Snail Shell Spiral Dish (Printable)

Roasted vegetables and creamy goat cheese arranged in an elegant, colorful spiral for a standout appetizer.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small eggplant, thinly sliced lengthwise
02 - 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
03 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
04 - 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced lengthwise
05 - 1 small carrot, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise

→ Cheese & Dairy

06 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, softened
07 - 2 tablespoons crème fraîche

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

13 - 1 tablespoon pine nuts, lightly toasted
14 - Microgreens, for garnish (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Lightly brush the vegetable slices with olive oil and season evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
03 - Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared tray and roast for 10 to 12 minutes until pliable but not browned. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Combine goat cheese, crème fraîche, chopped basil, and thyme in a small bowl; mix until smooth and creamy.
05 - On a large serving plate, spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture starting from the center and working outward in a continuous spiral.
06 - Starting at the spiral’s center, layer the roasted vegetables, overlapping slightly and alternating colors, continuing the spiral pattern outward over the cheese base.
07 - Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and garnish with microgreens if desired. Serve at room temperature as an appetizer or light lunch.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning on the plate, the kind of dish that makes people pause before eating because it's almost too beautiful
  • The roasted vegetables become sweet and tender, and when combined with the herbed goat cheese, it tastes as sophisticated as it looks
  • It comes together in under an hour and can be served at room temperature, making it perfect for entertaining without stress
02 -
  • Slice everything as thinly as you can manage. A mandoline is worth its weight in gold here, but a very sharp knife works too. Thin slices roast evenly and arrange beautifully without breaking
  • Don't skip the cooling step after roasting. Vegetables that are still steaming will stick together and tear when you try to arrange them. Patience here pays off immediately
  • The spiral should be tight and controlled, not loose and wavy. This is what makes it look intentional and elegant rather than haphazard
03 -
  • Toast your pine nuts in a dry pan for just 2 to 3 minutes until they're fragrant and golden. This takes them from pleasant to unforgettable
  • If you can't find fresh microgreens, a few fresh basil leaves scattered on top create a similar elegant effect and tie the flavors together
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