Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

a must-try appetizer

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 25m
Cook Time: 10m
Total Time: 35m
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (9 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

For frying:

For garnish:

Nutritional Information

147
calories
13.1g
fat
4.2g
carbohydrates
4.3g
protein
10mg
cholesterol
973mg
sodium
Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

Recipe Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with easy-to-make Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta). This version of the classic dish combines quick-fried zucchini with a simple marinade and creamy ricotta cheese, creating a dish that is both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. It is an ideal do-ahead dish; the longer it sits, the better it tastes. Serve this delectable zucchini appetizer on a mixed antipasto platter for an unforgettable Italian-themed dinner.

Cut the zucchini into coins and sprinkle them with salt, transfer to a colander set over a bowl, and let sit to draw out the moisture. Rinse and pat dry the zucchini before frying it up in garlic-infused oil. Toss the cooked zucchini with white wine vinegar, garlic, fresh chopped mint, and salt and pepper. Transfer the zucchini to the fridge and let them sit for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and mellow. When ready to serve, spread the ricotta cheese mixed with lemon zest and juice onto a serving platter and spoon the marinated zucchini over the top. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, toasted pistachios and grated lemon zest.   

To make the Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta), you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Prepare zucchini

    20 min
    Step 1 - Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

    Cut 2 medium-sized zucchini into coins, sprinkle generously with salt, and place into a colander set over a bowl for about 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.

  2. 2

    Rinse and pat dry

    2 min
    Step 2 - Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

    Gently rinse the zucchini to remove the salt and pat dry with a paper towel.

  3. 3

    Cook garlic

    2 min
    Step 3 - Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

    Preheat a large frying pan, add olive oil and 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Cook the garlic until it’s golden brown, then remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside.

  4. 4

    Cook zucchini

    10 min
    Step 4 - Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)Step 4 - Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

    Add the zucchini coins in a single layer and cook until golden on both sides, flipping occasionally. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.

  5. 5

    Marinate zucchini

    Step 5 - Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

    In a large mixing bowl combine the fried zucchini, garlic, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar and a handful of chopped mint leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently toss to coat. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

  6. 6

    Prepare lemon ricotta

    3 min
    Step 6 - Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

    In a bowl, combine 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese with 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with some lemon juice and mix well. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

  7. 7

    Serve

    Step 7 - Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)

    To serve, spread the lemon ricotta on a serving platter and top with marinated zucchini. Garnish with chopped pistachios, more lemon zest, and fresh mint leaves.

Experience the essence of Italian cuisine with this Zucchini Alla Scapece (Italian Zucchini recipe with Lemon Ricotta)! It can be prepped in advance, then quickly assembled when guests arrive. Made this? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

About the author

Lilly Mathuse

Lilly is an enthusiastic and cheerful young mom. She knows as well as any parent that children can be really picky when it comes to food. And she’s had plenty of experience trying to cook meals that are both tasty and nutritious, and able to satisfy the tastes of a fussy kid right away! To save you some precious time, Lilly's going to share with you all the tricks she learned the hard way, so you don’t have to! She has a wealth of recipes for quick and easy meals for kids and families on a budget.

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (9 reviews)
Yogi
March 20, 2025
Verified

I made this Zucchini Alla Scapece for a family dinner, and everyone loved it. The flavors melded so well after chilling. It reminded me of summers spent in Italy. So simple yet so delicious, definitely a keeper.

Emily Carter
February 4, 2025
Verified

So delightfully fresh!

Liam Porter
December 28, 2024
Verified

This Zucchini Alla Scapece was a hit at our family dinner. Super easy and flavor packed. My kids went nuts over it.

Maddie
December 16, 2024
Verified

So simple and full of flavor.

Xandy
December 1, 2024
Verified

Absolutely love it! I made this for our anniversary and it brought back memories of our trip to Italy. The flavours melded perfectly and everyone enjoyed it. Simplicity and taste are spot on!

Nancy Parker
November 6, 2024
Verified

OMG, this Zucchini Alla Scapece is just superb! My kids loved it, and it was easy peasy to make! We had a family dinner, and everyone asked for seconds. Totally gonna make this again!

Fernando
November 4, 2024
Verified

Sencillo y delicioso. Hice esta receta para una cena con mi esposa y nos encantó. La combinación de sabor entre el calabacín y el ricotta es perfecta. Definitivamente lo haré de nuevo pronto.

Penny
October 22, 2024
Verified

I made the Zucchini Alla Scapece for our Italian dinner last weekend and it was a hit. The flavors were so fresh and the lemon ricotta was an amazing touch. Honestly, it reminded me of a summer trip to Italy with my hubby. I’ll definitely be making it again.

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