Skinny Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Zucchini
Skinny bruschetta made from farmers market-ripe tomatoes and in-season zucchini sauteed in balsamic vinegar. Simple, yet feels decadent!
I just love love LOOOOVEE farmers markets!
I just returned home from the Union Square Greenmarket and, ugh (you know, in a good way), I was in heaven! I want to buy everything! Huge boxes of peaches, barrels of beans, and bunches of greens! I’m so jubilant, I’m rhyming!
I used serious self control at the market and left with just two perfect and colorful pints of cherry tomatoes, a couple of zucchinis, and a bunch of basil. Immediately, SO many tasty ideas poured into my head. I wanted to make bruschetta, a tart, a roasted tomato salad, a bean salad, a grain salad…the list was endless! {Note to self — zucchinis and tomatoes may just be the most versatile veggies!}
Aside from looking gorgeous, farm-to-table produce is especially *sweet* in the summer…It doesn’t take much to create a delicious meal. Pints upon pints upon pints of tomatoes…I don’t hate it! Nature’s candy –> mouth explosion!!!
And about that fresh basil?? I could die from the sweet, but tangy, scent. Mmmmm Dreaming of it now and I’m only steps away from my kitchen!!!
To hone in on all this natural sweetness, I decided to make a simple balsamic-infused bruschetta…
One-hundred percent whole grain crackers, versus thick slices of ciabatta, thin out this bruschetta recipe. Despite low carb crazes that have taken over (I’m talking about you Atkins and Paleo lovers), whole grains are an important component of a balanced diet. Whole grains (the endosperm, germ, and bran) provide fiber, healthy fats, some protein, and a plethora of important (especially B) vitamins.
TIP: Make sure the first ingredient in whichever crackers you choose are WHOLE GRAINS!!! A great option — GGs fiber-licious crisp bread flats!
So if you’re looking for an afternoon snack, an appetizer for your next BBQ, or even a great topping to a piece of chicken or fish (not on Mondays, of course), this recipe is perfect!
Simply marinate tomatoes in a mixture of olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and fresh basil. Add sauteed zucchini in balsamic vinegar.
Rub garlic clove on crackers, then top with the tomato-zucchini mixture. Garlic-basil-balsamic-tomato-zucchini HEAVEN!
Skinny Tomato and Zucchini Bruschetta
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size) or ripe tomatoes cut into ½” pieces
- Sea salt
- 3 tablespoons basil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- Whole grain crackers (I used whole wheat melba toast or GG Bran Crispbread)
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine tomatoes, a hefty pinch of sea salt, basil, and olive oil. Top with a few turns of freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized frying pan, sprayed with olive oil, over medium heat, add chopped zucchini and balsamic vinegar. Saute for approximately 5-8 minutes, until zucchini softens but does not over-brown. Drain excess liquid and let zucchini cool.
- Once zucchini is cooled, combine with tomato mixture. Set aside.
- Peel garlic clove, cut one edge, then gently rub the flat end on crackers.
- Top crackers with bruschetta mixture, then garnish with extra basil. Enjoy!
Have a healthy & happy #MeatlessMonday! 🙂
XO
This looks delicious!!!!
Can’t wait to try it out!!
This looks gorgeous…delicious…healthy…and I can’t wait to make it for my company coming! Thanks for the awesome post!
yowzer!!!!!
how come my stuff never comes out lookin so good?