The bounties of the season are best enjoyed fresh. Featuring them in recipes that are simple, yet vibrant and light, are perfect for summertime dining and entertaining.

With minimal ingredients, fresh herbs and pops of brightness, this heirloom tomato and ricotta tart is just that. It’s as stunning as it is delicious and couldn’t be easier to make.

Using my favorite store-bought dough, the puff pastry creates a flaky and golden base for the tart. A creamy ricotta mixture made with basil, parsley, lemon juice and zest is then slathered on the baked crust and topped with colorful slices of heirloom tomatoes.

More fresh herbs are added, then it’s finished with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.

You also can add the ricotta and toppings before baking the dough and bake it all together. I personally prefer it unbaked. It’s great as an appetizer or paired with a salad for a light dinner.

An assortment of shapes and sizes of heirloom tomatoes makes for a showstopper of a tart; however, regular tomatoes are fine to use, too.

And try it with additional toppings including feta, bacon, arugula, balsamic vinegar, spinach, prosciutto or mushrooms.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND RICOTTA TART

INGREDIENTS:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from 17.3-oz package), thawed

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup ricotta cheese

Pinch of salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper 

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus more whole leaves for garnish) 

1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (plus more whole leaves for garnish) 

1 pound heirloom tomatoes (various colors and sizes), sliced or halved

Olive oil 

Flaky sea salt or kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper for sprinkling

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Unfold puff pastry onto piece of parchment paper and roll 1/2 inch bigger on all sides. Slide parchment (and pastry) onto baking sheet. 

With a knife, score a 1/2-inch border all the way around pastry, and using a fork, poke all over the middle. Lightly brush the border with beaten egg, and bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to cool. 

Meanwhile, combine ricotta, pinch of salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then fold in the chopped basil and parsley. Spread mixture onto middle of the cooled pastry.

Arrange basil and parsley leaves, along with the tomatoes, on the tart. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea or kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.

Adapted from goodhousekeeping.com