Description
Zucchini Ricotta Toast is a fresh, easy, and flavorful dish that combines creamy plant-based ricotta with tender sautéed zucchini on crispy whole grain or sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or a wholesome snack, this recipe is healthy, versatile, and ready in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh zucchini, thinly sliced – 1 medium
- Plant-based ricotta – 1/2 cup
- Whole grain or sourdough bread slices – 2 thick slices
- Garlic, minced (natural flavoring) – 1 clove
- Olive oil (natural) – 1 tbsp
- Lemon zest (natural) – 1 tsp
- Lemon juice (natural) – 1 tsp
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped – 1 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Optional Toppings and Variations
- Smoked turkey bacon crisps – 2 tbsp
- Toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds – 1 tbsp
- Fresh herbs like mint or dill as substitute – 1 tbsp
- Red pepper flakes or chili oil (natural) – a pinch or drizzle
- Thin slices of fresh tomato – 2-3 slices
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and slice the fresh zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons. Heat olive oil (natural) in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic (natural flavoring). Sauté the zucchini until just tender and lightly caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and black pepper as it cooks.
- Toast the bread: While the zucchini cooks, toast slices of whole grain or sourdough bread until golden and crisp, providing a sturdy base for the toppings.
- Assemble the toast: Spread a generous layer of plant-based ricotta onto each slice of toasted bread. Top evenly with the warm sautéed zucchini and garlic pieces. Grate fresh lemon zest over the top and squeeze a bit of lemon juice (natural) for brightness.
- Garnish and serve: Scatter freshly chopped basil or parsley and season with a final crack of black pepper. Optionally drizzle a little olive oil (natural) for added richness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose firm, vibrant zucchini for optimal taste and texture.
- Do not overcook zucchini; keep it slightly crisp to prevent soggy toast.
- Use thick bread slices to handle toppings and preserve crispness.
- Allow plant-based ricotta to come to room temperature for easier spreading.
- Add lemon zest last to preserve its bright aroma.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Zucchini toast, plant-based ricotta, healthy snack, quick breakfast, sautéed zucchini, vegetarian, vegan option