Indulge in the delightful experience of Vegan Zucchini Rollatini, a dish that is perfect for various occasions, whether itβs a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. This recipe showcases how vibrant zucchini and creamy vegan ricotta can create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. With its layers of flavor and beautiful presentation, Vegan Zucchini Rollatini is sure to impress.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of fresh zucchini, savory vegan ricotta, and rich marinara sauce creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, youβll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, this recipe fits any meal occasion.
- Healthy Option: Packed with veggies and plant-based ingredients, itβs both nutritious and satisfying.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Enjoy Italian flavors without the dairy, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools before you start preparing Vegan Zucchini Rollatini.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and presentation of your rollatini.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing zucchinis easy and safe.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the filling ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
β 4-5 zucchinis (sliced)
β Olive oil (for drizzling)
β 1 cup (240g) fresh vegan ricotta
β 1 lb (500g) fresh spinach, chopped and cooked
β Basil leaves (chopped or to taste)
β 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
β Pinch of salt (to taste)
β 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
β Vegan mozzarella cheese
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Vegan Zucchini Rollatini
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). This ensures itβs perfectly heated when youβre ready to bake your rollatini.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Slices
Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips. A mandoline slicer can be helpful here for uniform thickness. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh vegan ricotta, chopped spinach, basil leaves, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Rollatini
Take one zucchini slice and place a spoonful of filling at one end. Roll it up gently and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all zucchini slices are filled.
Step 5: Add Marinara Sauce
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the assembled rollatini. Top with generous amounts of vegan mozzarella cheese for that extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Enjoy your Vegan Zucchini Rollatini warm from the oven!
How to Serve Vegan Zucchini Rollatini
Vegan Zucchini Rollatini is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether youβre hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your culinary experience.
Family Style
- Serve the rollatini in a large baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. This communal style creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Individual Plates
- For a more formal presentation, place one or two rollatini on individual plates. Drizzle with extra marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil for an elegant touch.
With a Salad
- Pair the rollatini with a fresh side salad. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully.
As an Appetizer
- Cut the rollatini into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer. This is perfect for parties and gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy them in small portions.
With Bread
- Offer garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side. The bread is great for dipping into the marinara sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
For Meal Prep
- Pack the rollatini into meal prep containers along with your favorite sides. Itβs an excellent option for quick lunches throughout the week.
How to Perfect Vegan Zucchini Rollatini
Creating the perfect Vegan Zucchini Rollatini requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here are ways to elevate your dish:
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always select fresh zucchinis and high-quality vegan ricotta for better flavor and texture.
Salt Your Zucchini: Before assembling, sprinkle salt on zucchini slices to draw out excess moisture. This prevents sogginess during cooking.
Pre-cook Spinach: Ensure you chop and cook spinach before adding it to the ricotta mix for better flavor integration.
Use Homemade Marinara: If possible, make your own marinara sauce for a fresher taste that enhances the overall dish.
Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of vegan cheese for topping. This adds depth to the flavors and richness to each bite.
Allow to Rest: Let the rollatini sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Zucchini Rollatini
When serving Vegan Zucchini Rollatini, complementing sides can take your meal to new heights. Here are some tasty options:
Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery (using vegan butter), garlic bread is perfect for soaking up marinara sauce.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad made with vegan dressing offers crunchy romaine lettuce that pairs well with the main dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the rollatini.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf flavored with herbs provides a nutritious base that rounds out your meal nicely.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans complement zucchini perfectly while adding variety.
Pasta Primavera: A light pasta primavera featuring seasonal vegetables creates an Italian-inspired feast alongside your rollatini.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and vegan mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing side.
Vegan Coleslaw: A tangy vegan coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that balances out the savory flavors of the rollatini.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Vegan Zucchini Rollatini, itβs essential to steer clear of some common pitfalls.
- Using Thick Zucchini Slices: Cutting zucchinis too thick can result in uneven cooking. Aim for thin slices to ensure they roll easily and cook through.
- Overcooking the Spinach: When cooking spinach, avoid overcooking it as it can become mushy. Just wilt it quickly to retain its texture and flavor.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season your ricotta or marinara can lead to bland rollatini. Make sure to add salt and herbs for a burst of flavor.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven before baking the rollatini.
- Skipping Vegan Mozzarella: Omitting vegan mozzarella can make the dish less creamy. Add it on top for that melty goodness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Vegan Zucchini Rollatini
- Use freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Vegan Zucchini Rollatini
- Oven: Preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of water, cover, and heat on low until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vegan Zucchini Rollatini?
Vegan Zucchini Rollatini is a plant-based dish made with zucchini slices rolled around a creamy vegan ricotta filling, topped with marinara sauce.
How do I make homemade vegan ricotta for this recipe?
You can blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Can I customize my Vegan Zucchini Rollatini?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling or experiment with various herbs for added flavor.
How long does it take to prepare Vegan Zucchini Rollatini?
The total time is about 60 minutes, including prep and cooking. Itβs an easy dish that comes together quickly!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free marinara sauce and ensure your vegan mozzarella is also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Zucchini Rollatini is not just delicious; itβs also versatile and customizable. You can adjust the filling ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. This dish brings together fresh flavors that are sure to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful plant-based meal!

Vegan Zucchini Rollatini
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Vegan Zucchini Rollatini, a plant-based dish thatβs both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. This recipe features thinly sliced zucchini filled with a creamy vegan ricotta and spinach mixture, all topped with rich marinara sauce and melted vegan mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this rollatini is not only delicious but also healthy, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. With its layers of vibrant ingredients and easy preparation, youβll impress your guests while enjoying the comforting essence of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 4β5 zucchinis (sliced)
- 1 cup fresh vegan ricotta
- 1 lb fresh spinach (cooked and chopped)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Vegan mozzarella cheese
- Basil leaves, Italian seasoning, salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- Slice zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- In a mixing bowl, combine vegan ricotta, cooked spinach, basil, Italian seasoning, and salt; mix well.
- Place a spoonful of filling on one end of each zucchini slice and roll up; place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the rollatini and top with vegan mozzarella.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rollatini (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Salt zucchini slices before assembling to reduce moisture. Customize by adding other vegetables or herbs to the filling.