Zucchini Lasagna Rolls
Zucchini Lasagna Rolls are a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna, featuring thinly sliced zucchini filled with a rich ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for anyone looking for a healthier, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meal without sacrificing flavor.
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Rolls
- 3 large zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into â…›-inch thick strips
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sweating the zucchini)
For the Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
For the Sauce & Topping
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay out zucchini slices on a baking sheet or paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- After 10 minutes, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess water.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Mix well until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take a zucchini strip and spread a spoonful of the ricotta mixture evenly over it.
- Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining zucchini strips.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna Rolls
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the zucchini rolls.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil and add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the zucchini lasagna rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
✔ With Garlic Bread – For those who don’t mind some extra carbs.
✔ With a Side Salad – A fresh garden or Caesar salad pairs well.
✔ With Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – For added protein.
Tips for Success
✔ Slice zucchini evenly – Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniform slices that roll easily.
✔ Don’t skip sweating the zucchini – This prevents excess water in the dish.
✔ Use full-fat cheese – It melts better and enhances flavor.
✔ Make it meaty – Add ground turkey, chicken, or sausage to the ricotta mixture.
✔ Make it dairy-free – Use almond ricotta and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 230
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
Health Benefits
✅ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – A great alternative to pasta-based lasagna.
✅ High in Protein – Thanks to ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
✅ Rich in Vitamins – Zucchini is packed with Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
✅ Gluten-Free – No pasta means it’s safe for those avoiding gluten.
✅ Good for Digestion – High fiber content helps with gut health.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze zucchini lasagna rolls?
A: Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls in a baking dish. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Try goat cheese, feta, or a dairy-free alternative for different flavors.
Q: Can I add more veggies?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions make great additions.
This Zucchini Lasagna Roll recipe is a flavor-packed, healthy twist on traditional lasagna. It’s simple to prepare, full of nutrients, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, keto, or just a lighter meal option, this dish will satisfy your cravings without the heaviness of pasta! Enjoy!