Grilled Summer Squash Stacks with Herbed Ricotta

By á-24534

Creamy herbed ricotta is layered between slices of grilled zucchini and squash in this summery side. A fresh tomato salsa add extra freshness and flavors.

Ingredients

• SALSA:
• 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons green onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons basil, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 2 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon green onion, minced
• 2 teaspoons basil, minced
• 1/4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• SQUASH STACKS:
• 1 large yellow summer squash
• 1 large uncooked zucchini
• 4 sprays cooking spray
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

Step 1

Make the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, green onion, basil, lemon zest, garlic, black pepper and red pepper flakes; refrigerate until ready to use.

To make the salsa, in a small bowl, combine tomatoes, green onion, basil, vinegar and salt; set aside at room temperature.

Slice squash and zucchini crosswise into eight 1/4-inch-thick slices each; place in a third bowl, coat with cooking spray and toss with remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt.

Off heat, coat a grill or grill pan with cooking spray; heat to medium-high heat. Grill squash and zucchini, until softened and grill marks appear, about 8 to 10 minutes; let cool to room temperature.

To assemble stacks, spread 4 squash slices with 1 1/2 teaspoons ricotta mixture each; top each with a zucchini slice and spread with 1 1/2 teaspoons more ricotta mixture. Repeat with remaining ingredients to form 2 layers; garnish each stack with 2 tablespoons salsa and serve immediately.