Zucchini Roll-Ups: A Delicious Low-Carb Appetizer That Will Wow Your Guests

Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both healthy and delicious? Look no further than these mouthwatering zucchini roll-ups! Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties, these little bites of heaven are sure to impress your guests while keeping things light and nutritious.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect zucchini roll-ups. From selecting the best ingredients to mastering the rolling technique, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll explore some exciting variations and helpful tips to make your zucchini roll-ups stand out from the crowd.

Why Choose Zucchini Roll-Ups?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why zucchini roll-ups are such a fantastic choice for your next gathering:

1. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With zucchini as the star ingredient, these roll-ups are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
2. Nutrient-Dense: Zucchini is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a nutritious base for your appetizer.
3. Versatile: You can easily customize the filling to suit various dietary preferences or taste preferences.
4. Visually Appealing: The vibrant green zucchini slices wrapped around colorful fillings create an eye-catching presentation.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these roll-ups in advance, saving you time and stress when entertaining.

✅ Tips for Perfect Zucchini Roll-Ups:

Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for medium-sized zucchini that are straight and uniform in shape. This will make it easier to cut even slices.

Mandoline Magic: If you have a mandoline slicer, use it! It will help you achieve perfectly even slices, ensuring your roll-ups cook and look uniform.

Don’t Skip the Salt: Salting the zucchini slices is crucial for removing excess moisture. Don’t worry about the salt making your dish too salty – most of it will be removed when you pat the slices dry.

Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing the filling. This will ensure a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to spread.

Get Creative with Fillings: While our recipe is delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or even proteins like smoked salmon or prosciutto.

Variations to Try

1. Greek-Inspired Roll-Ups: Replace the filling with a mixture of feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and diced roasted red peppers.
2. Mexican Fiesta Roll-Ups: Use a filling of cream cheese mixed with taco seasoning, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Caprese Roll-Ups: Fill your zucchini slices with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, then drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini Roll-Ups

Not only are these roll-ups delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients. Zucchini is low in calories but high in essential vitamins and minerals. According to the USDA, one medium zucchini contains:

• Only 33 calories
• 2.4 grams of protein
• 2.4 grams of fiber
• 56% of your daily vitamin C needs
• 16% of your daily potassium needs

Plus, the cream cheese and Parmesan in the filling provide calcium and protein, while the sun-dried tomatoes offer a boost of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

These zucchini roll-ups are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

If you have leftovers, they’ll keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to consume them within 24 hours of preparation.

Why This Recipe Works

Our zucchini roll-ups recipe stands out for several reasons:

1. Balance of Flavors: The creamy, tangy filling perfectly complements the mild, slightly sweet zucchini.
2. Texture Contrast: The crisp-tender zucchini pairs beautifully with the smooth, rich filling.
3. Nutritional Profile: These roll-ups offer a great balance of vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, making them a satisfying yet light appetizer.
4. Ease of Preparation: While they look impressive, these roll-ups are surprisingly simple to make, even for novice cooks.

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Gluten-Free

Zucchini Roll-Ups: A Delicious Low-Carb Appetizer That Will Wow Your Guests

Author: Resmi Cooking Method: No-cook Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Appetizer, snack Recipe Keys: G Gluten-free Keto L Low-carb V Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 1 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 45

Best Season: Summer

Dietary:

G Gluten-Free K Keto L Low-Carb V Vegetarian

Description

Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable zucchini roll-ups.

Thinly sliced zucchini wrapped around a creamy, flavorful filling creates a perfect bite-sized treat that's both nutritious and satisfying.

Ideal for health-conscious entertainers and anyone looking for a tasty low-carb option.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2-3 medium Zucchini

• ¹⁄₄ tbsp Salt (For drawing out moisture)

• 8 oz Cream cheese (Softened)

• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)

• ¹⁄₄ cup Fresh basil (Finely chopped)

• ¹⁄₄ cup Sun-dried tomatoes (Finely chopped)

• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)

• ¹⁄₄ tbsp Black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ tbsp Red pepper flakes (Optional, for spice)

Instructions

Video ON

1. Prepare the Zucchini

   • Wash zucchini and slice lengthwise into 1/8 inch thick strips using a mandoline or sharp knife.
   • Lay slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
   • Pat dry with paper towels.
   

1. Make the Filling

   • In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Mix thoroughly until well combined.
   

1. Assemble the Roll-Ups

   • Spread 1-2 tablespoons of filling evenly on each zucchini slice.
   • Roll up each slice, starting from the end with filling.
   • Place seam-side down on a plate.
   

1. Chill and Serve

   • Cover roll-ups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
   • Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 45kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 3.9g6%

Saturated Fat 2.4g12%

Cholesterol 11mg4%

Sodium 95mg4%

Potassium 102mg3%

Total Carbohydrate 1.5g1%

Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%

Sugars 0.8g

Protein 2.1g5%

---

Vitamin A 285 IU

Vitamin C 5.2 mg

Calcium 48 mg

Iron 0.3 mg

Vitamin D 3 IU

Vitamin E 0.2 IU

Vitamin K 8.5 mcg

Thiamin 0.03 mg

Riboflavin 0.07 mg

Niacin 0.2 mg

Vitamin B6 0.08 mg

Folate 12 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.1 mcg

Biotin 0.9 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.2 mg

Phosphorus 38 mg

Iodine 3 mcg

Magnesium 0.4 mg

Zinc 210 mg

Selenium 2.5 mcg

Copper 0.08 mg

Manganese 0.1 mg

Chromium 0.3 mcg

Molybdenum 1.2 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

USDA FoodData Central for nutritional information:

In conclusion, these zucchini roll-ups are a versatile, delicious, and healthy appetizer that's sure to impress your guests.

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just looking for a tasty low-carb snack, these roll-ups fit the bill perfectly.

So grab some zucchini and get rolling – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Mayo Clinic on the benefits of a low-carb diet:

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on the health benefits of vegetables:

Food Network's guide to working with zucchini:

American Heart Association on the importance of heart-healthy appetizers:

Keywords: zucchini roll-ups, low-carb appetizer, keto-friendly, healthy snack, vegetable appetizer