Italian Veggie Sliders with Whipped Pesto & Feta Spread
Try this Italian Veggie Sliders with Whipped Pesto & Feta Spread recipe.
Try this Italian Veggie Sliders with Whipped Pesto & Feta Spread recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 4-6 rolls (i used udi's gluten free rolls)
- 2 medium size zucchini sliced fairly thickly
- 8 mini sweet peppers sliced fairly thickly
- 1/8 easpoon garlic salt
- 1/8 easpoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoon basil pesto
- 2 ounces reduced fat cream cheese room temperature
- 4-6 basil leaves (one or two leaves per slider)
- Carbohydrate 1.398370614015 g
- Cholesterol 7.654371237 mg
- Fat 3.03789106520184 g
- Fiber 0.0423750007152557 g
- Protein 1.148681281675 g
- Saturated Fat 1.41846230586896 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (15g)
- Sodium 66.7395042850072 mg
- Sugar 1.35599561329974 g
- Trans Fat 0.243556606493799 g
- Calories 37 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat.
- Toss the sliced zucchini and the sliced sweet peppers with the olive oil and the spices in a large ziplock bag.
- Lightly spray the skillet with cooking spray and add the veggies in a single layer (this may take two batches to get it all).
- Cook the vegetables for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they are tender and beginning to brown a bit.
- Remove vegetables from skillet and add the sliced halves of the rolls to the skillet to lightly toast them. Approximately 1 minute.
- Remove rolls from heat.
- Combine the feta cheese, cream cheese and basil in a small blender or food processor and pulse approximately 30 seconds until well combined.
- To assemble the sliders stack the zucchini and pepper slices on the rolls, top with basil leaves, spread a thick layer of the spread over the top half of the bun and close.
Italian Veggie Sliders with Whipped Pesto & Feta Spread: A Simple Recipe for Busy Weeknights
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and healthy meals that don't compromise on flavor. This Italian Veggie Sliders recipe has become a staple in my household, perfect for those weeknights when time is of the essence. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it feel like a restaurant-quality meal, without the hefty price tag or hours spent in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The vegetables – zucchini and sweet peppers – roast beautifully, soaking up the olive oil and Italian seasoning. I prefer to use mini sweet peppers because they’re so easy to slice and they add a pop of sweetness and color to each slider. You can easily customize this recipe to your liking, adding other vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms. The whipped pesto and feta spread is the star of the show. It’s creamy, tangy, and herby, providing a delightful contrast to the slightly sweet roasted vegetables. The combination of feta, cream cheese, and basil creates a harmonious flavor profile, perfectly complementing the fresh, bright vegetables.
I love using Udi's gluten-free rolls, but any good quality roll will do. If you're short on time, you can even skip toasting the rolls – the flavor is still fantastic! The entire cooking process, from prepping the vegetables to assembling the sliders, takes less than 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal meal for those busy evenings when you need a healthy and delicious dinner on the table quickly.
Beyond the Weeknight Meal
These Italian Veggie Sliders aren't just for weeknights; they are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for a casual lunch, a light dinner party, or even a potluck. They can be prepared ahead of time and assembled right before serving, making them an excellent choice for entertaining. Their vibrant appearance makes them a visually appealing addition to any gathering, and their delicious taste ensures they won't last long!
Tips and Variations
Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, or yellow squash. You can even grill the vegetables for a smoky flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables for a little heat.
Cheese variations: Try using goat cheese or ricotta cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as parsley or oregano, in the whipped spread.
Make it a meal: Serve the sliders with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Make ahead: Roast the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. The whipped feta spread can also be made ahead of time.
Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
This recipe is more than just a quick and easy dinner; it's a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple cooking techniques. It's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious meals don't have to be complicated. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
