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+ servings

Pesto Pizza

A delightful pizza topped with fresh basil pesto, mozzarella cheese, and seasonal vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

For the Pizza Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast or active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm water about 110°F (43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for flavor and texture
For the Pesto Sauce
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin for best flavor
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts can substitute with walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 medium zucchini sliced thinly
  • 1 medium bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

Prepare the Pizza Dough
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the yeast and salt.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which gives the dough its structure.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Make the Pesto Sauce
  1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assemble the Pizza
  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
  2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
  3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone. Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the base, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto, then arrange the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes on top.
  5. Drizzle a little olive oil over the toppings and season with black pepper.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  7. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Other great options include artichokes, olives, or even grilled chicken for added protein.

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