Zucchini White Bean Roll Ups

Article written and reviewed by Robby Barbaro, MPH
Published January 23, 2026

A Comforting, Savory Dish That Feels Indulgent Without Being Heavy

These Zucchini White Bean Roll Ups are proof that comfort food doesn’t need oil, dairy, or refined ingredients to be deeply satisfying. Thin slices of zucchini are rolled around a creamy white bean filling, baked in a simple tomato sauce, and finished until warm and tender.

The result is a dish that feels rich and cozy, yet light enough to support steady energy and balanced blood sugar. It’s a great option for a nourishing dinner or a plant-based alternative to traditional pasta dishes.

Zucchini: A Low-Calorie Vegetable That Adds Volume and Texture

Zucchini is naturally low in calorie density but high in water and fiber, making it an excellent base for meals designed to support fullness without overeating. When sliced thin and baked, it becomes tender and flexible, mimicking the texture of pasta without refined flour.

Using vegetables like zucchini in place of heavier ingredients is a simple way to enjoy larger portions while keeping meals light and digestion-friendly.

White Beans for Creaminess, Fiber, and Plant Protein

White navy beans create a smooth, creamy filling without the need for cheese or oil. They’re rich in soluble fiber and plant protein, which help slow digestion and support more stable blood sugar after meals.

Beans are also one of the most effective foods for increasing satiety, making this dish both filling and nourishing despite its simple ingredient list.

Basil, Garlic, and Nutritional Yeast for Savory Flavor

Fresh basil and garlic bring brightness and depth to the filling, while nutritional yeast adds a subtle, cheesy flavor without dairy. This combination delivers rich taste while keeping the recipe low in fat and aligned with whole-food, plant-based eating.

Seasoning with herbs and spices instead of oil allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.

Tomato Sauce for Moisture and Antioxidants

A simple tomato sauce ties the roll ups together, keeping them moist as they bake and adding natural sweetness and acidity. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamin C, antioxidants that support cellular and cardiovascular health.

Bring It All Together

These Zucchini White Bean Roll Ups deliver everything you want from a comforting meal — warmth, creaminess, and bold flavor — without the heaviness that often follows traditional versions.

With fiber-rich beans, hydrating vegetables, and simple seasonings, this dish supports steady energy and improved insulin sensitivity while still feeling indulgent.

Zucchini White Bean Roll Ups

Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 1 Serving
Calories 441 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups (315g) Zucchini - About 2 medium-sized, or 1 large-sized zucchinis
  • 1 cup (109g) White Navy Beans (cooked, rinsed) - About ¾ of a 15-ounce can
  • 1 ½ cups (6g) Basil Leaves - Available in 3-ounce containers
  • ¼ cup (194g) Lemon Juice - Juice from 2 medium-sized lemons
  • 2 tbsps (149g) Nutritional Yeast - Available in 4.5-ounce bottles
  • 2 (6g) Garlic Cloves - About 1 small bulb
  • â…› tsp (149g) Black Pepper - Available in spice jars
  • 1 cup (149g) Tomato Sauce - Available in 24-ounce jars

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a mandolin or a peeler and applying steady pressure, create long, thin slices from the cut side of each zucchini. If you don’t have a mandolin or peeler, use a sharp knife to make thin, flexible slices.
  • In a food processor or blender, combine the white beans, basil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and garlic. Pulse until smooth. Taste and season with black pepper as desired.
  • Lay the zucchini strips flat on a cutting board and spread each strip with about 1 tablespoon of the white bean mixture. Roll them up and place in a casserole dish. Once all the zucchini roll-ups are in the dish, cover with the tomato sauce.
  • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, divide between plates, and enjoy!

Notes

  • No White Navy Beans: Use chickpeas instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 29gFat: 3.4gFiber: 29g

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About the author 

Robby Barbaro, MPH

Robby Barbaro, MPH is a New York Times bestselling co-author of Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently in Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.

Robby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and has been living this lifestyle since 2006. In that time, while eating pounds of fruit every day, his HbA1c has been stable with a current A1c of 5.3%, TIR of 92%, and average total daily insulin use of 30 units.

Robby graduated from the University of Florida and is the cofounder of Mastering Diabetes and Amla Green. He worked at Forks Over Knives for six years before turning his attention in 2016 to coaching people with diabetes full time.

He is the co-host of the annual Mastering Diabetes Online Summit, a featured speaker at VegFest LA, and has been featured on The Doctors, Forks Over Knives, Vice, Thrive Magazine, Diet Fiction, and the wildly popular podcasts the Rich Roll Podcast, Plant Proof, MindBodyGreen, and Nutrition Rounds.

Robby enjoys exercising every day, spending time with friends, and sharing his lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.