Grilled Courgette Rolls with Duck Breast and Dairy-Free Pesto
Elegant appetizer featuring tender grilled courgette slices wrapped around sliced duck breast and topped with a vibrant dairy-free pesto made from pistachios, fresh basil, arugula, garlic, and lemon. Secured with cocktail picks for easy serving.
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini, whole
- salt and pepper, to taste
- coconut or olive oil, for grilling(optional)
- 2 pack duck breast filletprosciutto1:1lightersaltier result
changes cooking method
- 20 cocktail picks
- 7 tbsp olive oil, Greek extra virgin
- 1 ¾ oz pistachios, roasted and salted
- 1 oz basil, fresh
- 1 oz arugula, fresh
- 2 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pepper, pinch
Instructions
- 1
Wash zucchini, keeping skin intact. Slice thinly using a mandoline or knife.
- 2
Grill zucchini slices on a BBQ, grill pan, oven, or skillet with or without oil until tender.
- 3
Combine all pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add more olive oil if too dry.
- 4
Remove duck breast fillets from packaging and let come to room temperature.
- 5
Cut grilled zucchini slices in half. Spread with pesto and top with two slices of duck breast. Roll tightly and secure with a cocktail pick through the center.
Tips
Use a mandoline for uniformly thin courgette slices that cook evenly.
Bring duck to room temperature for even cooking and better texture.
Prepare pesto ahead and store refrigerated; blend again before using if separated.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled rolls up to 4 hours before serving. Pesto keeps 3 days refrigerated.
Prepare pesto up to 2 days ahead. Grill courgettes several hours ahead and refrigerate. Assemble rolls no more than 4 hours before serving.
Serve at room temperature or chilled as a cocktail appetizer. Yields 10 rolls (20 half-slices courgette).
Common Mistakes
Over-grill courgettes to avoid mushiness when rolling.
Underbland pesto to avoid bland flavor; taste and adjust seasoning.
Skip room temperature duck to avoid tough, chewy texture.