Zucchini Rollatini is a delicious and creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your mealswhile still enjoying a hearty, flavorful dish. Thinly sliced zucchini is filled with a savory ricotta mixture, rolled up, and baked to perfection. This healthy alternative to traditional rollatini is just as satisfying, but without the heavy carbs. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a tasty side dish, Zucchini Rollatini is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Healthy & Light: This dish is a great way to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional rollatini while keeping it light and vegetable-packed.
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Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare, even on a busy weeknight.
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Flavorful: The creamy ricotta and fresh spinach filling, paired with marinara sauce and dairy-free mozzarella, create a delicious balance of flavors.
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Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or even add other vegetables to the filling.
Ingredients
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4-5 Zucchinis, thinly sliced
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Olive oil, for drizzling
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1 cup (240g) Fresh ricotta (dairy-free)
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1 lb (500g) Fresh spinach, finely chopped
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Fresh basil leaves, chopped (to taste)
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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A pinch of salt (or to taste)
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1 cup (240ml) Marinara sauce
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Dairy-free mozzarella cheese (as much as desired)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Prepare the Spinach
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Thoroughly wash the spinach to ensure it’s clean and free from any dirt.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped spinach. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the leaves have wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated.
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Once cooked, remove from heat and allow it to cool. After cooling, squeeze out any remaining moisture from the spinach.
3. Slice the Zucchini
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Clean and dry the zucchinis. Trim both ends off.
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Slice the zucchini into even pieces, aiming for 4 slices per zucchini. Adjust the end pieces so they can lay flat for rolling.
4. Bake the Zucchini
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Lay the zucchini slices out on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini slices soften. Remove and let them cool slightly on paper towels.
5. Prepare the Filling
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In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta (or dairy-free ricotta), cooked spinach, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully combined.
6. Assemble and Bake
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Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
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Lay each zucchini slice flat, spread the ricotta mixture evenly on top, and then roll them up.
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Place the rolled-up zucchini in the baking dish, seam side down. Drizzle more marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with dairy-free mozzarella cheese.
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Bake in the oven for an additional 20 minutes, or until hot throughout and the cheese has melted.
7. Serve and Enjoy
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Let the zucchini rollatini cool for a few moments before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Enjoy the rich, creamy filling and the delicious combination of zucchini, spinach, and marinara sauce!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
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Add-ins: You can add other vegetables to the ricotta filling, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for extra flavor and texture.
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Herb Variations: Instead of basil, try using fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley to change up the flavor profile.
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Vegan Option: If you prefer a completely dairy-free dish, you can substitute the dairy-free ricotta with a cashew-based ricotta or another plant-based cheese.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use regular ricotta instead of dairy-free ricotta?
Yes! If you’re not following a dairy-free diet, you can easily substitute regular ricotta for dairy-free ricotta.
What other herbs can I use in the filling?
If you don’t have basil, you can try oregano, thyme, or a combination of your favorite herbs.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just be sure to check the ingredients for added sugars or preservatives if you’re aiming for a healthier option.
Can I make the zucchini rollatini ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rollatini ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Simply bake it when ready to serve.
Can I make this dish without baking it?
While baking brings out the best flavors, you can skip the baking step and serve the rollatini as a fresh, cold appetizer or side dish.
Conclusion
Zucchini Rollatini is a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a flavorful and satisfying way. The creamy ricotta filling paired with tender zucchini and marinara sauce makes for a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner, a side dish, or a holiday treat, this zucchini rollatini is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for anyone following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or paleo diet!
Print
Zucchini Rollatini
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Zucchini Rollatini is a healthy and flavorful dish that combines thinly sliced zucchini with a creamy ricotta filling, fresh spinach, and marinara sauce, all baked to perfection. This dish is a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, and it’s a great dairy-free alternative to traditional rollatini recipes.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Rollatini
4–5 zucchinis, thinly sliced
Olive oil, for drizzling
1 cup (240g) fresh ricotta (dairy-free)
1 lb (500g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (as per taste)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
A pinch of salt (or to taste)
1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
Dairy-free mozzarella cheese (as much as desired)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
Spinach Preparation:
Thoroughly wash the spinach to remove any impurities.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped spinach and cook until the leaves have wilted and any excess water has evaporated (about 3-5 minutes).
Once cooked, set aside to cool, then squeeze out any remaining water from the spinach.
Zucchini Slicing:
Clean and pat dry the zucchinis, trimming off the ends. Slice them into 4 even pieces, adjusting the ends to ensure the slices lie flat.
Bake the Zucchini:
Place the zucchini slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the zucchini is soft. Let the slices cool slightly on a plate lined with paper towels.
Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, cooked spinach, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
Assemble and Bake:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Lay each zucchini slice flat, spreading the ricotta mixture evenly across each slice.
Roll up each zucchini slice and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with dairy-free mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Rollatini:
Bake in the oven for an additional 20 minutes, or until the dish is hot throughout and the cheese has melted.
Serve and Savor:
Let the rollatini cool for a few moments before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors and delightful textures of your homemade Zucchini Rollatini!
Notes
If you want to make the dish even more flavorful, you can add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top before baking for a cheesy flavor.
Feel free to use any marinara sauce you like, or make your own for an extra fresh taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
