Name: Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium zucchini, sliced ¼ inch thick; 1 medium yellow squash, sliced ¼ inch thick; 1 medium potato, sliced ¼ inch thick; 1 medium tomato, sliced ¼ inch thick; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded; Salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season, this Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful, colorful medley of fresh summer vegetables thoughtfully layered and baked to tender perfection, with a delightful sprinkle of cheese that melts into a golden, savory topping. This dish not only tastes like sunshine on a plate but also brings a lovely rustic charm to your table, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four vegetables laid out in a row on a white marbled surface. From left to right, there is a brown potato with a rough, slightly dirty skin, a dark green zucchini with a smooth and shiny texture, a yellow summer squash that is smooth with a slightly curved shape, and a round red tomato with a glossy, smooth surface. Each vegetable shows natural texture and color variations that highlight their freshness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh ingredients form the heart of this Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe. Each one plays a key role: juicy tomatoes add brightness, tender zucchini and squash bring subtle sweetness, potatoes offer comforting texture, and savory herbs and cheese tie it all together beautifully.

Yellow onion: Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Adds depth and a gentle warmth to the dish.
Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Zucchini (¼ inch slices): Offers tender texture with a mellow, slightly sweet flavor.
Yellow squash (¼ inch slices): Complements zucchini with its gentle, buttery notes and vibrant color.
Potato (¼ inch slices): Adds heartiness and helps absorb the delicious herb-infused juices.
Tomato (¼ inch slices): Brings juicy acidity that balances the richness of the cheese.
Dried thyme: Infuses the dish with aromatic, earthy nuances.
Italian blend cheese (shredded): Melts to create a luscious, golden crust that’s irresistible.
Chopped parsley (optional garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and flavor to finish the dish.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.

How to Make Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic, then gently sauté them together until the onions become soft, translucent, and slightly fragrant—about five minutes. This step builds the savory foundation your tian will layer upon.

Step 2: Prepare and Slice the Vegetables

While the onions and garlic soften, thinly slice your zucchini, yellow squash, potato, and tomato into uniform ¼ inch rounds. Using thin slices, especially for the potato, is important so everything cooks evenly and gets tender without drying out or sticking to the pan.

Step 3: Assemble the Tian

Coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with a non-stick spray or a light brushing of olive oil. Spread the sautéed onion and garlic mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. Now for the fun part—arrange the vegetable slices vertically, standing them side-by-side, alternating colors and textures to create a pretty pattern like dominos lined up. Once arranged, sprinkle the top generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and dried thyme to season every bite thoroughly.

Step 4: Bake and Melt the Cheese

Cover your assembled tian tightly with foil and place in a preheated oven at 400ºF for 30 minutes. This gentle steam helps the vegetables soften beautifully. After the initial bake, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Italian blend cheese over the top. Return the tian to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown, creating that irresistible crust.

How to Serve Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe

The dish is a baked vegetable casserole in a white oval dish placed on a white marbled surface with a gray-striped cloth nearby. It features neatly layered slices of vegetables including yellow squash, green zucchini, and red tomatoes, arranged vertically in a repeating pattern. The top is covered with melted, lightly browned cheese that stretches slightly between the layers, and it is sprinkled with fresh green herbs. The colors are bright and contrasting, showing the soft yellow, green, and red vegetable slices marked by the golden baked cheese and fresh green garnish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches matter, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds just the right pop of green to brighten the rich, cheesy top. If you want, a few twists of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate this dish even further.

Side Dishes

This Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish to complement its rustic flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the tian straight from the casserole dish to the table, allowing everyone to appreciate the layers of colorful vegetables. Alternatively, you can scoop portions onto individual plates and add a dollop of herbed yogurt or a spoonful of pesto for an extra burst of flavor and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the Summer Vegetable Tian tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient side or main to enjoy again.

Freezing

Although best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen for up to two months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to preserve its flavor and texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, about 15 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and keeps the cheesy topping deliciously melty. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the tian’s lovely layers and crisp edges.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe calls for zucchini, yellow squash, potato, and tomato, feel free to experiment with eggplant, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced carrots for added color and taste.

Do I have to use cheese in this recipe?

The cheese adds a lovely golden crust and richness, but if you prefer a dairy-free or vegan version, you can omit it or swap in plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.

What can I do to prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?

Make sure to slice the potatoes very thinly, about ¼ inch or less, so they cook evenly with the other vegetables. Covering with foil during the first baking stage traps the steam needed to soften them thoroughly.

Is this Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep since you can make it ahead and reheat portions throughout the week. It stays flavorful and satisfying whether served warm or at room temperature.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! This recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients by default, making it a naturally gluten-free option perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely heartwarming about a dish that showcases fresh, humble ingredients transformed into something richer and more special—this Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe does exactly that. It’s a no-fuss way to celebrate summer’s bounty, bursting with color, texture, and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this tian is sure to become a beloved go-to. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with summer veggies all over again.

Summer Vegetable Tian Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need