Mediterranean Zucchini and Summer Squash Tart
Indulge in this delightful Mediterranean-inspired tart featuring layers of delicate phyllo dough, vibrant zucchini, and summer squash, all enhanced by a fragrant mix of fresh herbs. Perfect for any occasion, this dish can be enjoyed as a savory appetizer, a refreshing addition to brunch, or a sophisticated side at your lunch table. Each slice is a celebration of flavors, with the richness of olive oil and the briny depth of Kalamata olives creating a delightful contrast to the tender vegetables. Enjoy this versatile recipe that brings a taste of summer to your dining experience!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped (flat leaf or curly))
Fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (chopped (fresh, do not substitute dried))
Fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (divided)
Zucchini
2 small (sliced thinly with a mandoline or very thinly sliced)
Summer squash
2 small (sliced thinly with a mandoline or very thinly sliced)
Phyllo dough
6 sheets (thawed)
Unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Kalamata olives
1/2 cup (pitted)
Salt
to taste
Fresh ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by brushing it lightly with melted butter.
3
Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the zucchini and summer squash into very thin rounds.
4
In a bowl, mix together the chopped parsley, oregano, thyme, crushed garlic, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil to create a fragrant herb oil.
5
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced zucchini and summer squash with 1 tablespoon of the herb oil mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
6
Work with one sheet of phyllo dough at a time while keeping the remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
7
Lay one sheet of phyllo on the prepared baking sheet and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with the remaining 5 sheets, layering them on top of each other, and brushing each layer with butter.
8
Spread the remaining herb oil mixture evenly across the top layer of phyllo. Arrange the zucchini and summer squash slices on top, overlapping them slightly for a lovely presentation. Finally, scatter the pitted Kalamata olives atop the vegetables.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges of the phyllo are golden brown and crispy.
10
Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into 6 equal pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Zucchini and Summer Squash Tart?
It is a savory tart featuring layers of delicate phyllo dough, thin slices of zucchini and summer squash, fresh herbs, and Kalamata olives.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How many sheets of phyllo dough are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 sheets of thawed phyllo dough.
What fresh herbs are needed for the herb oil mixture?
You will need 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh oregano?
No, the recipe specifies using fresh oregano and advises not to substitute it with the dried version.
How long should the tart be baked in the oven?
Bake the tart for 25 minutes or until the edges of the phyllo are golden brown and crispy.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 equal servings.
What type of olives are used in this Mediterranean tart?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives.
How thin should the zucchini and summer squash be sliced?
They should be sliced into very thin rounds, preferably using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
How do you prevent the phyllo dough from drying out while working?
Keep the remaining sheets of phyllo covered with a damp towel while you work with one sheet at a time.
What is brushed between each layer of the phyllo dough?
Each of the 6 layers of phyllo dough should be brushed generously with melted unsalted butter.
What ingredients are used to make the fragrant herb oil?
The herb oil is made by mixing parsley, oregano, thyme, crushed garlic, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Should the sliced vegetables be seasoned before being placed on the tart?
Yes, toss the sliced zucchini and summer squash with 1 tablespoon of the herb oil mixture and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
What size zucchini and summer squash should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 small zucchini and 2 small summer squash.
How should the vegetable slices be arranged on the top layer?
Arrange the slices on top of the phyllo, overlapping them slightly for a nice presentation.
How long should the tart cool before it is sliced?
Allow the tart to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing it into 6 pieces.
Is salted or unsalted butter recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted.
Is this Mediterranean tart suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
At what point are the Kalamata olives added?
Scatter the pitted Kalamata olives on top of the vegetables just before placing the tart in the oven.
What type of olive oil is recommended for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used, with 1/4 cup total divided throughout the recipe.
How many garlic cloves are used in the herb oil?
The recipe requires 4 crushed garlic cloves.
Can this tart be served warm or cold?
The tart can be served either warm or at room temperature.
What type of baking sheet is required for this tart?
A rimmed baking sheet is used for this recipe.
How should the baking sheet be prepared?
The rimmed baking sheet should be brushed lightly with melted butter before starting the layers.
What meal categories does this recipe fit into?
It is suitable for Lunch/Snacks, Brunch, Appetizers, or as a sophisticated side dish.
What variety of parsley is best to use?
You can use either flat leaf or curly parsley as long as it is chopped.
Is nutritional information provided for this tart?
No, nutritional values such as calories, fat, and protein are not specified in the current recipe data.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What is the visual indicator that the tart is finished baking?
The edges of the phyllo dough should be golden brown and crispy.
What is the first step in preparing this tart?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).