Name: Smashed Croissant with Ricotta, Arugula Pesto, Spicy Salami, Figs, and Fried Zucchini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 croissant; 1/3 cup ricotta cheese; 4–5 fresh figs, sliced; 4 slices spicy salami; 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced; Olive oil, as needed; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup fresh arugula; 1 clove garlic; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan; 2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt, to taste

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This gourmet-style smashed croissant is an elegant yet simple dish that combines sweet, savory, and spicy elements for a satisfying meal or appetizer. Crisp croissant, creamy ricotta, peppery arugula pesto, sweet figs, spicy salami, and golden fried zucchini all come together in a beautifully layered bite. It’s a creative way to elevate your croissant beyond breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This smashed croissant recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors: crisp, creamy, spicy, sweet, and herbaceous. The arugula pesto adds a vibrant, peppery kick while the ricotta brings smoothness. Figs add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of spicy salami, and fried zucchini provides a satisfying crunch. It’s quick to prepare yet tastes like something served in a stylish café.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 croissant
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
4–5 fresh figs, sliced
4 slices spicy salami
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Arugula Pesto:
1 cup fresh arugula
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt to taste

Directions

Prepare the arugula pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine arugula, garlic, Parmesan, nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Fry the zucchini: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry zucchini slices in batches until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.
Toast the croissant: Slightly smash the croissant with your hand or the bottom of a pan, then toast it in a skillet or toaster oven until the exterior is golden and crispy.
Assemble the croissant: Spread ricotta generously over the toasted croissant. Drizzle with arugula pesto.
Add toppings: Layer with spicy salami, sliced figs, and fried zucchini.
Finish: Season with a little salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Meat-free version: Omit the salami for a vegetarian option or replace it with roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes.
Cheese swap: Substitute ricotta with goat cheese or burrata for a different creamy texture and tang.
Fruit alternatives: Use sliced pears, apples, or grapes in place of figs when out of season.
Nut-free pesto: Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or omit entirely for an allergy-friendly pesto.
Bread substitute: Try the toppings on toasted sourdough or flatbread if croissants are unavailable.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, components can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Toast the croissant before assembling if prepared in advance. Do not reheat with figs or ricotta layered, as it may alter their texture.

FAQs

Can I make this with store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto can be used, but arugula pesto provides a unique, peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

What’s the best way to smash a croissant?

Use the palm of your hand or press gently with a heavy pan to flatten it slightly—just enough to create more surface area for crisping and layering.

Are dried figs okay to use?

Fresh figs are ideal for their texture and juiciness, but in a pinch, rehydrated dried figs can be used.

Can I make the arugula pesto in advance?

Yes, arugula pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

What type of salami works best?

A spicy or Calabrese-style salami offers a nice contrast to the sweet figs and creamy ricotta.

Can I add greens to the dish?

Yes, you can add a handful of fresh arugula or baby spinach for extra freshness and bite.

What’s a good non-dairy substitute for ricotta?

Try a plant-based ricotta or mashed avocado for a dairy-free option.

Is this dish served warm or cold?

It’s best served warm or at room temperature, especially after toasting the croissant and frying the zucchini.

What other cheeses pair well with figs?

Goat cheese, blue cheese, and brie also pair wonderfully with fresh figs.

Can I serve this as an appetizer?

Absolutely. You can slice the assembled croissant into smaller portions for a stylish appetizer or party snack.

Conclusion

This Smashed Croissant with Ricotta, Arugula Pesto, Spicy Salami, Figs, and Fried Zucchini offers a refreshing take on modern casual dining. With its blend of creamy, spicy, sweet, and crispy elements, it’s both comforting and gourmet. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this dish proves that a simple croissant can become the foundation for something truly exceptional.

Smashed Croissant with Ricotta, Arugula Pesto, Spicy Salami, Figs, and Fried Zucchini

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This Smashed Croissant is a gourmet open-faced sandwich layered with creamy ricotta, peppery arugula pesto, spicy salami, sweet figs, and crispy fried zucchini. It’s a rich blend of textures and flavors—savory, sweet, and spicy—all on a buttery croissant base.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Brunch
Method: Assembled
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Prepare the arugula pesto: Blend arugula, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts (or walnuts), lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan and fry the zucchini slices until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
Gently smash the croissant to flatten slightly, then toast it in a pan or toaster oven until crisp and golden.
Spread the ricotta evenly over the toasted croissant.
Drizzle the arugula pesto over the ricotta.
Layer the spicy salami, sliced figs, and fried zucchini on top.
Finish with a pinch of salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.