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Healthy Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

healthy zucchini lasagna roll-ups - featured image

A light and indulgent zucchini-based lasagna roll-up recipe featuring creamy ricotta and tangy marinara, perfect for a healthy comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for 12-15 strips total. Lay them out on the baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle the zucchini strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Roast for 8-10 minutes until just tender but not browned. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until creamy but not overworked.
  5. Spread about 2 tablespoons of ricotta mixture evenly on each zucchini strip, leaving a small border. Roll each strip up tightly and set seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Pat zucchini strips dry after roasting if they feel too wet to prevent watery roll-ups. Use almond or cashew ricotta and skip the egg for a vegan version. Remove foil for last 10 minutes of baking for a crispier top or keep foil on for softer cheese. Assemble roll-ups ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Freeze assembled roll-ups before baking for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini lasagna, healthy lasagna, zucchini roll-ups, ricotta, marinara, low carb, gluten-free, vegetarian, easy dinner