Zucchini Rollatini with Ricotta & Spinach
⏱ Time
35–40 minutes
🍽 Serves
2–3
🥒 Ingredients
Zucchini
-
2 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise
-
Olive oil
-
Salt & black pepper
Filling
-
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
-
½ cup spinach, finely chopped (sautéed & squeezed dry)
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan
-
1 small garlic clove, minced
-
Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
-
Salt & pepper
Toppings
-
6–8 cherry tomatoes
-
4–6 slices prosciutto
-
Microgreens or basil
-
Extra Parmesan
-
Balsamic glaze or herb oil (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Grill the Zucchini
-
Brush zucchini slices with olive oil.
-
Grill or pan-sear 1–2 minutes per side until tender and flexible.
-
Set aside.
2. Roast the Tomatoes
-
Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper.
-
Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until blistered.
3. Make the Filling
Mix ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble
-
Spoon filling onto zucchini strips.
-
Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Bake
-
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until heated through.
6. Crisp the Prosciutto
-
Bake prosciutto on parchment at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until crisp.
-
Break into pieces.
7. Serve
Top zucchini rolls with roasted tomatoes, crispy prosciutto, microgreens, Parmesan, and drizzle if desired.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake before serving. Add prosciutto after baking.
Q: How do I prevent watery zucchini?
A:
-
Slice evenly
-
Grill first
-
Pat dry before filling
This keeps the rolls firm.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Skip prosciutto and use:
-
Toasted pine nuts
-
Sun-dried tomatoes
-
Crispy breadcrumbs
Q: Can I substitute ricotta?
A: Yes:
-
Ricotta + mascarpone = extra creamy
-
Cottage cheese (blended) = lighter
-
Vegan ricotta = dairy-free option
Q: Is this keto or low-carb?
A: Yes, naturally low-carb. Just skip the balsamic glaze if very strict keto.
Q: Can I air-fry instead of bake?
A: Yes. Air-fry at 360°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Q: What herbs work best?
A: Basil, thyme, parsley, or oregano all pair beautifully.
Q: What should I serve it with?
A:
-
Grilled chicken or fish
-
Crusty bread
-
Simple arugula salad
