Zucchini Ricotta Pinwheels

Discover the delightful taste of zucchini ricotta pinwheels, an appetizing and healthy snack perfect for any occasion. These vibrant pinwheels combine fresh zucchini with a rich filling of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and aromatic herbs, making them a low-carb treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, they are ideal as appetizers or paired with your favorite marinara for dipping. Enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

Prep the Zucchini: Begin by slicing the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips, aiming for about 1/8 inch thick. You can achieve this using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline for even slices. Lay the strips flat on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle them generously with salt. Let them rest for approximately 15 minutes; this process will help draw out excess moisture. After the time is up, gently pat the strips dry with another towel to remove any released water.

Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and the egg. Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well blended and creamy, creating a smooth filling that’s rich in flavor.

Assemble the Pinwheels: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take one prepared zucchini strip and lay it flat on a cutting board. Scoop out approximately 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture and spread it evenly at one end of the zucchini strip. Carefully roll the zucchini over the filling, creating a tight pinwheel shape. Place the pinwheel seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Continue this process with the remaining zucchini strips and filling, arranging the pinwheels closely together on the baking sheet.

Bake the Pinwheels: Drizzle the olive oil over the assembled pinwheels, and give them a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese inside is bubbly and golden.

Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. For an extra touch, you may wish to garnish the pinwheels with the freshly chopped basil before serving. Enjoy these delightful zucchini ricotta pinwheels warm, accompanied by a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 4 servings