Fresh Heirloom Tomato Tart with Basil Pesto
A quick and easy tart featuring a flaky puff pastry crust layered with basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, and colorful heirloom tomatoes. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3 medium heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors, ripe but firm
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- A handful fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the lined baking sheet. Score a 1/2 inch border around the edge without cutting all the way through. Prick the inside area lightly with a fork.
- Spread the 1/2 cup basil pesto generously inside the scored border.
- Arrange the sliced mozzarella evenly over the pesto. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.
- Slice the heirloom tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange them in overlapping circles or rows over the cheese layer, alternating colors.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly if using, then season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and puffed, and the tomatoes have softened but still hold their shape.
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Slice into squares or wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Pat tomatoes dry before layering to avoid soggy crust. Score the pastry border without cutting through to allow puffing. Use good quality pesto for best flavor. Tent edges with foil if browning too fast. Can substitute mozzarella with burrata or dairy-free cheese for vegan option. Use gluten-free puff pastry for gluten-free adaptation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of tart
- Calories: 280320
- Sugar: 46
- Sodium: 300400
- Fat: 1822
- Saturated Fat: 79
- Carbohydrates: 2530
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 810
Keywords: heirloom tomato tart, basil pesto tart, puff pastry tart, summer tart, easy tomato tart, fresh tomato recipe