These zucchini roll ups came to life as part of my typical Sunday afternoon fridge raid. I needed a snack but only had a scattering of summer veggies and some half-full jars on-hand. I swear this is when I do my best work! Some people like to think in the shower, I like to think in a half empty fridge (or “half full” fridge on a good day)! Simple yet so delicious, these zucchini skewers start with tangy feta cheese that’s been loaded with flavor thanks to a bright and slightly spicy olive oil marinade. Zucchini is so vibrant during the summer months. I love to stuff it, bake it, or even eat it as a salad–plenty of delicious ways to use zucchini.I wanted to capture this perfect fresh flavor, so I went for a quick sear on my griddle just to enhance its sweet, delicate qualities. Plus, the marinated feta gets soft, warm, and even creamier. It’s a whole new level of luxury! These zucchini feta skewers are a fun way to kick off your summer dinner parties and BBQs. Make them ahead of time and keep them in your fridge along with pitchers of Rosé Lemonade. Get your guests sipping and chatting as you leisurely finish them on your grill or griddle, perhaps with your own glass in hand.
Zucchini Feta Skewer Ingredients
This simple appetizer recipe uses just a handful of easy to find ingredients. The marinated feta is worth keeping at the ready in your fridge: You can use it all week long on salads, sandwiches, as a snack with pita chips and more. That said, if you don’t have the brain-space or time to make the marinade, these can be made with standard cubed feta. They’ll just have a milder flavor.
Zucchini: Look for firm zucchini with smooth skin and a fresh smell. Marinated feta: To make the 5-minute marinated feta, you’ll need high-quality feta packed in the brine, olive oil (I love buttery Italian Nocellara), fresh jalapeño and dried chiles (optional), dried oregano, fresh parsley, and lemon. Bamboo skewers: Don’t forget to grab skewers! They are essential for holding the rolls together as they cook.
What Kind of Feta Cheese is Best?
For this recipe, go for a Greek feta that comes in a block and is stored in brine. This style of feta cheese is usually creamier with a more addictive tang. If you don’t have access to Greek feta, you can use French or Bulgarian white cheese. French white cheese is milder than feta, while Bulgarian white cheese tends to be saltier and creamier. It’s important to note that crumbled feta won’t work for this recipe. Not only will it not roll well, it’s significantly drier and more rubbery than whole blocks. You won’t get that beautifully tender warmed feta that make these roll ups so incredible.
How to Make Zucchini Feta Skewers
Zucchini Roll Ups may look impressive but they’re so easy to make. Just be careful when you’re slicing the zucchini. You want long, thin slices (and knick-free hands), so take your time. From there, the rolling and cooking is simple.
Get ready: Get your feta cheese marinating and set aside. Trim and peel a medium-sized zucchini. Use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer to carefully slice the zucchini into thin, long ribbons. Roll: Place one zucchini ribbon on your cutting board. Place a cube of marinated feta on the short end closest to you. Roll away from you to fully encase the marinated feta. Repeat until you have used all of the zucchini ribbons. Skewer: Gently slide 3 of the zucchini-wrapped feta cubes onto a small bamboo skewer. (It’s not a bad idea to use 2 skewers to keep them from rolling around while grilling.) Get ready: Brush a cast iron griddle or grill pan with a little olive oil. Heat to medium-high. Grill: Assemble the zucchini skewers on the heated surface and cook for a couple of minutes on each side or until the zucchini layer gains some color. Get ready: Get your feta cheese marinating and set aside. Trim and peel a medium-sized zucchini. Use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer to carefully slice the zucchini into thin, long ribbons. Serve: Serve warm, with the rolls still on their skewer.
What to Serve with Zucchini Skewers
Zucchini feta skewers are one of those appetizers you can serve with just about anything. They’re easy to eat (which makes a big difference at a dinner party). They’re a total crowd pleaser. You may want to consider doubling this recipe because people are sure to come back for more! I love to serve these at the beginning of the party when people are arriving and milling about. They are Mediterranean Diet-friendly, no carb and gluten-free. I think they are a great addition to an mezze. For the main course, light summer dishes like Grilled Chicken Kabobs or Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa keep the fresh-meets-savory mood going. Or, to go for a full garden party to satisfy meat eaters and vegetarians alike, bring all the colors of the rainbow to your plate with Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Basil Vinaigrette. To round out the gathering I tend to serve light summery drinks like, a crisp white wine or make some effortless pitcher cocktails like Limoncello Spritzes or for the non-drinkers my Mediterranean Mint Lemonade. Browse all Mediterranean recipes.
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