Lively Zesty Courgette Ricotta Tart Recipe to Brighten Meals

Summer gardens overflow with tender courgettes, waiting to star in this zesty courgette ricotta tart that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Crisp pastry cradles a silky smooth ricotta filling studded with vibrant herbs and golden-edged vegetable slices.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of creamy cheese and light, tender vegetables.

Sharp pecorino adds a salty punch that dances across your palate.

The golden-brown crust provides a perfect crunch against the soft, herb-infused filling.

Quick to assemble and stunning on the plate, this tart turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.

You’ll want to serve this at every summer gathering, showcasing the best of seasonal produce.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Rundown for Zesty Courgette Ricotta Tart

• Puff Pastry: Provides a flaky, golden foundation that creates a delicate and crisp canvas for the tart's delicious toppings.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious base with a tangy brightness from lemon zest.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a vibrant, citrusy punch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and enhances overall flavor.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the other ingredients' natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle, warming heat that complements the creamy ricotta.

• Courgettes: Tender, delicate vegetable slices that provide a colorful and fresh layer with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds a silky finish and rich, fruity undertone that enhances the vegetables' natural taste.
• Fresh Mint: Brings a cool, refreshing herbal note that brightens the entire dish and adds a vibrant green accent.

Cooking Tools for Courgette Ricotta Tart

• Baking Tray: Flat metal sheet for even baking and easy pastry transfer.
• Mandoline: Sharp slicer for creating perfectly thin, uniform courgette slices.
• Fork or Knife: Used to prick pastry, preventing it from puffing up too much.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ricotta, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping fresh mint before garnishing the tart.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning and olive oil drizzling.

Instructions for Assembling Courgette Ricotta Tart

• Pastry Foundation

Gently unfold delicate puff pastry onto a clean baking sheet, creating a smooth canvas for your culinary artwork.

• Creamy Base Layer

Whisk ricotta with bright lemon essence, adding a whisper of salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.

• Vegetable Artistry

Transform courgettes into gossamer-thin slices, arranging them like elegant overlapping scales across the creamy landscape.

• Rustic Edges

Tenderly fold pastry borders inward, crafting a lovely raised frame that will cradle your colorful creation.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the tart into a warm oven, allowing heat to dance and crisp the pastry while softening the delicate vegetables.

• Herbal Finale

Scatter freshly chopped mint across the surface, releasing aromatic green notes that elevate the entire dish.

• Serving

Emerge from the kitchen with a stunning tart that promises a symphony of textures and flavors, ready to delight eager guests.

Customize Your Courgette Ricotta Tart This Way

• Explore different variations of cheese like goat cheese or feta for unique flavor profiles.
• Use a sharp mandoline or vegetable peeler to create uniform, thin courgette slices that cook evenly and look professional.
• Replace courgettes with seasonal vegetables like thinly sliced yellow squash, heirloom tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers during different times of the year.
• Experiment with alternative fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or parsley to complement the zesty ricotta and add extra aromatic layers to the tart.

Serve Courgette Ricotta Tart Fresh and Flavorful

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy tart and add refreshing texture.
• Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that enhances the zesty lemon and delicate courgette flavors.
• Create Elegant Appetizer Portions: Cut the tart into smaller rectangular or triangular pieces for sophisticated party or brunch presentation that looks impressive and allows easy sharing.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: Scatter additional fresh mint or add delicate chives over the tart just before serving to boost aromatic freshness and provide a vibrant green accent.

Storage Tips for Courgette Ricotta Tart Leftovers

• Store Strategically: Keep leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its crisp pastry and fresh flavors.
• Reheat Wisely: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the pastry's crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze Smartly: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, perfect for quick future meals.
• Prep Ahead: Slice courgettes and mix ricotta filling a day in advance, refrigerating separately to save time during meal preparation.

Rustic Courgette Ricotta Tart

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade zesty courgette ricotta tart showcases Mediterranean flavors with delicate layers of creamy ricotta and fresh summer vegetables. Crisp pastry and herbal notes promise a delightful culinary experience you will savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry
• 1 small yellow courgette
• 1 small green courgette
• 2 tbsps ricotta cheese
• ½ lemon zest
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• A drizzle olive oil (30 ml / 1 fl oz)
• A few fresh mint leaves

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Unfold puff pastry onto a baking tray, smoothing wrinkles and perforating surface with a fork to prevent excessive rising, maintaining an even base for the tart.
2. Ricotta Seasoning: Whisk ricotta with lemon zest, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until thoroughly blended, creating a zesty and creamy foundation.
3. Tart Assembly: Spread seasoned ricotta across pastry, leaving a 1-inch border; carefully arrange paper-thin courgette slices in an overlapping, alternating pattern for visual intrigue.
4. Border Crafting: Gently fold pastry edges inward, creating a raised boundary to contain the delicate filling and enhance the tart’s rustic aesthetic.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in a circular motion over courgette layers, adding depth and richness to the composition.
6. Baking Process: Place tart in the lower third of a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until pastry transforms into a golden, crisp masterpiece.
7. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh mint leaves across the warm tart, infusing a burst of herbal freshness and aromatic complexity.

Notes

• Pastry Perfection: Prick the puff pastry thoroughly to prevent uneven rising and create a crisp, flaky base that supports the delicate filling.
• Slice with Precision: Use a mandoline for paper-thin, uniform courgette slices that cook evenly and create a stunning visual pattern on the tart.
• Flavor Boost: Let the ricotta mixture sit for 10 minutes before spreading to allow lemon zest and seasonings to meld and intensify the overall taste.
• Herbal Freshness: Chop mint leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for a zesty finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg