Savory Tiramisu with Zucchini, Feta, Mint, and Basil

A creative and elegant twist on the classic tiramisu—this savory version combines tender zucchini with creamy feta and mascarpone, brightened by the freshness of mint and basil. Served in individual glasses, it’s a light, refreshing, and impressive appetizer or starter, perfect for summer gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and light: an ideal starter for warm days.

• Elegant presentation: served in verrines (small glasses) for a gourmet touch.

• Quick and easy: just 20 minutes of prep plus chilling.

• Customizable: can be adapted with other cheeses or herbs.

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Ingredients (for 4 servings)

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced

• 200 g feta cheese, crumbled

• 250 g mascarpone, at room temperature

• 2 tbsp plain yogurt (to lighten the texture)

• 1 garlic clove, finely minced

• 10 fresh mint leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• 100 g savory crackers (such as TUC or Ritz), lightly crushed

• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus a drizzle for serving)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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Directions

1. Cook the zucchini

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Add the diced zucchini and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until tender.

• Season with salt and pepper, then let cool.

2. Make the feta cream

• In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta, mascarpone, yogurt, garlic, mint, and basil.

• Mix until smooth and creamy.

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the tiramisu

• In each glass, layer crushed crackers at the bottom.

• Add a layer of cooled zucchini, then a layer of feta cream.

• Repeat until the glasses are full, finishing with a feta cream layer.

4. Chill and serve

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

• Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

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Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 verrines

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 7 minutes

• Chill time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 27 minutes

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Variations

• Make-ahead: Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.

• Cheese swap: Replace feta with ricotta, goat cheese, or a mix of both.

• Lighter version: Reduce mascarpone and increase yogurt.

• Extra crunch: Add toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts between the layers.

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Storage/Reheating

• Keep refrigerated in airtight glasses for up to 24 hours.

• Not suitable for freezing due to the creamy layers.

• Serve chilled—this recipe is not meant to be reheated.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe a day ahead?

Yes, it can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept in the fridge.

2. Can I replace feta with another cheese?

Absolutely! Ricotta, goat cheese, or cream cheese also work well.

3. What can I use instead of crackers?

You can use savory biscuits, breadsticks, or even lightly toasted bread crumbs.

4. Is this dish served cold or warm?

It’s always served cold, like a traditional tiramisu.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, grilled eggplant, roasted peppers, or cherry tomatoes are great additions.

6. How do I make it lighter?

Swap part of the mascarpone with more yogurt, and use low-fat feta.

7. Can I make it vegan?

Yes—use vegan feta, dairy-free yogurt, and a plant-based cream cheese alternative.

8. How long should it chill before serving?

At least 1 hour, but 2–3 hours is even better for flavor development.

9. What type of crackers work best?

Crispy, savory crackers like TUC, Ritz, or whole-grain crackers are ideal.

10. Can this be served as a main dish?

It’s best as an appetizer or starter, but you could serve larger portions with a salad for a light meal.

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Conclusion

This savory zucchini and feta tiramisu is a refreshing and elegant twist on the classic dessert. With its creamy, herb-infused layers and light Mediterranean flavors, it’s perfect for summer entertaining or when you want to surprise guests with something unique. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve—it’s a guaranteed hit!

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