Zucchini roll ups filled with a spicy harissa goat cheese mixture infused with fresh lime and mint leaves. A fun bite-sized appetizer for summer entertaining! 

Zucchini Roll Ups with Goat Cheese and Harissa

Tiny food is so much fun. There is a reason why small plates and appetizers tend to be the most creative and satisfying dishes on any restaurant menu. It all boils down to the law of diminishing returns.

Flavor-packed dishes that leave you wanting more. Because nothing tastes quite as good as that first bite…

Sliced Zucchini

These zucchini rolls, filled with spicy goat cheese, fresh lime juice, zest, and mint, are exactly that. Little parcels of flavor with just the right amount of punch when you’re least expecting it.

Whenever I think of zucchini, my brain automatically thinks of Mediterranean or Italian flavors–but I really wanted to do something a bit different and unexpected.

Zucchini Bites with Goat Cheese and Harissa

The inspiration for this dish was really just a jumble of thoughts and ideas that eventually made their way onto a plate–and as luck would turn out, tasted yummy. Sometimes it’s just that simple.

Vague, I know. But I had finally gotten my hands on some harissa paste (Tunisian/Moroccan paste made from chili peppers and spices) and I was determined to use some in a fun, creative way.

Grilled Thin Zucchini Slices

At that point, I just added some of my favorite foods, zucchini and goat cheese, into the mix and things took off from there. Um, I also ate a fruit roll-up (for the first time in years!) the other week too, which sort of stuck with me. Random, I tell you.

The addition of fresh mint and lime juice helps brighten up the flavors and pairs extremely well with the spicy harissa and tangy goat cheese. Perfect summer entertaining food, if you ask me.

Zucchini Bites with Goat Cheese and Harissa

Despite looking somewhat labor-intensive, this dish is pretty easy to put together. The most time-consuming part of making this dish involves the slicing (made much easier by using a mandolin) and subsequent grilling of the zucchini.

After this step, you simply spread on a thin layer of the goat cheese mixture and roll them up! It is really fun, actually. Especially when you sneak little bites along the way. Enjoy!

Zucchini Bites with Goat Cheese and Harissa

Zucchini Bites with Goat Cheese and Harissa

Zucchini Roll Ups with Harissa, Goat Cheese, Lime, and Mint

4.5 stars (4 ratings)
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Yield: 10 Servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Zucchini roll ups filled with a spicy harissa goat cheese mixture infused with fresh lime and mint leaves. A fun bite-sized appetizer for summer entertaining! 

Ingredients

Zucchini Bites:

  • 1 lb (16 oz) zucchini, preferably long and at least an inch in diameter sliced into ⅛- inch thick lengths, roughly 2 zucchini
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 ounces soft goat cheese room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoon finely minced fresh mint leaves
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
  • ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Optional Vinaigrette Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chiffonade of mint leaves
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon harissa paste
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Using a mandolin, carefully slice the zucchini lengthwise into ⅛-inch thick slices. Set the slices aside on a large rimmed baking sheet and lightly sprinkle on both sides with salt.
  • In medium bowl, combine the room temperature goat cheese, harissa paste, fresh mint, olive oil, lime zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Blot the zucchini slices to remove any excess moisture, and lightly brush or drizzle with extra virgin olive. Use your hands to carefully toss the zucchini, so each slice is lightly covered.
  • Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Add slices in batches, allowing them to sear on each side without overcrowding the pan. Carefully remove and set aside on a large plate or clean baking sheet (once the zucchini is grilled, it will be much more delicate, so be careful not to manhandle them too much.).
  • Assemble: One at time, lay the zucchini slices on a work surface and using a butter knife or small offset spatula, spread a very thin layer of the goat cheese mixture evenly onto each slice (not too much, as you don’t want to overpower the flavor of the zucchini). Starting with one end, roll into smal, tight rolls and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices.
  • Prepare the Vinaigrette, If Using: Whisk together the viniagrette ingredients in a small bowl until a broken emulsion forms.
  • Drizzle a serving platter lightly with the vinaigrette (optional), top with the zucchini rolls, and serve at room temperature.

Tips for Success:

  • If necessary, the rolls can be made several hours ahead of time and kept in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. They are best served at room temperature.
  • The addition of fresh mint and lime juice helps brighten up the flavors and pairs extremely well with the spicy harissa and tangy goat cheese. Perfect summer entertaining food, if you ask me.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 104kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 239mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g
Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American