Easy Healthy Zucchini Roll-Ups Recipe

"This is a wonderful light appetizer, side dish or starter course. It is very light and it can be served with either a balsamic dressing or a marinara sauce. A friend sent me this recipe, but like always, I changed it around a bit, and it was a bit hit. And, if you have never done it, making fresh ricotta is so easy and really makes the dish extra good. But, a good store bought brand is just as good."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Zucchini ... Cut the ends of the zucchini off and then thin slice the zucchini into thin planks. They are going to be lightly grilled, so not too thin, but you want them thin enough to roll after they are grilled. They can be sliced on a mandolin or by hand.

Step 2

Grill ... Lightly brush one side of the zucchini with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. These can be done on an outside grill, an inside grill pan which I prefer, or even under the broiler. Place the seasoned side down and cook just until the zucchini gets a little color and becomes pliable. You don't want them too soft - and it only takes a couple of minutes, and do NOT flip them. Cook them only on the seasoned side. Then, transfer to a plate to let them cool.

Step 3

Filling ... In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, basil, lemon juice, zest, and pine nuts together. Note: I toast the pine nuts in a dry saute pan - medium high heat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

Roll ... Lay the zucchini seasoned and cooked side down on a sheet of foil or parchment paper. Season the side facing up with a little salt and pepper; and spread the cheese mixture over the zucchini. Roll up. You can secure the roll with a toothpick - of if you want to get fancy, you can tie it with a chive.

Step 5

Dressing ... You can warm up some marinara which is very good, but my preference is serve this with is a good balsamic vinegar. And, if you want to even go a step further. Reduce the vinegar for 5-8 minutes, it gets a nice sweet flavor, and thickens slightly.

Step 6

Serve ... Stand the zucchini up on end and drizzle either of the sauces over the zucchini. As I said, they make a great appetizer, starter course or a side dish. They are light and healthy. ENJOY!

Step 7

Extra ... Garnish the platter with fresh basil, or you can put a fresh basil leaf on each zucchini. Lemon zest or additional pine nuts are also a nice garnish.