Zucchini Halloumi Rolls

These delicious Zucchini Halloumi Rolls are fresh, cheesy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor! Thin strips of tender zucchini are wrapped around golden halloumi and baked with a flavorful tomato sauce until warm and irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Rolls

3 large zucchini
8 oz (225 g) halloumi cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce

1½ cups marinara or tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Topping

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the zucchini

Wash the zucchini and trim the ends. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips.

Lay the strips on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.

2. Soften the zucchini

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil. Cook the zucchini strips for about 1 minute per side, just until flexible enough to roll.

Alternatively, brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 5–7 minutes.

3. Prepare the halloumi

Cut the halloumi into small sticks, approximately 2–3 inches long and about ½ inch thick.

4. Make the tomato sauce

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the marinara sauce, oregano, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Roll the zucchini

Lay 2 zucchini strips slightly overlapping. Place a piece of halloumi at one end and roll tightly.

Repeat with the remaining zucchini and halloumi.

6. Assemble the dish

Spread about ½ cup of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.

Arrange the zucchini halloumi rolls seam-side down in the dish. Spoon the remaining tomato sauce around and lightly over the rolls.

7. Add cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

8. Bake

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

9. Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Serving Suggestions

Serve these zucchini rolls with:

Fresh Greek salad
Roasted vegetables
Garlic chicken
Grilled salmon
Cauliflower rice
Crusty bread

Complete Nut & Allergen Information

Tree Nuts

This recipe contains no tree nuts as written.

Peanuts

This recipe contains no peanuts as written.

Milk/Dairy — Contains Dairy

Halloumi, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all dairy products and contain milk.

Gluten

The recipe can be gluten-free, but check the marinara sauce and all packaged ingredients for hidden gluten or cross-contact.

Eggs

This recipe contains no eggs as written.

Cross-Contact

Always check labels on halloumi, shredded cheese, Parmesan, and marinara sauce if preparing this recipe for someone with a serious food allergy.

Q&A

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use another cheese instead of halloumi?
Yes. Feta, mozzarella sticks, or firm grilling cheese can work, although halloumi gives the best firm, salty texture.

Can I cook the halloumi first?
Yes! Pan-searing the halloumi for 1–2 minutes per side before rolling adds extra flavor and a golden crust.

How do I stop the zucchini from becoming watery?
Salt the zucchini lightly, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and pat it dry before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish.

Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! Zucchini and halloumi are naturally lower in carbohydrates. Choose a no-added-sugar marinara sauce for an even lower-carb option.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven, skillet, or microwave.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.