The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
If you want a show-stopping savory dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare yet looks like it came straight from a gourmet bakery, this Spiral Vegetable Tart with Sundried Tomato Pesto belongs at the top of your holiday and dinner-party menu list. This stunning tart layers colorful ribbons of vegetables in a spiral pattern over a flavorful base of sundried tomato pesto, all inside a flaky golden crust. It’s elegant, vibrant, and absolutely delicious.
The spiral vegetable tart is known for its signature “rainbow” effect, created by thinly sliced vegetables arranged in a circular pattern. It’s visually striking, but the flavor is what truly makes this recipe unforgettable. Sundried tomato pesto adds a punchy, savory depth, balancing beautifully with the sweetness of roasted vegetables and the buttery crisp pastry.
This tart works beautifully as a main dish for vegetarian meals, a standout appetizer, a brunch centerpiece, or a festive side for holiday gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can create a masterpiece that impresses guests every time.
Why You’ll Love This Spiral Vegetable Tart
1. Stunning Presentation With Minimal Effort
The spiral design is eye-catching but simple once you learn the layering technique.
2. Naturally Vegetarian and Packed with Flavor
A perfect crowd-pleaser with bold Mediterranean flavors.
3. Customizable
Swap vegetables, change the pesto, add cheese—so many options.
4. Works for Any Meal
Serve warm for dinner or cold for lunch—the flavor stays incredible.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly
Assemble ahead and bake later, or bake and enjoy the next day.
Ingredients
Tart Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust
- ½ cup sundried tomato pesto
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetable Spiral
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 large carrots
- 1 small eggplant (thin and long works best)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Crumbled feta on top
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Tart Base
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry or pie crust and place into a tart pan. Trim edges.
- Use a fork to poke holes across the base.
- Spread sundried tomato pesto evenly across the bottom.
- Chill while preparing the vegetables.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the zucchini, carrots, and eggplant lengthwise using a mandolin or vegetable peeler to create long, thin ribbons.
- Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Assemble the Spiral Tart
- Starting from the center, roll a ribbon of vegetable into a tight coil.
- Continue wrapping alternating ribbons around the center coil, forming a spiral.
- Place the spiral carefully onto the pesto base.
- Continue tucking in additional ribbons until the tart is filled edge to edge.
Bake
- Brush the top lightly with olive oil.
- Bake 40–50 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and edges are golden.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Your beautiful vegetable spiral tart is ready to serve!
Spiral Vegetable Tart with Sundried Tomato Pesto
A beautiful and flavorful spiral vegetable tart featuring zucchini, carrots, and eggplant over a sundried tomato pesto base.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare tart crust in pan.
- Spread sundried tomato pesto across the base.
- Slice vegetables into thin ribbons using a mandolin.
- Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with spices.
- Roll one ribbon into a tight coil, then wrap additional ribbons around it to form a spiral.
- Place spiral into tart and continue adding ribbons to fill the pan.
- Bake 40–50 minutes until vegetables are soft and crust is golden.
Notes
Microwave stiff vegetables briefly to make bending easier.
Tips for a Perfect Spiral Tart
Use Flexible Veggies
Very thin slices are easier to bend. If a vegetable is too stiff, microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Dry Vegetables Thoroughly
Prevents soggy crust.
Keep Spiraling
Alternate colors for the prettiest effect: green → orange → purple → repeat.
Brush the Veggies
A little olive oil enhances roasting and shine.
Use a Sharp Knife
Makes clean slices and preserves the design.
Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Spiral Tart
Add feta, olives, and roasted red peppers.
Cheesy Spiral Tart
Add a layer of mozzarella under the vegetables.
Pesto Swap
Try basil pesto, arugula pesto, or roasted red pepper spread.
Autumn Spiral Tart
Use sweet potato, squash, and parsnip.
Serving Ideas
Serve this tart:
- As a holiday appetizer
- For brunch with salad
- As a vegetarian main dish
- With soups or roasted meats
- At picnics and garden parties
It’s elegant enough for Christmas dinner but simple enough for weeknight meals.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes
- Freezer: Not recommended—vegetables may soften
