Tartine with Zucchini, Tomato, and Mozzarella

The tartine with zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella are a fresh and colorful appetizer, perfect for summer or a light aperitif. Here is the recipe to prepare them.

Ingredients

• Homemade bread or baguette: 1 large slice per person
• Zucchini: 2 medium-sized
• Ripe but firm tomatoes: 2
• Mozzarella: 250 g
• Fresh basil: a few leaves
• Garlic: 1 clove (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil: as needed
• Salt: as needed
• Pepper: as needed

Preparation

1. Begin by washing and slicing the zucchini into thin slices, preferably using a mandolin for even thickness.
2. Heat a grill and, after lightly oiling it, grill the zucchini slices until they are soft and have the typical dark stripes on both sides. Season them lightly with salt and set aside.
3. In the meantime, wash the tomatoes and slice them.
4. Slice the mozzarella and let it drain to remove excess water.
5. Take the bread and if you want to add extra flavor, rub a little garlic on one side of the slice.
6. Now you can start assembling the tartine: lay the grilled zucchini slices on the bread first, then the tomato slices, and finally the mozzarella.
7. Season with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve the tartine.

Variations: If you wish, you can further enrich the tartine with oil-packed anchovies, capers, or Taggiasca olives for an extra touch of savoriness.

Curiosity

Tartines are a simple and creative way to serve fresh and genuine ingredients, and this version with zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella is a sort of tribute to the famous Caprese salad, but served on crispy bread. Moreover, the combination of colors recalls the Italian flag, making the dish not only delicious to the palate but also pleasant to the eye.