Shrimp and Zucchini Flower Piadina with Lemon-Raspberry Dressing

Introduction

On Love With Recipes, we celebrate the art of combining fresh, high-quality ingredients into dishes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning and nutritionally balanced. Today, we explore a Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary take on the classic Italian flatbread, known as piadina. Our dish features a harmonious blend of succulent shrimp, delicate zucchini flowers, and a vibrant, fresh salad, all crowned with a luscious raspberry-infused dressing and creamy ricotta. As an all-season favorite, this meal offers complexity in flavors and textures: the crispness of the flatbread, the tenderness of shrimp, the floral notes from zucchini blossoms, complemented by the fresh crunch of radishes and the aromatic finesse of chives, and a burst of fruity sweetness from raspberries.

This recipe exemplifies how simple ingredients—thoughtfully prepared—can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece that balances richness, acidity, and a hint of sweetness. Its flexible structure allows for numerous variations, catering to dietary preferences, and providing inclusivity for different health considerations. Whether served as a hearty lunch or an elegant dinner, this dish is designed to impress visually while engaging all the senses — a testament to the versatility and elegance of modern Italian-inspired cuisine.

Time

The total preparation and cooking time for this dish is approximately 45 minutes. The breakdown is as follows:

• Preparation of ingredients: 15 minutes
• Marinating the shrimp: 5 minutes (plus marination time)
• Cooking the shrimp: 5-7 minutes
• Preparing the ricotta cream and raspberry dressing: 10 minutes
• Assembling the piadina: 8-10 minutes

An efficient workflow during the preparation can reduce overall time, especially with prior mise en place, which is highly recommended for an organized and stress-free cooking session.

Needed Equipment

The success of this recipe hinges on having the right tools and equipment at hand. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Chef’s Knife – For cleaning and slicing zucchini flowers and other vegetables
• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for prepping ingredients
• Mixing Bowls – Various sizes for preparing the ricotta cream, salad, and dressing
• Whisk or Fork – For mixing ricotta, chives, and paprika into the cream
• Hand Blender or Immersion Blender – To purée raspberries into dressing
• Peeler – For peeling and deveining shrimp
• Skillet or Non-stick Pan – For cooking shrimp
• Measuring Spoons and Cups – Precise measurement of ingredients like paprika and olive oil
• Juicer or Reamer – For extracting fresh lemon juice
• Microplane or Fine Grater – Optional, for zesting lemon or grating additional herbs
• Serving Plates or Trays – For assembling and serving the piadinas
• Spatula or Tongs – For turning shrimp and handling other ingredients
• Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife – For slicing piadinas if desired
• Grater – For radish slices, if not pre-sliced
• Measuring Pipettes or Small Spoon – For precise drizzling of raspberry dressing
• Refrigeration Space – For marinating shrimp, storing fresh ingredients, and keeping components cold before assembly

Tags

Fresh, Mediterranean, Italian, Light, Healthy, Shrimp, Vegetarian-friendly (without shrimp), Elegant, Summer, Quick & Easy, Assembly-required, Gourmet

Serving Size

This recipe yields four generous servings, perfect for a shared meal or individual portions that can be paired with a side salad or light wine pairing for a complete dining experience.

Difficulty Level

This dish is classified as moderate difficulty. It involves standard culinary techniques such as cleaning and marinating seafood, making a fresh dressing, and assembling components effectively. A confident home cook should find this manageable, while beginners can enjoy the process with cautious attention to detail and ingredient quality.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

This recipe is inherently pescatarian and can be adapted to vegetarian preferences by substituting shrimp with grilled halloumi or tempeh. Gluten-free alternatives can be considered by replacing piadina with gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps.

Course

Main Dish

Cuisine

Italian-inspired, Mediterranean

Ingredients

In Detail: Ingredient Breakdown and Tips

Instructions

1. Preparing the Ricotta Cream

Start by ensuring the ricotta cheese is well-drained. Place the cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel if excess moisture needs removal. For a smoother consistency, press gently to expel excess whey, which enhances the cream’s richness.

Transfer the drained ricotta into a mixing bowl. Finely chop fresh chives—using a sharp knife, cut them into tiny pieces to maximize flavor dispersion. Add the chives to the ricotta. Measure out ½ teaspoon of sweet paprika; this spice introduces a subtle smoky sweetness that balances the cream and complements the seafood.

Mix thoroughly using a whisk or fork, ensuring the paprika and chives are evenly incorporated into the ricotta. One can also add a pinch of salt if needed, but keep in mind the overall saltiness should be balanced carefully. Cover the bowl and set the ricotta cream aside to let the flavors meld while the other components are prepared.

2. Preparing the Zucchini Flowers and Vegetables

Gently handle the zucchini flowers—they are delicate. Begin by stripping any excess green leaves or stems at the base. Use your fingers or a small, sharp knife to carefully remove excess leaves, ensuring the flowers stay intact and undamaged. If flowers have excess dirt or debris, lightly rinse under cold water and pat dry.

Slice each zucchini flower into thin, even strips—this not only makes them easier to eat and combine in the salad but also enhances their floral aroma in the dish. Reserve for later use.

For the salad, wash the lamb’s lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Use a salad spinner or lay the leaves on paper towels to dry completely; excess moisture can sogify the dish. Slice radishes thinly—using a mandoline or sharp knife—so they add crunch and slight pepperiness without overpowering the other flavors.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb’s lettuce, radish slices, and zucchini flowers. Toss gently to produce an even mixture, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed, creating visual appeal and coordinated flavors.

3. Preparing the Raspberry Dressing

Place the fresh raspberries into a tall glass or a small mixing container. Add about 40 ml (roughly 2½ tablespoons) of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, purée until the mixture is completely smooth. For smoother texture, strain through a fine sieve if desired, removing seeds. The result should be a vibrant, slightly frothy dressing that combines the berry’s tartness with the richness of olive oil.

Pour the raspberry dressing into a small bowl or a squeeze bottle for precise drizzling. Refrigerate until ready to use, as chilling enhances the flavor and thickens the dressing slightly.

4. Preparing the Shrimp

Peel the shrimp carefully, starting by removing the shell and legs. Use a small paring knife or sharp edge to make a shallow incision along the back of each shrimp—this is necessary to devein them, as the dark digestive tract appears reminiscent of grit or mud, which diminishes the texture and flavor.

Remove the vein with the tip of the knife or your fingers. Rinse the cleaned shrimp under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl and marinate with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a small splash of olive oil—this not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the seafood.

Let the shrimp marinate for about 5 minutes to enhance flavor subtly.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a small knob of butter. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque with slightly golden edges. Do not overcook—they should remain tender and succulent. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Assembling the Piadina

Lay each flatbread (piadina) on a clean, flat surface. Using a spoon or a small spatula, spread approximately ¼ of the ricotta cream onto half of each flatbread, smoothing into an even layer. This layer provides creamy richness and a flavor base for the dish.

On top of the ricotta, evenly distribute the mixed salad—placing some zucchini strips, radish slices, and lamb’s lettuce—over the cream. Use tongs or a small spoon to arrange the ingredients attractively, creating layers of color and texture.

Arrange three cooked shrimp over the salad on each piadina, positioning them evenly to ensure each bite contains seafood goodness.

Finish by drizzling the raspberry dressing over the top, adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, which will slightly seep into the other ingredients, flavoring the entire bite.

Gently fold each piadina in half if serving warm, or serve unfolded on plates for a stunning presentation. If desired, cut into halves or quarters for easier eating, especially if entertaining guests.

Preparation Tips

• Ingredient freshness is essential: Use the freshest seafood and vegetables available. Fresh zucchini flowers, in particular, have a fleeting season, so sourcing from local markets or farmers is ideal.
• Marinate seafood briefly: A short lemon and olive oil marinade infuses the shrimp with delicate flavor but avoid over-marinating to prevent texture loss.
• Balance flavors: Adjust the amount of paprika and lemon juice based on your flavor preference—more paprika for smokiness, more lemon for acidity.
• Ensure crisp flatbread: Warm the piadina slices lightly before assembling to maintain crunch and aroma.
• Presentation matters: Use colorful ingredients to create appealing, Instagram-worthy dishes. Carefully arrange components for an elegant appearance.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use a flavor thermometer: When cooking shrimp, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C) for perfect tenderness.
• Reserve some dressing: Keep a small amount of raspberry dressing separate to add as a finishing touch upon serving, ensuring it remains vibrant and fresh.
• Make components ahead: Ricotta cream and raspberry dressing can be prepared in advance, allowing for faster assembly during meal time.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh basil, mint, or dill can replace or complement chives for added aroma and flavor nuances.

Add-ons

For personalization, consider including:

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess
• Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers or eggplant
• Chili flakes or hot sauce for spice lovers
• Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch

Side Dishes

Complement the main course with light, fresh sides, such as:

• Marinated olives and pickles
• Simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette
• Crusty artisan bread with flavored oils
• Classic Caprese salad

Improvements

• Gluten-free version: Substitute piadina with gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps.
• Vegetarian adaptation: Replace shrimp with grilled halloumi, tempeh, or marinated tofu.
• Enhanced dressing: Add a touch of balsamic vinegar or honey to the raspberry dressing for added complexity.
• Serving style update: Create a layered tart or a small assembled platter for sharing rather than individual piadinas.

Save and Store

If refrigerating components, do so separately to maintain freshness:

• Store ricotta cream in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
• Keep cooked shrimp covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Prepare the salad mixture in advance; consume within 1 day for best crispness.
• Refrigerate or keep the flatbreads in a sealed bag or container to prevent dryness.

Assemble just before serving to retain texture and flavor.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes. Simply replace the shrimp with grilled tofu, cheese, or vegetables like eggplant or zucchini slices to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Absolutely. Ricotta cream, raspberry dressing, and even cooked shrimp can be prepared a day in advance. Keep components refrigerated and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Standard piadina contains wheat flour, so for gluten-free versions, use gluten-free flatbreads or serve the salad atop lettuce leaves or gluten-free bread slices.

How do I prevent the zucchini flowers from wilting?

Handle them gently, rinse briefly, and use immediately after preparation. Keep them refrigerated if not used immediately, and assemble the dish as close to serving time as possible.

Conclusion

The Piadina with Shrimp, Zucchini Flowers, and Salad epitomizes modern Mediterranean freshness infused with the sophistication of Italian culinary tradition. Its layered textures and balanced flavors make it not only a pleasure to enjoy but also a feast for the eyes. Ideal for occasions from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties, this recipe showcases how simple, fresh ingredients can be elevated into an extraordinary dish. By paying attention to detail—from ingredient sourcing to precise preparation—you’ll create a memorable meal that delights family, friends, and guests alike.

The versatility of this recipe allows for numerous customization options, making it an excellent base for experimentation. For more inspiring recipes and culinary tips, visit Love With Recipes—they guide you to elevate your home-cooking with well-researched, authentic, and creative ideas.

References

• Francesca Marzella, “The Art of Italian Cooking,” Arte Publishing, 2018.
• Rachel Roddy, “Five Quarters: Recipes from a Northern Cookbook,” Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018.