Keto Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

In the world of low-carb cooking, few dishes satisfy Italian food cravings quite like these Keto Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups. This clever reimagining swaps traditional pasta sheets for delicate ribbons of zucchini, creating a dish that's both nutritionally impressive and visually stunning. Each roll-up cradles a rich, herbed ricotta filling that melts into the tender zucchini when baked, while a blanket of marinara sauce brings everything together with classic Italian flavor.

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These roll-ups transform humble zucchini into the star of your dinner table. The process of salting the zucchini strips before rolling them is crucial - it draws out excess moisture, ensuring your dish doesn't become watery during baking. Meanwhile, the combination of three Italian cheeses creates a filling that's rich and complex, perfectly complementing the mild flavor of the zucchini.

• 3 large zucchini
• 1 cup (250 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) sugar-free marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Olive oil spray

Prepare the oven and baking dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Prepare the zucchini

Trim zucchini ends. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick strips. Lay slices on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.

Make the ricotta filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, mozzarella, basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Prepare the baking dish

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Assemble the roll-ups

Place 1 tablespoon of ricotta filling onto one end of each zucchini slice. Roll up tightly and lay seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all slices and filling.

Add sauce and cheese

Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake

Lightly spray tops with olive oil. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Finish and serve

Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

The mandoline slicer is your best friend for this recipe, creating perfectly even zucchini strips that will cook uniformly. If using a knife, take your time to make the slices as even as possible. Don't skip the salting step - it's essential for removing excess moisture from the zucchini. If you're short on time, you can place the salted zucchini between paper towels and press gently to speed up the moisture removal process.

For meat lovers, brown 1/2 pound of Italian sausage or ground beef and mix it into the marinara sauce before assembling. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese mixture with a seasoned dairy-free ricotta alternative made from tofu or cashews. You can also add finely chopped spinach to the ricotta filling for extra nutrients, or incorporate red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

These elegant roll-ups pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For non-keto guests, consider offering a side of garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving adds color and a burst of flavor. For a complete meal, serve alongside some roasted asparagus or broccoli - both low-carb vegetables that complement the Italian flavors perfectly.

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These Keto Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups represent Italian comfort food at its finest - reinvented for the low-carb lifestyle but sacrificing none of the flavor or satisfaction of the original. The beautiful presentation belies how simple they are to make, and their versatility means you can adapt them to suit any dietary preference or occasion. Whether you're committed to keto eating or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, this dish proves that healthy eating can be both beautiful and delicious.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prepare zucchini strips for rolling?

Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips about 1/8-inch thick using a mandoline or sharp knife. Sprinkle with salt and let sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses used in the filling?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta for a different texture. Parmesan and mozzarella can be adjusted or swapped based on preference.

→ Is there a way to add meat to this dish?

For a meatier version, cooked ground beef or sausage can be stirred into the marinara before assembling the zucchini roll-ups.

→ What baking dish size is recommended?

A 9x13-inch baking dish works well to fit the zucchini roll-ups in a single layer for even cooking.

→ How long should the dish be baked for best results?

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, ensuring the filling is heated through.

→ Can fresh herbs be used instead of dried?

Yes, fresh basil and oregano add vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of dried herbs when substituting fresh.