Zucchini Caprese Sliders Recipe

This refreshing Zucchini Caprese Sliders recipe is made with grilled zucchini “buns,” fresh mozzarella, ripe summer tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze. This recipe creates a wonderfully light, healthy, and flavorful appetizer that perfectly captures the taste of summer. The result is an ideal bite-sized snack for a light lunch or a vibrant starter for a barbecue on this beautiful July afternoon in Medenine. This recipe makes about 10-12 sliders.

Zucchini Caprese Sliders Ingredients

• 2-3 medium zucchini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large, ripe tomato
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese (about 225g or 8oz)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• 2-3 tbsp balsamic glaze, for drizzling

How To Make Zucchini Caprese Sliders

1. Prepare the zucchini: Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Slice them into thick rounds, about ½-inch thick. You will need two rounds per slider, so aim for 20-24 slices.
2. Season the zucchini: Place the zucchini rounds on a plate or baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the zucchini: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are tender and have distinct grill marks. You can also bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes. Set the cooked rounds aside.
4. Prepare the other ingredients: Slice the tomato and the fresh mozzarella into rounds that are similar in size to your zucchini slices.
5. Assemble the sliders: To build each slider, take one zucchini round and place it on your serving platter. Layer it with a slice of fresh mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and a fresh basil leaf.
6. Finish and serve: Top each stack with a second zucchini round. Secure each slider with a toothpick or small cocktail skewer. Just before serving, drizzle generously with the balsamic glaze.

Recipe Tips

• Slice Zucchini Thickly: The key to a sturdy slider is cutting the zucchini into thick, ½-inch rounds. If the slices are too thin, they will become flimsy after cooking and won’t hold up as “buns.”
• Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: You want the zucchini to be tender but still have a bit of a bite. Overcooking will make it mushy and difficult to handle. A few minutes per side on a hot grill is perfect.
• Pat Ingredients Dry: Both fresh mozzarella and tomatoes can release a lot of water. Gently pat the slices of both with a paper towel before assembling. This helps prevent the sliders from becoming soggy.
• Use Good Quality Balsamic Glaze: A balsamic glaze, which is thicker and sweeter than regular balsamic vinegar, is essential for this recipe. It adds a concentrated, sweet tang that brings all the flavors together. You can buy it pre-made or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens.

What To Serve With Zucchini Caprese Sliders

These Zucchini Caprese Sliders are a perfect light appetizer or party snack on their own. They are fantastic as a starter before a main course of grilled chicken, fish, or steak. For a light vegetarian lunch, you could serve a small plate of 3-4 sliders alongside a simple arugula salad or a cup of gazpacho. They also pair wonderfully with a crisp, cold glass of white or rosé wine.

How To Store Zucchini Caprese Sliders Leftovers

• Refrigerate: These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, shortly after they are assembled. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The zucchini will soften, and the ingredients may release more water, but they will still be tasty.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The fresh tomato, mozzarella, and zucchini will all become very watery and mushy upon thawing, destroying the texture of the sliders.

Zucchini Caprese Sliders Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 3 sliders

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 9g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sliders just before serving. You can grill the zucchini rounds and slice the tomato and mozzarella a few hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and drizzle with glaze right before your guests arrive.
• Can I use a different vegetable for the buns? Yes, this concept works well with other vegetables. Thick slices of grilled eggplant (aubergine) or large portobello mushroom caps would also make excellent “buns” for these Caprese sliders.
• What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze? Balsamic glaze (or crema di balsamico) is simply balsamic vinegar that has been cooked down until it becomes thick, syrupy, and more concentrated in flavor. It’s sweeter and less acidic than regular vinegar, making it perfect for drizzling.

Try More Recipes:

• Zucchini Quinoa Cakes Recipe
• Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
• Zucchini Noodles Recipe