slow-roasted tomatoes, making them an impressive choice for appetizers or light meals. Not only do they taste amazing, but their elegant presentation will surely wow your guests. Easy to prepare and filled with nutritious ingredients, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lemon juice
- Slow-roasted tomatoes
Instructions
- Wash and slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Brush each zucchini strip lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Season the zucchini strips with salt to enhance their natural flavor.
- Grill the zucchini over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until tender and marked.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped basil and lemon juice until well combined.
- Spoon the lemon-basil ricotta onto one end of each grilled zucchini strip and roll tightly.
- Serve immediately with slow-roasted tomatoes for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rollups (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For a twist, try adding roasted red peppers or spinach to the ricotta filling. Ensure your grill is preheated for perfect char marks on the zucchini. Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the ricotta for unique flavor variations.
