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Close-up of golden-brown Vegan Zucchini Involtini with cashew ricotta, baked in a rich red marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil in a white baking dish.

Vegan Zucchini Involtini with Cashew Ricotta

Elegant and healthy Vegan Zucchini Involtini filled with a creamy, herbaceous cashew ricotta, baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a light dinner or impressive side.

  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (approx. 16-20 involtini) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 medium zucchinis (about 1.5 lbs), thinly sliced lengthwise (1/8 inch thick)
1 tsp salt, plus more for seasoning
1.5 cups raw cashews, soaked (at least 30 mins in hot water, or 4 hours/overnight in cold)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
2–3 tbsp water (as needed for blending)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish
3 cups marinara sauce
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and trim the ends of your zucchinis. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, carefully slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin, even strips, about 1/8 inch thick. You should aim for about 20-24 slices.
Step 2: Lay the zucchini slices out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Lightly sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Gently pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels.
Step 3: If you haven’t already, soak your raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, or cold water for 4 hours/overnight. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly.
Step 4: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the drained cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water, starting with less and adding more only if needed, until you achieve a thick, creamy, and smooth consistency similar to ricotta cheese. Scrape down the sides as necessary. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Step 5: Transfer the cashew ricotta to a bowl. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley and basil. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour about 1.5 cups of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Lay one dry zucchini slice flat on a clean surface. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cashew ricotta filling at one end of the slice. Carefully roll the zucchini slice up tightly to enclose the filling.
Step 8: Place the rolled involtini, seam-side down, into the prepared baking dish on top of the marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.
Step 9: Once all the involtini are assembled, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring they are nicely covered.
Step 10: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the sauce is bubbly. For a slightly browned top, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, do not skip salting the zucchini slices; this removes excess water and makes them pliable for rolling. You can also prepare the cashew ricotta a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Healthy Dinner
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 involtini
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: vegan zucchini involtini, zucchini rolls, vegan ricotta, cashew ricotta, healthy dinner, plant-based recipe, gluten-free, summer recipe, italian vegan, vegetarian involtini

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