Name: Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4-5 zucchinis, sliced into 4 pieces each (ends trimmed and adjusted to lay flat); Olive oil, for drizzling; Pinch of salt, to taste; 1 cup (240g) fresh vegan ricotta; 1 lb (500g) fresh spinach, chopped and cooked; Chopped basil leaves, to taste; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Pinch of salt, to taste; 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce; Vegan mozzarella cheese, for sprinkling

If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and comforting all at once, you’ve got to try this Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe. It perfectly combines tender zucchini slices rolled around a heavenly spinach and vegan ricotta filling, drenched in rich marinara sauce and topped with melty vegan mozzarella. This recipe is a beautiful celebration of plant-based flavors and it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds, whether they follow a vegan diet or not.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface: a small square white bowl with mixed herbs and spices, a round white bowl filled with shredded cheese, a round white bowl filled with ricotta cheese, a jar of red pasta sauce with a red lid, two whole zucchinis, and a clear container filled with fresh green spinach leaves, all arranged in a clean and organized way photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe shine. Each item plays a crucial role — from the fresh zucchinis providing a delicate, tender wrap, to the creamy vegan ricotta and hearty spinach filling that brings flavor and texture to every bite.

Zucchinis: Select firm, medium-sized zucchinis for easy slicing and rolling.
Olive oil: A light drizzle enhances the zucchini’s natural sweetness and aids roasting.
Fresh vegan ricotta (1 cup/240g): This creamy cheese alternative brings luscious texture and richness.
Fresh spinach (1 lb/500g), chopped and cooked: Adds earthiness and vibrant color to the filling.
Chopped basil leaves: Fresh basil infuses a sweet, herbal brightness to complement the other flavors.
Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): A perfect blend of herbs to deepen the Italian-inspired profile.
Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances all the beautiful flavors.
Marinara sauce (1 cup/240ml): A tangy tomato base that brings moisture and zest throughout the dish.
Vegan mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that satisfying cheesy finish everyone loves.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare your ingredients. This ensures your dish will bake evenly and come out beautifully tender.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Spinach

Give your fresh spinach a good rinse to remove any grit. Then, toss it into a skillet over medium heat. Cook until wilted and the water has evaporated, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Let it cool a bit, then squeeze out any excess water — this step keeps your filling from being soggy and intensifies the spinach’s flavor.

Step 3: Slice and Bake the Zucchini

Wash and dry your zucchinis, then trim their ends and slice each into four long pieces. Adjust the end slices if needed so they lay flat for rolling. Arrange them on a baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, add a pinch of salt, and pop them into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This gentle bake softens the zucchini enough to roll effortlessly without turning mushy. Let them cool slightly on paper towels to remove any lingering moisture.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy vegan ricotta, cooked spinach, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will be the heart of your rollatini, so take time to mix thoroughly and taste to adjust seasonings if needed — the fresh basil will make it pop!

Step 5: Assemble the Rollatini

Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish — this will prevent sticking and add an extra tangy base flavor. Lay each zucchini slice flat and spread a generous amount of your ricotta-spinach mix evenly over it. Roll the slices up tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish, arranging them nicely side by side.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Drizzle more marinara sauce over the top of your rolls and sprinkle generously with shredded vegan mozzarella. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes or until the sauce bubbles and the vegan cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible topping.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let your Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe cool for a few minutes before serving. This little rest helps the flavors meld together, and it’s much easier to enjoy without it spilling everywhere. Prepare for some happy smiles around the table — this dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

How to Serve Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe

The dish is a white rectangular baking dish filled with six rolled zucchini pieces placed in two rows of three. Each roll shows layers of light green zucchini skin on the outside, wrapped around a creamy white and dark green spinach filling. The rolls are topped with a thick red tomato sauce that covers the top and pools a little at the base. Small bits of white shredded cheese are scattered across the sauce on each roll. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are an ideal garnish for this dish. They add a fresh, aromatic touch and a burst of green color that makes the Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe even more inviting. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also elevate the final presentation.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, garlic breadsticks, or a simple grain like quinoa or couscous to round out the meal. The creamy rollatini contrasts beautifully with crunchy or herby sides, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dinner party, arrange the rollatini in a circular pattern on a large serving platter and garnish with colorful cherry tomatoes and basil chiffonade. You can also serve each rollatini individually with a small side of marinara dipping sauce for a fun, interactive meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making cold or reheated rollatini just as delightful as freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze the Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe by wrapping the assembled unbaked dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through and the vegan cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving works too, but baking helps maintain the perfect texture and prevents sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the vegan ricotta to avoid a watery filling.

What if I can’t find vegan ricotta?

You can make a quick substitute by blending soaked cashews with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, and a pinch of salt for a creamy, delicious alternative.

Is zucchini the only vegetable I can use?

You could experiment with thin slices of eggplant or yellow squash, but keep in mind their cooking times and textures differ, so adjustments might be necessary.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! This dish is naturally gluten-free since it uses vegetables as wraps and typical Italian seasonings that do not contain gluten.

How spicy is the dish? Can I add heat?

The recipe is mild by default, but adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the filling or sauce will give it a nice kick.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Zucchini Rollatini Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family. It’s joyful to prepare and even more joyful to eat. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a wholesome, heartwarming meal, this dish truly delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Give it a go—I promise it’ll brighten up your dinner table and your taste buds!