Dreamy Vegan Zucchini Rollatini GlutenFree Masterpiece

Easy Vegan Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups: Low Carb, Dairy-Free & Wholesome

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious vegan zucchini lasagna roll ups. They offer a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, replacing heavy pasta with light, low-carb zucchini noodles. Each tender zucchini ribbon is generously filled with a luscious dairy-free ricotta, nestled in a vibrant pool of marinara sauce, and baked until bubbling and perfectly tender. This vegan zucchini rollatini recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers an intensely satisfying, wholesome, and profoundly flavorful dining experience that caters to a variety of dietary needs.

White plate with zucchini roll ups filled with ricotta and topped with marinara. Another plate full and the corner of the baking dish can be seen.

I am genuinely excited for you to experience these zucchini lasagna roll-ups. They are so remarkably flavorful and capture the essence of a rich, cheesy pasta dish, despite being entirely gluten-free and dairy-free. This recipe truly defies expectations, proving that healthy eating can be both indulgent and comforting. For an extra touch of gourmet elegance, consider sprinkling the tops with a generous dusting of dairy-free parmesan cheese before serving!

These zucchini rollatini are wonderfully soft and pillowy, offering a light yet incredibly fulfilling meal. Beyond their amazing taste and texture, they are exceptionally healthy, crafted from a handful of wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients. Could it possibly get any better than that? Oh, yes it can! This recipe is also surprisingly simple to master. While it does involve a bit of hands-on time for prepping and rolling, the process is quite meditative and enjoyable, a mindful culinary activity that yields delicious rewards.

Searching for more Healthy Passover Recipes? Explore innovative and delightful ways to savor Kosher for Passover dishes while adhering to a balanced diet with our diverse selection of Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes for Passover.

The magic of these vegan lasagna roll ups lies in the thinly sliced zucchini, which becomes wonderfully pliable, allowing for easy rolling. As they bake, the zucchini continues to soften, achieving a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly mimics traditional pasta noodles. You truly won’t miss the conventional lasagna sheets, I guarantee it. This innovative approach makes it a fantastic option for anyone seeking a lighter, low-carb alternative without compromising on the classic lasagna experience.

Furthermore, you won’t detect the absence of dairy, because my homemade cauliflower almond ricotta is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly rich, savory, and undeniably delicious – a true “YUM” moment in every bite! This plant-based ricotta adds that essential creamy, tangy element that makes lasagna so irresistible, ensuring a truly authentic flavor profile.

Zucchini rollatini stands out as one of my preferred vegan zucchini recipes, especially when the garden is overflowing with that glorious summer produce. It’s a unique and exciting way to utilize fresh zucchini, offering a welcome departure from more common preparations like zucchini bread or zucchini boats. This recipe allows the versatility of zucchini to shine, transforming it into a gourmet dish that’s both impressive and deeply nourishing.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Crafting these delectable vegan zucchini lasagna roll ups requires just a few key components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the dish’s incredible flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful substitution ideas to fit your preferences and pantry:

Three zucchini, a bowl of labeled marinara sauce and a bowl of labeled vegan ricotta
  • ZUCCHINI: The undeniable star of this dish! Zucchini not only transforms into fantastic, pliable lasagna noodles, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. It’s naturally low in carbs and calories, making it an excellent alternative to traditional pasta and perfect for a lighter meal. Zucchini is packed with immune-boosting Vitamin C, along with folate, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A. Its rich antioxidant content helps fortify your immune system and supports collagen production, contributing to overall wellness. These zucchini roll ups offer satisfying comfort food that just happens to be incredibly healthy!
  • DAIRY-FREE RICOTTA: My signature dairy-free vegan ricotta recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare using a blend of cauliflower and almonds, yielding a creamy, savory filling. However, if time is of the essence, feel free to use your favorite store-bought vegan ricotta. Kite Hill Ricotta is a highly recommended and convenient option. Alternatively, for a different creamy texture and flavor profile, you could opt to make my smooth and rich dairy-free bechamel sauce as a substitute for the ricotta.
  • MARINARA SAUCE: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce, ideally one in a glass container with a short and simple ingredient list, signifying fewer additives and purer flavor. When I purchase jarred sauce, I consistently reach for Rao’s Marinara for its exceptional taste and quality ingredients. If fresh tomatoes are in season, I highly recommend making a batch of my roasted tomato sauce for an incredibly flavorful and homemade touch – it’s absolutely DELICIOUS!

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore These Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups

Zucchini stuffed with ricotta and baked in marinara sauce. A couple of the lasagna rolls are on a fork, shown close up.
  • PERFECT FOR PASSOVER: This recipe is not only Kosher for Passover but also incredibly versatile. It can elegantly be served as a flavorful and satisfying main course or as a delightful side dish to complement your holiday feast.
  • IRRESISTIBLY DELICIOUS: Prepare for a truly rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying culinary experience. This plant-based meal is so flavorful and comforting that everyone at your table, regardless of their dietary preferences, will happily rally around it.
  • LIGHT & REFRESHING: With its low-carb zucchini noodles, this dish offers the perfect light and refreshing meal, especially during warmer summer months, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or satiety.
  • EXCELLENT FOR MEAL PREP: These vegan lasagna roll ups are the ultimate make-ahead recipe. They reheat beautifully, tasting just as good, if not better, the next day. Plus, they freeze exceptionally well, making them ideal for future quick and healthy meals.
  • ABSOLUTELY FUN TO EAT: Forget the notion that healthy food is boring! Anyone who holds that belief has clearly never tasted these vibrant and exciting vegan zucchini roll ups. They are a joyful addition to any meal rotation.
  • POWERFULLY HEALTHY: Every single bite of this dish is packed with beneficial nutrients. Ingredients like vitamin-rich zucchini, offering a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, combined with a wholesome cauliflower ricotta, ensure that your body is truly nourished.
  • SURPRISINGLY EASY TO MAKE: Despite their decadent taste and impressive appearance, these zucchini ricotta rolls come together remarkably quickly. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can transform simple, fresh ingredients into a gorgeous, gourmet-level casserole in no time.
  • ULTIMATE HEALTHY COMFORT FOOD: This recipe perfectly balances the desire for deeply comforting food with the need for nutritious, wholesome ingredients. It totally satisfies your craving for a warm, hearty meal while keeping you feeling light and energized.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Vegan Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups

Let’s dive into the simple process of creating this delightful dish. The first step, and a crucial one, is to gather all your ingredients. If you plan to make the homemade vegan ricotta from scratch, it’s best to prepare it before you begin slicing the zucchini. This ensures a smooth workflow and allows the ricotta to chill slightly, firming up its texture for easier handling.

Food processor bowl with slivered almonds, steamed cauliflower, zested garlic, spices, lemon juice, olive oil and water.

To make the cauliflower almond ricotta, begin by steaming your cauliflower florets until they are fork-tender. Once cooled slightly, transfer the steamed cauliflower to the bowl of a food processor. Add the slivered almonds, freshly zested garlic, a selection of aromatic spices, a bright squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Pulse the mixture until it is well combined, then scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. Continue processing until the mixture achieves a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency. For more detailed instructions and specific measurements for this homemade dairy-free ricotta recipe, please refer to the dedicated recipe page.

Preparing long strips of zucchini for lasagna roll ups. A vegetable peeler makes long thin strips when pulled across the length of a zucchini after it's been trimmed.

Now, it’s time to prepare the star of our show: the zucchini noodles. Start by trimming off both ends of each zucchini. Next, carefully cut a thin sliver lengthwise from one side of the zucchini. This creates a flat, stable surface, allowing the zucchini to rest securely on your cutting board. This simple trick makes it significantly easier to create long, uniform strips. Using a vegetable peeler, draw it firmly across the length of the zucchini to create thin, approximately ⅛-inch thick strips. Continue this process until all three zucchini have been transformed into beautiful, flexible lasagna noodles.

White baking pan with a thin layer of bright red marinara sauce spread on the bottom

With your zucchini noodles ready, prepare your baking dish. Spread about ¾ cup of your chosen marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful bed for your roll ups and helps prevent them from sticking, ensuring a perfectly cooked and saucy base.

Wooden board with zucchini strips laid out, a teaspoon full of ricotta, spread onto each strip is in process.

Now comes the fun part: assembling the roll ups! Lay your zucchini strips flat on a clean cutting board or work surface. Take a heaping teaspoon of the dairy-free ricotta filling and spread it thinly and evenly across the entire surface of each zucchini strip. Ensure an even layer so every bite is packed with creamy goodness.

Zucchini strips, spread with vegan ricotta and sprinkled with fresh oregano

For an aromatic boost, sprinkle the ricotta-coated zucchini strips with fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Oregano, thyme, basil, or parsley would all be fantastic choices, adding layers of fresh flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, a pinch of dried Italian seasoning will work beautifully to impart that classic Mediterranean essence.

Cutting board with zucchini strips spread with ricotta, one is shown to be in process of rolled up and you can see a baking pan with marinara sauce where the finished rolls are being placed.

Carefully roll up each zucchini noodle from one end to the other, creating neat little spirals. As you finish each roll, gently place it onto the marinara sauce in the prepared baking pan. Continue this assembly line fashion until all your zucchini strips are filled, rolled, and arranged in the baking dish. This methodical process makes the assembly surprisingly quick and enjoyable.

White baking pan spread with marinara and topped with zucchini ricotta roll ups

Once all the zucchini rolls are in the pan, you have a couple of options for their arrangement. You can choose to leave them standing upright, showcasing their beautiful spirals, or lay them down flat, which might allow you to fit more into the dish. The best orientation will depend on the dimensions of your baking pan and the total number of roll ups you’ve prepared, so arrange them to fit best and look most appealing.

White baking pan with marinara, then zucchini ricotta roll ups and another layer of marinara

To ensure every roll up is infused with rich tomato flavor, spoon the remaining ¾ cup of marinara sauce generously over the tops of the arranged zucchini rolls. This final layer of sauce will keep them moist during baking and contribute to a deliciously saucy casserole. You can even add an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs at this stage for added visual appeal and aroma.

Baked zucchini lasagna roll ups

Finally, it’s time to bake your masterpiece! Place the baking dish into a preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling invitingly around the edges and the zucchini has softened to a perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The aromas filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Debra’s Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Zucchini Roll Ups

White rimmed plate filled with rolled up zucchini lasagna rolls covered in marinara sauce. Fork on the plate. Casserole dish filled with more visible in the background.
  • SAVE PRECIOUS TIME: Don’t hesitate to take shortcuts! There’s absolutely no shame in using a high-quality jarred marinara sauce (I highly recommend Rao’s Marinara for its superior flavor) or using pre-made vegan ricotta. My top pick for ready-to-use vegan ricotta is Kite Hill Almond Ricotta, which offers a creamy texture and delicious taste.
  • BOOST THE NUTRIENTS: For an added layer of nutrition and flavor, consider folding in some defrosted and well-drained frozen spinach into your ricotta filling. This not only enhances the nutritional profile but also adds a lovely green hue and earthy taste.
  • ADD PROTEIN AND TEXTURE: If you’re looking to make this dish even heartier and more substantial, incorporate a layer of vegan ground beef. This addition will provide extra protein, a satisfying meaty texture, and a rich, savory depth of flavor that complements the ricotta and marinara beautifully.
  • MANAGE MOISTURE: Zucchini naturally releases moisture when cooked. To ensure your ricotta remains wonderfully creamy and not watery, use a bit less water than usual when preparing your homemade ricotta. This helps the filling absorb some of the zucchini’s natural moisture during baking, preventing a soggy dish.
  • PERFECT SLICING TOOLS: While a vegetable peeler works wonderfully for creating thin zucchini strips, for truly uniform ⅛-inch slices, a mandoline slicer is an excellent investment. It ensures consistent thickness, which is key for even cooking and perfect rolls.
  • RESCUE THICK SLICES: If you accidentally slice your zucchini a bit too thick, don’t fret! Simply sprinkle the slices generously with coarse sea salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes, then use a paper towel to gently blot away the excess moisture. This process will draw out water and soften the zucchini noodles, making them much more pliable and easier to roll.
  • STREAMLINE YOUR ASSEMBLY: To make the preparation process incredibly efficient, adopt an assembly-line approach. Lay out as many zucchini strips as comfortably fit on your flat work surface. Then, spread the ricotta filling on all of them in one go. After that, proceed to roll each strip and place it directly into the baking pan. This method is far more efficient than handling one roll at a time.
  • ENTERTAINING MADE EASY: If you’re hosting guests, these roll ups are a dream for entertaining! Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When your guests arrive, simply pop it into the oven. This allows you to relax and enjoy your company without being stuck in the kitchen.
  • A HUG IN A CASSEROLE: This dish is perfect for sharing. Make a batch for a friend who is feeling under the weather, grieving, or simply needs a thoughtful gesture. Deliver it ready to bake, providing them with a warm, comforting meal that requires minimal effort on their part.

Maximizing Flavor: Meal Prep and Storage Tips

These vegan zucchini lasagna roll ups are a fantastic addition to your meal prep rotation, thanks to their superb make-ahead and storage capabilities. Plan ahead and enjoy delicious, wholesome meals all week long!

  • HOW TO SERVE: Serve these warm roll ups as a satisfying main course. They pair beautifully with a simple, refreshing green salad or a vibrant vegan Caesar salad for a complete and balanced meal.
  • MAKE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS: The homemade vegan ricotta can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. To prep the entire dish ahead of time, assemble the zucchini roll ups, place them in the baking dish over the marinara, and top with the remaining sauce. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can fully prepare, bake, and cool the casserole, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through.
  • STORAGE GUIDELINES: Leftover lasagna roll ups will remain fresh and delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating from the fridge, place them directly into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake for about an hour at 350°F (175°C), or until they are piping hot and bubbly.
  • FREEZING TIPS: Ensure the baked lasagna roll ups are completely cooled before transferring them to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months for convenient, future meals.
White rimmed plate with marinara sauce covered zucchini lasagna roll ups

Explore More Wholesome Zucchini Recipes

If you’re looking for creative and healthy ways to enjoy zucchini beyond these fantastic roll ups, you’re in luck! Zucchini is an incredibly versatile vegetable, perfect for a wide range of dishes, from savory mains to delightful baked goods. Discover some of my other favorite healthy zucchini recipes:

  • Vegan Zucchini Muffins
  • Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe
  • Meaty Vegan Stuffed Zucchini Boats
  • Zucchini Soup Recipe

Did you know that leaving a comment and rating recipes is one of the best ways to show support for your favorite food bloggers? If you’ve made this incredibly delicious recipe, please consider giving it a five-star rating below and sharing your thoughts in a comment. Additionally, I would absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Please share your photos on Instagram by tagging me @dkhealthcoach and using the hashtag #debraklein. Your feedback and shares truly make a difference!

📖 Recipe

Stack of white plates. On top is a plate full of zucchini roll ups filled with vegan ricotta and topped with marinara.

Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups

Author:

Debra Klein
You’ll love these vegan lasagna roll ups. Low carb zucchini noodles are filled with cauliflower almond ricotta, set onto a pool of marinara, and baked to perfection.















5 from 110 votes

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Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes


Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Italian

Servings

6
Servings
Calories

133
kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • 3 Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish
  • Peeler

Ingredients

  



  • 3
    medium sized zucchini



  • 1 ½
    cups
    marinara sauce



  • 1 ½
    cups

    dairy-free ricotta

Instructions

 

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Trim zucchini ends and cut a sliver off one lengthwise side so you can place it down flat on a cutting board. Use a vegetable peeler to “peel” zucchini lengthwise into long ⅛” thick strips.
  • Spread ¾ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. Spread 1 heaping teaspoon dairy-free ricotta onto each zucchini ribbon, roll it up and place onto the marinara in the baking dish. Continue until baking dish is full.
  • Pour remaining ¾ cup marinara sauce over the top of zucchini roll ups. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, if desired.
  • Bake for 25 minutes and enjoy while hot.

Video

Notes

It’s easy to make homemade vegan ricotta with the recipe below, and it will stay good in the fridge for a week, so make it when it’s convenient for you. Alternatively, save time and buy already made ricotta. For more elaborate directions to make the ricotta, check out my vegan ricotta recipe.


Dairy-free Ricotta: 2 cups cauliflower florets, 1 cup slivered almonds, 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 Tablespoons water.


MAKE RICOTTA: Steam cauliflower. Place cauliflower, almonds, garlic zest, lemon juice, olive oil, spices and 2 Tablespoons water into food processor and pulse until well combined. Scrape down sides and process until creamy, adding up to 2 Tablespoons additional water if needed.

Nutrition


Serving:
1
g


Calories:
133
kcal


Carbohydrates:
11
g


Protein:
9
g


Fat:
6
g


Saturated Fat:
3
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g


Cholesterol:
20
mg


Sodium:
353
mg


Fiber:
2
g


Sugar:
5
g
Note

The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.





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