Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta
Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta are light, fresh, and quietly impressive. Thin ribbons of zucchini are grilled until tender and lightly smoky, then rolled around a creamy ricotta filling brightened with lemon and fresh basil. The flavors are clean and balanced, making this dish ideal as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side for grilled fish or chicken. It feels elegant without being fussy and uses simple ingredients that really shine when treated gently.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
For the zucchini:
3 large zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the lemon-basil ricotta:
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional finishing touches:
Extra basil leaves
Toasted pine nuts
Olive oil drizzle
Instructions
Trim the ends of the zucchini and slice them lengthwise into thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Lay the zucchini slices on a tray, brush lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat.
Grill the zucchini slices for 1 to 2 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred. Remove and let cool.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, garlic, and Parmesan.
Season the ricotta mixture with salt and black pepper and mix until smooth and creamy.
Taste the filling and adjust lemon or seasoning as needed.
Place a spoonful of ricotta near one end of each zucchini slice.
Roll the zucchini gently but snugly to form neat rollups.
Arrange on a serving plate and finish with basil, pine nuts, or a light olive oil drizzle.
Tips
Choose medium to large zucchini for longer, flexible slices.
Slice zucchini evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Do not over-oil the zucchini or it will become greasy.
Grill just until tender. Overcooking makes rolling difficult.
Let zucchini cool slightly before filling to avoid melting the ricotta.
Use whole milk ricotta for the best texture.
Drain ricotta briefly if it seems watery.
Chop basil finely so it spreads evenly through the filling.
Add lemon gradually to keep the flavor balanced.
Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
Variations
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the ricotta for depth.
Mix in crumbled feta for a sharper Mediterranean flavor.
Replace basil with fresh mint or parsley.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
Use grilled eggplant slices instead of zucchini.
Add finely chopped olives to the filling.
Finish with a balsamic reduction drizzle.
Add toasted walnuts instead of pine nuts.
Use lemon thyme instead of basil.
Make it vegan with almond ricotta and nutritional yeast.
Q & A
Can these be made ahead of time?
They are best fresh, but can be assembled a few hours ahead and chilled.
Will zucchini release water?
Light grilling helps remove excess moisture.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes, roast slices briefly at high heat until tender.
Are these served cold or warm?
They are best served at room temperature.
Can I use part-skim ricotta?
Yes, but whole milk ricotta is creamier.
How do I keep rollups from unrolling?
Place them seam-side down on the plate.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, naturally.
What pairs well with them?
Grilled fish, chicken, or a simple salad.
Can kids enjoy this dish?
Yes, the flavors are mild and fresh.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to one day refrigerated, though texture may soften.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 180
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Rollups with Lemon-Basil Ricotta are proof that simple ingredients can feel special when treated with care. They are fresh, flexible, and full of clean flavor, making them perfect for warm-weather meals or elegant starters. Whether served casually or as part of a larger spread, these rollups bring a calm, Mediterranean feel to the table that guests tend to appreciate right away.