Fried zucchini with tomatoes and pesto sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis
• 2 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 220 g fresh mozzarella
• 2 plum tomatoes
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp. prepared pesto
• 2 splashes of red wine vinegar
• 12 large fresh basil leaves + extra for serving
• Balsamic glaze to drizzle
• Special equipment: grill pan

Preparation:

1. Heat a grill pan over medium heat (or preheat the grill).
2. Slice each zucchini diagonally into 12 slices (24 slices total). Brush one side of each zucchini slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Place them oil-side down on a grill pan and grill in two batches, 2 minutes per side.
3. Flip each slice and continue grilling until they are charred but still slightly firm, about 1 minute. Set aside to cool.
4. Cut the mozzarella into 6 slices, then cut each slice in half. Cut each tomato into 6 slices (12 total).
5. To prepare the dressingIn a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pesto, and vinegar and whisk until smooth.
6. To collect slidersSpread 1 teaspoon of dressing on a slice of fried zucchini. Place one of the mozzarella halves on top, making sure it fits the zucchini slice. Top with a slice of tomato, then a basil leaf. Cover with 1 teaspoon of dressing and top with another slice of fried zucchini to form a sandwich. Secure the sandwich with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 12 sliders.
7. Place sliders on a plate and sprinkle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with basil.