Fresh Mozzarella And Pesto Tart
A delicious tart featuring fresh mozzarella, pesto, and tender chicken, combined with colorful peppers and tomatoes for a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for brunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw bread dough.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll bread dough into a 10-inch circle.
- Place dough in a greased 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing to fit.
- Prick the crust with a fork.
- Brush the crust with beaten egg.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until brown.
- Transfer the tart to a wire rack, leaving the oven on.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet.
- Stir-fry chicken, onion, pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and vegetables are crisp and tender.
- Spread pesto over the baked crust.
- Top with cooked chicken mixture, sliced tomatoes, and sliced mozzarella.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and tart from the pan.
- Place on a serving platter and cut into wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker option, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can also swap the fresh mozzarella for provolone or goat cheese to add different flavors. Make sure the dough is well-thawed for easy rolling, and use a pizza stone for a crispier crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto Tart warm, garnished with fresh basil or arugula for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side salad dressed in Low Calorie Creamy Italian Dressing for a light meal. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving with a side of Broccoli And Cavetelli or roasted vegetables for a complete feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. Enjoy cold as a delicious snack or lunch option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Mozzarella And Pesto Tart contains roughly 820 calories, with 22g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (46% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 929mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Cover it with plastic wrap and bake it the next day for a fresh, warm dish. Just remember that the crust may not be as crispy if it sits uncooked for too long.
What can I use if I don't have pesto?
If you don't have pesto on hand, consider making a quick basil sauce with fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and nuts. Alternatively, you can use sun-dried tomato spread or even a homemade tomato sauce to add a different, yet delicious flavor profile.
Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, you can freeze the tart before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. However, for best texture, it's recommended to enjoy it fresh.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).