Courgette and Ricotta Tart | A Light & Flavourful Summer Bake

Introduction: A Simple Yet Elegant Seasonal Tart

Courgette and ricotta tart is a fresh and satisfying dish that captures the essence of summer. With buttery pastry, creamy ricotta, and tender courgette slices, this tart is perfect for picnics, garden parties, or an easy lunch. It’s light, savoury, and incredibly versatile — equally good served warm or cold.

Why You’ll Love This Courgette and Ricotta Tart

Seasonal & Fresh – Perfect for using homegrown or market courgettes
Light Yet Satisfying – Creamy ricotta paired with crisp pastry
Versatile – Serve as a starter, main, or side
Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just classic flavours

Ingredients

1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry (or shortcrust for a firmer base)
2–3 courgettes, thinly sliced
250g ricotta cheese
1 egg
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp grated Parmesan or pecorino (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper
A few sprigs of fresh thyme or basil (optional)
Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard for extra flavour

How to Make Courgette and Ricotta Tart – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Roll out the pastry and place it on a lined baking tray or in a tart tin.
Lightly score a 1–2cm border around the edges to create a raised crust.
Prick the base with a fork and chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the egg, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and Parmesan if using.
Spread the ricotta filling evenly over the pastry, avoiding the border.
Optional: brush the base with a thin layer of mustard before adding ricotta.

Step 3: Arrange the Courgettes

Lay the courgette slices over the ricotta, overlapping slightly in rows or spirals.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp and the courgettes are lightly browned.
Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a green salad and vinaigrette for a light lunch
Add boiled new potatoes or couscous for a more filling meal
Perfect cold in a picnic hamper or packed lunch
Pairs beautifully with rosé wine, elderflower cordial, or sparkling water with lemon

Make It Your Own

Add roasted peppers or caramelised onions for extra sweetness
Use goat’s cheese or feta instead of ricotta for a sharper taste
Include a handful of spinach or herbs in the ricotta mix
Try different pastry bases like filo or wholemeal for variation

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days
Best served at room temperature or gently reheated in the oven
Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp
Can be frozen before baking, then baked from frozen with extra time

Conclusion

Courgette and ricotta tart is a beautiful, easy-to-make dish that highlights simple ingredients at their best. It’s creamy, flaky, and full of flavour — ideal for summer dining, fuss-free entertaining, or a quick weekday meal. Once you’ve tried it, this tart is sure to become a seasonal favourite.

Meta Description

Make this light and easy courgette and ricotta tart for a delicious summer lunch or picnic dish. Crisp pastry, creamy filling, and simple flavours everyone will love.

Would you like a crustless version, or one using filo pastry for an extra-crispy finish?