Zucchini roll

A Zucchini Roll is a light, savory dish featuring thinly sliced zucchini rolled around a creamy, flavorful filling. Whether stuffed with ricotta and herbs, mozzarella and sundried tomatoes, or even a smoky roasted vegetable mix, this dish is a fresh and elegant way to enjoy zucchini.

I first made this roll when I was looking for a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional roulades. The delicate zucchini slices, softened just enough to roll, paired beautifully with the creamy filling, creating a dish that felt both indulgent and wholesome. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can change up the filling to match your mood or what’s in your fridge!

What’s great about a Zucchini Roll is its versatility. Serve it as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish at a dinner gathering, and it’s sure to impress with both its presentation and delicious flavors!

Perfect for:

Healthy eating
Light lunches
Summer gatherings
Holiday appetizers
Vegetable lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Zucchini Roll will become a favorite in your kitchen:

Healthy and Light: Made with fresh zucchini and wholesome ingredients.
Beautiful Presentation: The rolled shape makes it an elegant dish.
Versatile Filling: Can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, and proteins.
Naturally Low-Carb: A great alternative to traditional pastry-based rolls.
Easy to Prepare: Simple steps with minimal ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for brunches, dinner parties, or meal prep.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.
Gluten-Free Option: Naturally gluten-free when using almond flour or cheese as a binder.
Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
Kid-Friendly: A tasty way to get kids to eat more vegetables.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Roll:

2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Optional Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan
Drizzle of olive oil

Ingredient Highlights

Zucchini: The star of the dish, offering a fresh and mild flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
Italian Seasoning: Enhances the dish with classic Mediterranean flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the Zucchini: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips.
Season and Roast: Brush the zucchini slices with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then roast for 10 minutes to soften.

Make the Filling:

Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped basil.

Assemble the Roll:

Layer the Zucchini: Lay the softened zucchini slices slightly overlapping on a parchment-lined surface.
Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the zucchini.
Roll it Up: Gently roll the zucchini into a log shape, using parchment paper to help guide it.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Place the roll in a greased baking dish, seam side down.

Bake and Serve:

Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm.
Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Zucchini Roll:

As an Appetizer: Serve sliced into rounds for a beautiful starter.
With Marinara Sauce: Drizzle with marinara for an Italian twist.
Paired with a Salad: Enjoy with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
As a Low-Carb Entrée: Serve as a main dish with roasted vegetables.
With a Side of Bread: Complement with garlic bread for extra heartiness.
For Brunch: A fantastic addition to a brunch spread.
With Grilled Chicken: Pair with protein for a complete meal.
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside pasta or risotto.
For Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Topped with Pesto: Drizzle with basil pesto for added flavor.

Additional Tips

Choose Firm Zucchini – Select fresh, firm zucchinis for easier slicing and better texture in your rolls.
Slice Evenly – Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin zucchini slices that roll up without breaking.
Salt & Drain – Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, preventing sogginess.
Pat Dry – After draining, pat the slices dry with a paper towel to ensure a firmer roll.
Pre-Grill for Flavor – Briefly grilling or roasting the slices enhances their flavor and makes them more pliable for rolling.
Use a Firm Filling – Avoid overly wet fillings; a firmer texture (like ricotta mixed with herbs) keeps the rolls intact.
Secure with Toothpicks – If the rolls unravel, use toothpicks to hold them in place while baking or serving.
Baking vs. Raw – Serve fresh for a light, refreshing roll or bake with sauce and cheese for a warm, comforting dish.
Add Crunch – Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or nuts for added texture and contrast.
Experiment with Flavors – Try different fillings like pesto, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or smoked salmon for variety.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Roll – Add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the filling, along with minced garlic for a rich, savory twist.
Mediterranean Zucchini Roll – Fill with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired delight.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Roll – Stuff with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and cream cheese for a spicy and creamy flavor.
Pesto Ricotta Zucchini Roll – Spread basil pesto and ricotta cheese inside before rolling for a fresh and herby taste.
Mushroom & Spinach Zucchini Roll – Sauté mushrooms and spinach with garlic, then mix with ricotta or goat cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
Taco-Inspired Zucchini Roll – Use seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a Mexican-style variation.
Caprese Zucchini Roll – Layer fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking.
Beef Ham & Swiss Zucchini Roll – Add thinly sliced beef ham and Swiss cheese for a deli-style, protein-packed option.
Smoked Salmon Zucchini Roll – Fill with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and dill for an elegant, seafood-inspired version.
Breakfast Zucchini Roll – Scramble eggs with beef bacon bits and cheddar cheese, then roll for a satisfying morning dish.

Special Equipment

Mandoline Slicer – For thin, even zucchini slices.
Sharp Chef’s Knife – To trim and cut zucchini precisely.
Cutting Board – For safe and stable slicing.
Baking Sheet – To bake or roast zucchini slices if needed.
Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking when baking or assembling.
Toothpicks or Skewers – To hold rolls in place before serving.
Mixing Bowl – To prepare fillings like cheese or herbs.
Silicone Spatula – For spreading soft fillings evenly.
Pastry Brush – To apply olive oil or seasoning to zucchini slices.
Serving Platter – For presenting the finished zucchini rolls beautifully.

FAQ Section

What is a zucchini roll?
A zucchini roll is a savory or sweet dish made by rolling thin slices of zucchini around various fillings, such as cheese, meats, or vegetables.
How do I prepare zucchini slices for rolling?
Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife.
What are the best fillings for zucchini rolls?
Popular fillings include ricotta cheese, cream cheese, spinach, smoked salmon, beef ham, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make zucchini rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving or baking.
How do I prevent zucchini rolls from getting soggy?
Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry with a paper towel before filling and rolling.
Are zucchini rolls healthy?
Yes, zucchini rolls are a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta-based rolls like lasagna. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Can I bake zucchini rolls?
Absolutely! Arrange the filled zucchini rolls in a baking dish, top with sauce or cheese if desired, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Can I freeze zucchini rolls?
It’s best to freeze zucchini rolls before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen.
What sauces go well with zucchini rolls?
Zucchini rolls pair well with marinara sauce, pesto, alfredo sauce, or a simple garlic butter drizzle. Choose based on your preferred flavor profile.
Can I make zucchini rolls vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based cheese or tofu ricotta, and add mushrooms, roasted peppers, or nuts for a delicious vegan alternative.

Conclusion

Zucchini Roll is a light, flavorful dish featuring thinly sliced zucchini wrapped around a creamy, savory filling. Whether filled with ricotta and herbs, smoked salmon and cream cheese, or a Mediterranean-inspired mix of feta and sun-dried tomatoes, this roll is a delicious and elegant appetizer or light meal.

Customize your zucchini roll by grilling or baking the zucchini slices for added depth of flavor, adding fresh basil or mint for brightness, or sprinkling toasted nuts for extra crunch. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, satisfying bite!

I can’t wait to see how your Zucchini Roll turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!