Puff pastry tarts are simply the best. I always stock up a sheet in the freezer to whip up a quick meal on busy days like this Artichoke and Tomato Salad Tarts. Yes, it is an indulgence with all that layers or butter hidden in the pastry sheet, but occasionally it’s fine!
The addition of artichoke hearts with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and peas gives a lovely refreshing bite. You can choose to slice the puff pastry much smaller into bite size appetizers or use an entire sheet and turn it into a meal. The first time I had prepared a very similar dish was way back in 2012 as part of a food photography challenge. The recipe of the colorful tart was from Donna Hay magazine nr. 61.
With Holiday season round the corner I decided to prepare it again but with minute changes as per my liking.
Ingredients for Artichoke and Tomato Salad Tarts
Frozen Puff PastryFrozen Peas or fresh peas if you have it availableCherry tomatoesStore bought Artichoke hearts dipped in oilFresh basilCream Cheese
Make sure the cream cheese is soft at room temperature, so you can spread it evenly on the puff pastry.
Steps to assemble the Artichoke and Tomato Salad Tarts
There is no strict rule on how to assemble the tart but here is how I do it. Spread a layer of cream cheese on the frozen tart. Add a couple or one artichoke heart based on the side of the puff pastry along with few cherry tomatoes. Bake until golden brown and flaky. Then top the puff pastry tart with the tomato salad.
Points to keep in mind when working with puff pastry
You want to make sure that the puff pastry is very cold before you place it in the hot oven. The cold butter in the puff pastry when it hits the oven at high heat, it puffs up creating multiple layers. If it’s warm where you live, then after layering the puff pastry with the cream cheese and vegetables, place it back in the fridge for a while before placing it in the hot oven. Although this Artichoke and Tomato Salad Tarts gives a summer vibe, it is actually quite nice warm on a cold night. Our cherry tomato plant is still giving us cherry tomatoes, and I had to make it one more time with our garden tomatoes.
