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Ricotta with Grilled Vegetables – Best Summer Appetizer

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Ricotta with Grilled Vegetables is a fresh and elegant summer dish featuring creamy whipped ricotta topped with smoky grilled zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, and herbs. Perfect as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish, this recipe combines rich flavor with colorful seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 small eggplant, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
  • Crusty bread or crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Wash and slice the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and red onion evenly.
  3. Place the vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Season the vegetables with salt and black pepper, then toss well to coat.
  5. Grill the vegetables in batches until tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally during cooking.
  6. Cook zucchini for 4 to 5 minutes, eggplant for 5 to 7 minutes, peppers for 6 to 8 minutes, and onions for 6 to 8 minutes.
  7. While the vegetables grill, place ricotta cheese into a mixing bowl.
  8. Add garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the ricotta.
  9. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  10. Spread the whipped ricotta onto a serving platter or shallow bowl.
  11. Arrange the grilled vegetables over the ricotta.
  12. Top with fresh herbs, extra olive oil, and cracked black pepper.
  13. Serve immediately with toasted bread or crackers.

Notes

  • Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the grill to ensure proper charring.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the flavor of the dish.
  • The vegetables can be grilled ahead of time for easier serving.
  • This dish tastes delicious warm or at room temperature.
  • Add chili flakes or balsamic glaze for additional flavor.
  • Serve with crusty bread for a complete appetizer or light meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/ricotta-with-grilled-vegetables/