Mediterranean Burrata & Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups with Lemon
These Mediterranean-inspired lasagna roll-ups are light, fresh, and perfect for when you want a comfort dish with a bright, zesty twist. The creamy ricotta and burrata filling pairs beautifully with thin ribbons of zucchini and a refreshing lemon-pesto drizzle. It’s a beautiful vegetarian main that works well for dinner parties, meal prep, or a weekend family dinner.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups:
8 lasagna noodles
2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise (use a mandoline or vegetable peeler)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ball (4 oz) fresh burrata cheese, torn
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Pesto Drizzle:
1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain, then lay flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment to prevent sticking.
Prepare zucchini: Slice zucchinis lengthwise into thin ribbons. Lightly salt them and let rest 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
Make the filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the burrata, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble roll-ups: Lay a noodle flat. Place a layer of zucchini slices on top, then spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over it. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining burrata pieces, and bake 5 more minutes until bubbly.
Make lemon pesto drizzle: Whisk pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve: Drizzle lemon pesto sauce over baked roll-ups. Garnish with extra basil or Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Tips
Use a mandoline: It makes slicing zucchini evenly much easier and ensures they cook evenly inside the roll-ups.
Pat zucchini dry: Removing excess moisture keeps the filling from becoming watery.
Don’t overfill: A thin layer of filling spreads better and rolls more neatly.
Secure with toothpicks if needed: This helps keep rolls tight during baking.
Finish under the broiler: For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.
Variations
Add more veggies: Layer in thinly sliced roasted red peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
Protein boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp to the filling for a heartier meal.
Cheese swaps: Try goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier flavor, or mozzarella in place of burrata for a more traditional texture.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
No-bake version: Roll the noodles with zucchini and filling, then serve cold with the lemon-pesto drizzle for a refreshing summer dish.
Nutty touch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds over the top before serving for crunch.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the roll-ups, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes of baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Q: How do I prevent the roll-ups from falling apart?
A: Don’t overfill the noodles, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish. You can also use a toothpick to hold them together until they’ve baked.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes, but freeze them before baking for best results. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Q: What can I use instead of burrata?
A: Fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or even cream cheese can work. Burrata adds creaminess, but it’s not essential.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~380
Protein: 19g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: ~530mg
(Values may vary depending on pasta, cheese brands, and pesto used.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Burrata & Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups are a bright and elegant twist on traditional lasagna. They balance creamy cheeses with fresh zucchini and are elevated by a zesty lemon-pesto drizzle. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, the dish feels indulgent while still being lighter than a classic baked pasta. With flexible variations, it’s easy to make it vegetarian, protein-packed, or gluten-free, depending on your needs. A beautiful way to bring Mediterranean freshness to your table.