I’ll be honest, I grew up in a pasta-loving family where lasagna was the ultimate comfort food. But after switching to a gluten-free lifestyle, I thought I’d have to say goodbye to those cheesy, saucy layers.
Nope! Enter zucchini lasagna roll-ups—just as satisfying, packed with flavor, and honestly, way lighter on the stomach. Plus, with fresh basil pesto in the mix, it gives off those bright, herby Italian vibes that make me want to dance in the kitchen.
This dish is perfect if you’re looking for something hearty yet wholesome. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with veggies, and can be easily tweaked to fit dairy-free, keto, or even vegan diets. Let’s get rolling (literally)!
Tips & Substitutions
- For Vegan: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella, and swap the egg for 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp of water.
- For Keto: Reduce the marinara sauce slightly to lower the carbs.
- For Extra Protein: Add cooked ground turkey or chicken into the ricotta mix.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and a glass of crisp white wine (or sparkling water with lemon if that’s more your thing). Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests at a dinner party.

Cheesy Pesto Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A gluten-free twist on lasagna featuring fresh zucchini, creamy ricotta, and homemade basil pesto, baked to cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini:
- 3 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/8-inch strips (about 12 slices)
- 1 tsp salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (or dairy-free ricotta)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup walnuts (or pine nuts)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Sauce & Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
- Slice the zucchini into thin, even strips. A mandoline works best, but a steady hand with a knife is fine.
- Lay the slices on a clean kitchen towel, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes. This pulls out excess moisture so they don’t get soggy in the oven.
- After 15 minutes, pat them dry with a paper towel and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with black pepper.
Step 2: Make the Pesto
- In a food processor, blend basil, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and salt.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while pulsing until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take each zucchini strip, spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture, add a small dollop of pesto, and roll it up.
- Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all strips are used.
Step 5: Bake
- Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes
Easily adaptable for dairy-free, keto, or vegan diets.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 roll-ups per person
- Calories: ~320 per serving
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg