Who tuned in a few weeks ago and saw me on TV? I was popping in and out of morning TV and radio shows talking about all things walnuts! One of my favorite recipes from that morning was THIS Ricotta, Walnut and Strawberry Crostini… a fancy stackable appetizer you’ll want on repeat all summer long.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Crostini are one of the easiest ways to start a party. You've probably seen my spring pea crostini and goat cheese avocado crostini in the past, these are a nice summer crostini that are so simple to put together. Just toast some bread, pile it up with an assortment of ingredients and let you friends and family go to town. This Ricotta, Walnut and Strawberry Crostini ups the ante a bit by layering on ricotta, strawberries, California Walnuts and then garnishing with a reduced balsamic and basil leaves. It’s not only gorgeous but light and refreshing! Start adding this to the summer menus and while you’re at it whip up your favorite walnut recipe featuring other whole ingredients and throw it up on Instagram to win $5K! (See details below).
Ingredients & Substitution
- French Bread
- Olive Oil
- Ricotta
- Strawberries
- Walnuts
- Reduced Balsamic Vinegar
- Basil Leaves
*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below.
How to Store Ricotta, Walnut and Strawberry Crostini
The best recommendation is to make these fresh, have the ingredients on hand and assemble them when it is time to eat.
Tips & Tricks
You can dice the nuts and berries ahead of time, but then just get everything set up and ready to put together all at once when you are ready to serve so you have the best flavor possible.
FAQs
Can I put goat cheese if I have that on hand?
Sure, I love ricotta on these- but goat cheese can be a fine substitute if that is all you have.
Can I use a multigrain bread?
Yes! You can use a different kind of bread to accommodate dietary restrictions or preference- be sure to toast it well and evenly.
Similar Recipes
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today
I Heart Walnuts Recipe Contest
Create a walnut recipe paired with other whole foods, submit online through www.walnuts.org/IHWcontest, or post it on Instagram with the hashtag #iheartwalnutscontest and tag @CAWalnuts. The winning recipe will win $5,000!
Ricotta, Walnut and Strawberry Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 pound strawberries green tops removed and cut into a medium dice
- 1 cup chopped California walnuts roughly chopped
- 4 teaspoons reduced balsamic vinegar
- Small basil leaves to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice the loaf of French bread into 16 pieces on a bias, roughly ½ inch thick.
- Arrange the thin slices of French bread on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Transfer the baking sheet into the oven and toast the bread until the bread is just golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once toasted, slather with 1 tablespoon of ricotta per piece of bread. Top with equal amounts of diced strawberries and 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons California walnuts. Drizzle with ½ teaspoon of reduced balsamic vinegar each. Sprinkle with the tiniest whole basil leaves you can find and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking
Can these made a few hours ahead of time?
I wouldn't because the cheese would make the toast soggy!
Would pistachios work as a good combo instead of walnuts?
Delicious. Used sourdough bread, goat cheese still was really good.
Interesting combination! Sounds good.
YUM, YUM!!!! So light and fresh.
What a delicious summer crostini recipe!