Asparagus Tomato Crostini with Fresh Mint and Chives

I started out writing this post by saying, ‘crostinis are one of my favourite foods’ and then I realized I say that about shrimp, meatballs, salmon, berries, tomatoes….the list goes on and on.  I guess I feel passionate about all the things I make and this one is no exception and best of all, it falls under the quick, easy and healthy category.

Asparagus and Tomato Crostinis | Simply Fresh Dinners

This isn’t your average appetizer.  I’ve thrown some orange zest and garlic in there and with the added fresh mint and chives, the flavours are out of this world.  You can put the tomato on and lay the asparagus on top or you can chop them into smaller pieces and mix them together for more of a bruschetta style (or do both like I did).  It will depend on your patience that day because it takes a little more time to assemble them this way but it was worth it – don’t they look cute!

I used both boccocini cheese and goat cheese simply because I had a little of both and wanted to use it up.  They were equally delicious.  You can drizzle a little more olive oil on it before you serve if you like but I find if you’re serving to guests this can get kind of messy on the fingers and they won’t present so well on the plate after awhile.  If you’re just having them with your partner at home,  – go with it! Asparagus Tomato Crostini with Fresh Mint and Chives | Simply Fresh Dinners

Add a nice cool bottle of chardonnay and  you’ve got yourself a party.  Speaking of parties….this dish was made especially for Michelle at Healthy Recipe Ecstasy and the virtual baby shower we’re throwing today.  Congrats, Michelle, Alasdair and Alex!

Asparagus Tomato Crostini

I’d love to hear what kind of apps you do for your parties.  I’m learning more and more about just how talented the readers here are and that’s so exciting.  Come share your creations!  Until then…Cheers!

Asparagus Tomato Crostini with Fresh Mint and Chives | Simply Fresh Dinners

 

Asparagus Tomato Crostini with Fresh Mint and Chives
Author: Robyn
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6-8 persons
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, cleaned, woody tips cut off, sliced on the diagonal
  • whole grain baguette, or other bread of your choice
  • fresh mozzarella, bocconcini, or goat cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced half
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • mint leaves, some minced
  • chives, minced
  • olive oil
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • kosher salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F
  2. Cut baguette on bias, brush lightly with olive oil and bake on cookie sheet until golden. About 15 minutes.
  3. Blanch asparagus in salted water until tender – about 3 minutes. Let dry or use paper towels.
  4. Mix cherry tomatoes, asparagus, garlic, orange zest, mint, chives, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Slice cheese into discs and place on toasted baguette pieces.
  6. Place mixture on top of cheese or put individual pieces for a more finessed look.

23 Comments

  • Reply
    Anita Rivera
    April 19, 2015 at 6:08 am

    THERE THEY ARE! The photos! Well my friend, I think I am with you here in that when I say, “Pizza is my favorite food”, I then say, “Tomatoes are my favorite….bread, cheese, basil, olive oil…” and the list goes on. Your photos here are pretty exciting! I am counting the days now when school (though I love it) will be done and vacation, here I COME! That is when I’ll be fooling with my camera to get that RAW thing down!

    Enjoy your Sunday dear one. Anita

    • Reply
      Robyn
      April 19, 2015 at 6:35 am

      LOL, I think the photos lost a little in translation, Anita….they seem too light but this is a journey of learning, right?
      I can’t wait tll things get green and the flowers are blooming – so many beautiful colours to capture. AndI can’t wait to see what magic you create! Have a wonderful day, dear friend. Let’s talk again soon!
      Robyn recently posted…Asparagus Tomato Crostini with Fresh Mint and ChivesMy Profile

  • Reply
    mary
    April 19, 2015 at 10:45 am

    This recipe makes me want to throw a party, just so I can make it! I’m looking forward to Tuesday Tidbits and the special Wednesday coming up. Have a lovely Sunday!

  • Reply
    Christine | No Gojis, No Glory
    April 19, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    Haha! I know what you mean Robyn! Every time someone asks me what my favorite food is, I say, “I don’t have one”. There’s just too many good foods…how am I supposed to choose just one?! Anyway, these are really beautiful, and I’m sure they taste as good as they look. I’ll have to pin these for our next get together!
    Christine | No Gojis, No Glory recently posted…Creating a Vision Board to Crush Those GoalsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Christin @ Blue Crab Martini
    April 19, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    If you’re having a party and making these, you better invite me Robyn!! 🙂 They look absolutely delish! Pinned and shared on FB!
    Christin @ Blue Crab Martini recently posted…“The World is Your Oyster” Themed Graduation PartyMy Profile

  • Reply
    Bam's Kitchen
    April 20, 2015 at 12:50 am

    Stunning photos Robyn!!! Did you shoot these in Raw format? I love quick and easy these appetisers are and they checks all the boxes for both simple and delicious. I bet the orange zest really brought these to the next level. I would love a couple of your little designer appetizers with a glass of chardonnay please! I wish I lived closer so I could be your personal QA tester for recipes.
    Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Kimchi Salmon and Rainbow PicklesMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      April 20, 2015 at 3:17 pm

      Thanks, Bobbi! Yes, these are in RAW finally but I still have much to learn about editing them. I’ll get there eventually! I really loved the zest with these and I’m laughing at you calling them ‘designer appetizers’! I guess they are, lol. Oh boy, how I wish you were my neighbour. I could learn so much from you in the kitchen, friend!
      Robyn recently posted…Asparagus Tomato Crostini with Fresh Mint and ChivesMy Profile

  • Reply
    Linda
    April 20, 2015 at 7:45 pm

    Robyn, your photos look amazing and of course your lovely appetizer. I always try to serve an app with a dinner party. So many possibilities. I cannot wait for fresh tomatoes out of the garden. I hope you have a fabulous week, my sweet friend. xo

  • Reply
    Marissa | Pinch and Swirl
    April 22, 2015 at 8:54 am

    These are little bites of spring goodness! What a festive appetizer…
    Marissa | Pinch and Swirl recently posted…Asparagus with Grated Egg and CapersMy Profile

  • Reply
    Mindy
    April 22, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    We share many favorite foods in common – yum. I am so happy you posted this wonderful recipe. I just planted an asparagus bed (something I have yet to grow) but it will be another year before I can harvest any. I will make a trip to the farmers market in the mean time to try out this lovely appetizer!
    Mindy recently posted…Whose I amMy Profile

  • Reply
    Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits
    April 22, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    I LOVE crostinis too! Yum…loved that you added a bit of orange flavor in here too!
    Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits recently posted…Asian Jerk Meatball Wraps + Giveaway!My Profile

  • Reply
    Radish and Fennel Orzo Salad with Parsley-Lemon Vinaigrette
    April 23, 2015 at 6:30 am

    […] triple, quadruple thanks again to Simply Fresh Dinners, Cooking and Beer, The NY Melrose Family, No Gojis No Glory, Omnivore’s Cookbook, Climbing […]

  • Reply
    Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
    April 23, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    I do crostinis for all my parties! They’re so easy and versatile. I love that you used goat cheese and boccocini – two of my fave cheeses! I couldn’t ask for better apps for my shower. 🙂 🙂

  • Reply
    Justine | Cooking and Beer
    April 24, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    I can literally see the “spring” leaping off these little morsels! These are seriously the perfect crostini, Robyn! Yum!
    Justine | Cooking and Beer recently posted…Pretzel Hot Dogs with Maple Bacon MustardMy Profile

  • Reply
    Marla
    April 26, 2015 at 8:19 am

    Hi Robyn,
    Yum! What a healthy appetizer. I always love any recipe with asparagus. I hope you have a great time at the shower – you certainly sounds like you are going to have some great food. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
    Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #85 – Living The Real Healthy LifestyleMy Profile

  • Reply
    Maggie
    April 26, 2015 at 9:29 am

    I feel you Robyn! lol when people asked me about my favorite food there a lot going on in my mind and I can keep going on and on. It so hard to choose. Anyways, those really look delicious and I can’t wait to try out your recipe 🙂 Have a good weekend!
    Maggie recently posted…Spring Break: A Retreat to the Comfort ZoneMy Profile

  • Reply
    Louise
    April 26, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    I love love love (!) asparagus, and this time of year is just heaven for me- these look really delicious. Yum!
    Louise recently posted…Asparagus Pasta with Avocado Pesto & PinenutsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    April 27, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    This looks so incredible! I’m always so amazed by your talent. Pinned and tweeted. Please join us on Monday at 7 pm and party with us! It is so super fun to see what you have been working on! Lou Lou Girls

  • Reply
    mila furman
    April 27, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    This looks so fresh and springy!!! What a great little appetizer for the spring!!! I love easy crostini apps because they look fancy but in reality they are very quickly thrown together!
    mila furman recently posted…Golden Potatoes with Garlic Chive ButterMy Profile

  • Reply
    16 Healthy Asparagus Recipes | Food Done Light
    April 7, 2016 at 6:00 am

    […] Simply Fresh Dinners – Asparagus Tomato Crostini […]

  • Leave a Reply

    CommentLuv badge