Bruschetta with herb pesto and grilled sardines
- Energy Kcal 553
- Carbohydrates g 36.1
- of which sugars g 4.1
- Protein g 22.6
- Fats g 35.3
- of which saturated fat g 10.01
- Fiber g 2.6
- Cholesterol mg 61
- Sodium mg 1029
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 10 min
- Makes: 4 pieces
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
Bruschetta with herb pesto and grilled sardines is such a perfect example of the simple, yet super flavorful dishes you'll find in Liguria, Italy. This region really loves the sea, fresh herbs, and colorful flavors. And look, here, a bruschetta recipe isn’t just about toasted bread; it’s about topping slices with a zesty herb pesto and smoky grilled sardines. Really good stuff. The pesto? It’s a fresh twist on classic salsa verde, packed with basil, parsley, maybe even a hint of mint. So, so tangy! What sets this dish apart? It’s the addition of susine, or Italian plums, adding a sweet and slightly juicy touch that balances the rich seafood perfectly.
This is the heart of Mediterranean cuisine—a really good mix of textures. I mean, you've got crispy toast, tender fish, and creamy pesto, all in one bite. Trying out this easy appetizer gives you a taste of the seaside and a garden vibe. The grilled sardines aren’t just there for protein. Their smoky flavor blends beautifully with the herby sauce. In Liguria, dishes like this are common as an Italian appetizer before a big meal. Pretty simple.
Sometimes, you’ll find other seafood options, like crostini with marinated salmon, but this combo of sardines and herb pesto? Way, way better. And the susine add a pop of sweetness that surprises and delights. So here's the thing: it’s a fun way to wow your guests, with familiar flavors that have a unique twist—like the fruit and the pesto variation—that makes it feel a bit fancy. And this seafood bruschetta fits seamlessly with healthy eating and quick appetizer ideas. Sardines are packed with nutrients, and everything comes together effortlessly. Paired with a glass of crisp white wine—seriously good—it feels like a little getaway to the Ligurian coast, even if you are just chilling in your backyard. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or something special, this dish brings a taste of Italy to your table, making any moment feel extra special.
You might also like:
INGREDIENTS
- Homemade bread 4 slices
- Sardines 7.1 oz (200 g) - already cleaned
- Cow's milk ricotta cheese ¼ cup (60 g)
- Plums 1
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- For the pesto
- Basil to taste
- Oregano to taste
- Melissa to taste
- Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Extra virgin olive oil ½ cup (100 g)
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to prepare Bruschetta with herb pesto and grilled sardines
To prepare bruschettas with herb pesto and grilled sardines, start by making the quick pesto. In the mixer, add the basil leaves 1, a few leaves of lemon balm, and some oregano 2, then salt, pepper, and the chunked parmesan 3
and finally the oil 4. Blend until you get a creamy pesto, pour it into a bowl, and set it aside for a moment 5. Move on to the sardines: if you want to clean them yourself, you can follow our tips on How to Clean Anchovies. Place them in a container and drizzle with a couple of tablespoons of oil 6,
give it a good stir and set aside 7. Now focus on the bread: cut 4 slices about 3/4 inch thick 8. Then brush with some oil 9
and cook on a very hot grill 10. It will take about a couple of minutes, after which you can turn the slices and cook the other side 11. Once ready, place the slices of bread on a plate and keep the grill hot 12.
Take the seasoned sardines and place them on the still hot grill 13. Cook these as well for a couple of minutes per side, turning them when the skin starts to detach from the grill 14. Once cooked, transfer them to a container 15.
At this point, everything is ready to proceed with assembling the bruschettas: on the slices of bread, pour a little pesto 16, add some crumbles of ricotta 17, and then a couple of sardines 18.
Finally, garnish the bruschettas with herb pesto and grilled sardines with slices of plum 19, which you can arrange on the slices of bread 20. Your appetizer is ready, enjoy your meal 21!