# Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups with Herbed Goat Cheese and Lemon-Pistachio Gremolata > Thinly sliced zucchini is charred on the grill, spread with a tangy herbed goat cheese, rolled and finished with a bright lemon-pistachio gremolata. A light, make-ahead summer appetizer that’s easy to scale for backyard gatherings. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-zucchini-roll-ups-herbed-goat-cheese-lemon-pistachio-gremolata ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: July 23, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups with Herbed Goat Cheese and Lemon-Pistachio Gremolata are the kind of summer appetizer that rewards small, deliberate choices. Long, paper-thin zucchini ribbons pick up smoky grill marks and become pliable enough to roll, while tangy chevre layered with parsley and chives provides a creamy counterpoint; the lemon-pistachio gremolata brightens every bite with acid and crunchy texture so the dish never feels one-note. The contrast of silky cheese, charred vegetable, and crunchy nuts is what keeps these roll-ups lively on the palate. This particular version works because it respects proportions: a thin smear of goat cheese lets the zucchini and lemon sing, and a coarse chop of pistachio gives texture without dominating. It’s easy to scale for a backyard crowd — grill in batches, assemble quickly, and finish with gremolata just before serving — and it holds up well when made a few hours ahead if you keep the gremolata separate until serving. Pay attention to slice thickness and the goat cheese consistency and you’ll avoid tears and sogginess, turning a few humble ingredients into a composed, elegant starter. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 30 minutes - Servings: 2 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Grilling ## Ingredients ### Slice and grill the zucchini - 4 medium Zucchini - 2 tbsp Olive oil (for brushing) - 1 tsp Kosher salt - 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper ### Make the herbed goat cheese - 8 oz Goat cheese (chevre) - 2 tbsp Fresh herbs (parsley + chives), finely chopped - 1 large Lemon (zest + juice) ### Prepare the lemon-pistachio gremolata - 1/3 cup Shelled pistachios, roughly chopped - 1 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil (for gremolata) ## Ingredient Guide ### Goat cheese (chevre) Fresh goat cheese, often labeled chèvre (French), is a soft, spreadable cheese made from goat’s milk; it has a tangy, slightly earthy flavor and a creamy but looser texture than many cow’s‑milk cheeses. It originates from France but is widely produced and sold internationally; you’ll find it at supermarkets, cheese counters, and specialty stores. If unavailable, good substitutes include ricotta (milder, creamier), a soft feta (saltier and crumblier), or cream cheese thinned with a little plain yogurt for tang. ### Gremolata Gremolata is a classic Italian herb condiment (from Milan) made of finely chopped parsley, lemon zest and garlic; it’s bright, citrusy and herbaceous, used as a fresh finishing garnish (not typically a jarred pantry item). It’s usually made fresh at home—look for recipes rather than a store‑bought version—and can be substituted by a quick mix of chopped parsley, lemon zest and a small amount of minced garlic (or parsley + lemon zest + a drizzle of olive oil) to replicate the flavor profile. ## Instructions ### 1. Slice and grill the zucchini Trim the ends from the zucchinis and, using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice each zucchini lengthwise into 1/8" (3 mm) slices. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and cook the slices 1–2 minutes per side until nicely charred and pliable; transfer to a tray to cool slightly. ### 2. Make the herbed goat cheese In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese with the finely chopped parsley and chives and the lemon zest from the lemon; season with a small pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper. Stir until smooth and spreadable — if the cheese is very firm, loosen with 1 tsp olive oil or water. Taste and adjust seasoning. ### 3. Prepare the lemon-pistachio gremolata Coarsely chop the pistachios (or pulse briefly in a food processor). In a small bowl, combine the chopped pistachios with the lemon juice from the lemon, the extra-virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a little extra lemon zest if you like. The texture should be chunky and bright — set aside. ### 4. Assemble the roll-ups Spread about 1 tsp–1 tbsp of the herbed goat cheese (adjust to zucchini length) onto each grilled zucchini slice and roll tightly, securing with a toothpick if needed. Arrange rolls on a serving platter. (This recipe makes roughly 24 roll-ups; plan on serving about 3 roll-ups per person.) ### 5. Finish, store and serve Just before serving, spoon the lemon-pistachio gremolata over the rolls or scatter it on the platter and garnish with a few extra chopped pistachios or herbs. These can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours; bring to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (3 roll-ups): - Calories: 881 kcal - Protein: 49.7 g - Carbohydrates: 18.7 g - Fat: 69.6 g - Saturated Fat: 36.4 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 5.7 g - Sugar: 5.6 g - Added Sugars: 0 g - Cholesterol: 130 mg - Sodium: 1628 mg - Potassium: 1912 mg - Calcium: 1197 mg - Iron: 5.4 mg - Vitamin D: 0.8 mcg ## Tips ### Slice uniformly thin Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to get 1/8-inch slices; consistent thickness makes the zucchini flexible without tearing when rolled. ### Salt sparingly and late Salt just before grilling rather than salting far in advance to avoid drawing out moisture that makes the ribbons soggy. ### Loosen firm chevre If the goat cheese is crumbly, stir in 1 teaspoon of olive oil or water to reach a spreadable consistency so it glides on without shredding the zucchini. ### Grill hot and fast Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high and char slices 1–2 minutes per side; high heat gives flavor without overcooking the squash. ### Assemble seam-side down Place each roll seam-side down on the platter to help them hold shape, and add toothpicks only if you plan to stack or transport them. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Vegan nut-cheese option Replace goat cheese with a cashew-based chevre or almond ricotta and use olive oil to loosen; the assembly and gremolata stay the same for a dairy-free version. ### Prosciutto-wrapped rolls Lay a thin slice of prosciutto on the zucchini before spreading the cheese for a salty, savory layer that pairs beautifully with the lemon gremolata. ### Different nut swap Use toasted almonds or chopped marcona almonds instead of pistachios for a different nuttiness and crunch if pistachios aren’t available. ### Herb and spice twist Stir a pinch of smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper into the goat cheese and add mint instead of parsley for a more smoky or herbaceous profile. ## Notes These roll-ups are a bright, elegant appetizer for summer parties — portable, make-ahead friendly, and full of contrasting textures. Home cooks will love how quickly the charred zucchini and creamy goat cheese come together with a punchy lemon-pistachio finish. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Store assembled roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; keep the gremolata separate to preserve crunch and brightness. Bring the rolls to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to restore creaminess; if you prefer them warm, reheat uncovered in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, then finish with gremolata. ### Serving Suggestions Serve these roll-ups on a long platter garnished with extra chopped pistachios and lemon zest alongside a simple grain salad or chilled heirloom tomatoes tossed with olive oil and flaky salt. For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, dry rosé, or a citrus-driven gin and tonic complements the lemony gremolata and bright herb notes. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I make these ahead of time? Yes — you can grill the zucchini and make the goat cheese and gremolata up to a day ahead. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance but keep the gremolata separate; add it just before serving for the freshest texture. ### How thin should I slice the zucchini? Aim for about 1/8-inch thick slices so the ribbons are flexible enough to roll but still substantial; use a mandoline for consistent results. ### What if my goat cheese is too dry? Stir in 1 teaspoon of olive oil or a few drops of water at a time until it becomes spreadable, then taste and adjust the seasoning so it still reads bright against the zucchini. ### Can I use yellow squash or eggplant instead? Yes — yellow squash works identically to zucchini; eggplant can work too but benefits from a light salting and pressing to remove bitterness and extra moisture before grilling. ### Why is the per-serving calorie count high? The recipe’s calorie total reflects the relatively generous amount of goat cheese and olive oil, plus pistachios; you can lower calories by reducing the cheese portion per roll or using a lighter cheese alternative. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Grilled Shrimp & Charred Corn Warm Salad](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-shrimp-charred-corn-warm) - [Smoky Grilled Meringue Skewers](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/smoky-grilled-meringue-skewers) - [Charred Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/charred-caramel-apple-pretzel-bites) - [Coffee‑Chile Rubbed Flank Steak Tacos with Charred Pineapple Salsa](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/coffee-chile-rubbed-flank-steak-tacos-charred-pineapple-salsa) - [Grilled Ras el Hanout Chicken Thighs with Charred Apricot-Chickpea Tagine](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/grilled-ras-el-hanout-chicken-thighs-charred-apricot-chickpea-tagine) - [Cedar-Plank Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Warm Olive-Tomato Tapenade and Charred Fennel-Orange Salad](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/cedar-plank-grilled-swordfish-with-olive-tapenade-and-charred-fennel-orange-salad) - [Trending Small‑Space Grilling for 2026: Balcony, Rooftop & Apartment‑Friendly Setups, Safety Tips, and 10 Compact Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-small-space-grilling-2026-balcony-rooftop-apartment-setups-safety-tips-compact-recipes) - [Labour Day Grill-Forward Potluck Upgrades](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/labour-day-grill-forward-potluck-upgrades-2026) - [Last Backyard BBQs Made Easy](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/end-of-summer-make-ahead-cookouts-portable-recipes-host-hacks)