How to Prepare Zucchini Rolls: Step-by-Step

To make these delicious rolls, all you need are the ingredients above, an oven, and about an hour for prep and cooking. Thanks to the fresh, delicate flavour of the tuna and the richness of the Grana Padano, these will be the star of any dinner party.

Prepare the zucchini: Wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and slice them lengthways into thin strips (about 3–4mm thick).

Heat a griddle pan or a non-stick frying pan until hot. Grill the zucchini slices on both sides until softened and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool slightly.

In a bowl, combine the well-drained tuna, roughly chopped Taggiasca olives, and the Grana Padano. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Place a spoonful of the filling at one end of each grilled zucchini slice, then gently roll them up into neat cylinders.

Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased baking dish or on a tray lined with baking parchment. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes, just long enough for the filling to heat through and the Grana Padano to melt slightly.

Remove from the oven and arrange on a serving platter. Season with a little salt if needed and finish with a few extra shavings of Grana Padano before serving.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your taste:

Light Version: For a lower-calorie option, try replacing the tuna with thin slices of roast turkey breast. It’s a great high-protein choice for those with an active lifestyle.

Switch the Veg: You can follow the same method using aubergines (eggplant) instead of zucchini, depending on what’s in your fridge.

Seafood Twist: For a sophisticated maritime flavour, try a filling of plaice and Grana Padano.

A Dish for Everyone

This tasty appetiser is a hit with both adults and children because it’s fun to eat and easy to make. The golden, baked finish ensures they look fantastic at parties or casual get-togethers. They are also a brilliant way to encourage kids to eat their greens—the creamy filling and cheesy topping make vegetables much more exciting!