A tartine is basically the ultimate “pretty lunch”: crunchy toast, creamy cheese, something salty, something sweet, and a little drizzle that makes it feel restaurant-level with almost no effort.
This Summer’s Tartine is my favorite version: whipped ricotta, peppery arugula, prosciutto, and fresh figs, finished with honey + balsamic reduction. It’s sweet-salty, crisp-creamy, and exactly what I want when it’s too hot to cook a “real meal”.
Protein Score
Protein per serving: 24–30g (depending on bread + ham amount)
Category: High-Protein (25g+)
Now we’re talking.
Why Add Cottage Cheese?
Because after 45, protein matters more.
Blending cottage cheese into ricotta:
• Increases protein significantly
• Keeps the texture silky and spreadable
• Makes the tartine more satiating
• Turns a snack into a balanced meal
You won’t taste “cottage cheese.” Once blended, it becomes smooth and creamy.
Protein Boost Options (choose 1)
- If you want this to feel like a real “protein-forward” lunch, do one of these:
- Add smoked salmon instead of prosciutto (high-protein, summer-perfect)
- Add 2 tbsp grated Parmesan into the ricotta (+4g protein)
- Add 1 extra slice of prosciutto per tartine (+3–5g protein)
- Serve with 2 boiled eggs on the side (+12g protein)
Storage Tips
These tartines are best fresh.
Meal prep tip:
- Slice figs + wash arugula ahead
- Mix the cheese ahead
- Toast + assemble right before eating so the bread stays crunchy
Summer’s Tartine
Ingredients
For the High-Protein Whipped Cheese
- ½ cup ricotta
- ½ cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
For the Tartines
- 4 slices seeded or high-protein bread ½-inch thick
- 1 cup baby arugula
- 8 slices prosciutto or Serrano ham
- 4 fresh figs sliced
- 1 tablespoons honey optional
- Balsamic reduction optional but recommended
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Shaved Parmesan
Instructions
Toast the bread (broiler method)
- Turn on your oven broiler.
- Brush both sides of the bread lightly with olive oil.
- Broil 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden. Watch closely, it goes fast.
- Air fryer option: 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, flipping once.
Whip and warm the cheese
- Season ricotta/cottage fromage fouetté with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Spread evenly over the warm toast.
- Optional: pop back under the broiler for 30 to 60 seconds to warm the cheese slightly.
Build the tartines
- Layer each toast with:
- arugula
- prosciutto
- figs
- (optional tomatoes)
Finish with:
- honey drizzle
- balsamic reduction
- cracked black pepper
- Serve immediately while the toast is still crisp.
Homemade Balsamic Reduction (5 minutes)
- Add 1 cup balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer 5 to 10 minutes until reduced by half (or more for syrupy).
- Cool completely. Store in a jar in the fridge.
Nutrition
FAQ
What is a tartine?
A tartine is a French open-faced sandwich: toasted bread topped with savory or sweet ingredients.
Can I make this without prosciutto?
Yes. Use smoked salmon, turkey, grilled chicken, or keep it vegetarian with extra cheese + nuts.
What if figs aren’t in season?
Use peaches, strawberries, pears, or even roasted grapes.
If you are cooking protein-forward after 45, check out my other high-protein recipes and meal ideas on the blog.
A buen tiempo.
Con Fuerza y Sazón,
Gaila
AFPA Certified Nutritionist, Dominican Cook, Bariatric Patient
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Let’s stay connected:
I need this in my life right away! I a fig person too… and I love your plates.
Enri!!! gracias! Thank you for stopping by! We are fig sisters then!
Pero que divino el plato me encantó que hayas jugado con el diseño y el styling.
Gracias Alejandra! que bueno que te haya gustado!
So delicious, easy to make and with ingredients I can find in my fridge. Awesome!
Hola Silvia!! I know this is the best, easy and simple!! thank you!
This looks so yummy! We are in Mexico right now and the figs are so sweet and good. They would go great on this recipe.
Ahhhh Blanca!!! then enjoy!! figs in season are the sweetest!
That’s look si good and yummy and easy for a Daddy like me.
Andyyy! it’s super easy to make for a daddy like you!!!
Esta combinación me fascina y me viene súper a tiempo ahora que los higos están en temporada.
Siii, así es. Esto es lo buenos de las tartines, puedes poner tu combinación de sabores y texturas favoritas además de utilizar productos de temporada!
Beautiful. A picture of summer. A taste of summer. Honestly, I’d probably use goat cheese instead of ricotta, but that’s just me.
Mimi!! thank you so much for stopping by!! I love you idea of using goat cheese!! so that is what I will probably use in my next tartine!!
L’été c’est parfait pour manger des tartines à volonté !
Merci!! Je suis totalement d’accord